Synthstation | iOS Recording

Akai SynthStation Updated to V2.0

SynthStation ($2 limited time sale) has been updated to v2.0. Here are the changes:

CoreMIDI Support: SynthStation v2.0 works with any CoreMIDI compatible device, meaning you can use it on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch as a synth module for your favorite controllers or integrate SynthStation v2.0 with your CoreMIDI compliant hardware and software sequencers.

Real-time Recording: Now you can record in real-time as you improvise and create tracks directly on your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, or when using the versatile SynthStation25 portable controller.

Customizable Metronome: More than just a time-keeping click track, SynthStation v2.0′s all new metronome is now fully customizable, allowing you to set the volume and use any sound you desire.

Sound-Preview Ribbon: Find the right sound faster with SynthStation v2.0′s new sound-preview ribbon. This simple feature will streamline your portable music production and save you tons of time.

Sir Sampleton

Sure, Garage Band for the iPad has a built in sampler with some fun features, but Sir Sampleton ($4) from SOFTOFT TECHECH brings similar sampling and more to the iPhone. Sir Sampleton let’s you sample through the microphone (or external audio source) and play the samples on dual keyboards; kind of like those sought after 80′s era Casio keyboards used by bands like Sigur Ros. Sir Sampleton also let’s you add rhythm, tweak the sounds and brings support for the Akai Synthstation 25.

Ion Piano Apprentice

If you’re interested in learning the piano, this piece of hardware from Ion might be for you. The Piano Apprentice supports the iPad, iPod and iPhone and uses 25 touch responsive, lighted keys in conjunction with Ion’s free Piano Apprentice app to instantly get even the beginner playing piano. We love the idea of built in speakers and since the device is core MIDI compliant, feel free to use it with and of the many apps that support this, like the ones for the SnythStation 25.

ShapeSynth

Shapesynth ($2) by Erik Sigth is a polyphonic synth that lets you draw the shape of the oscillator waveform to generate unique raw sounds. The positive side of the waveform is represented by 32 blocks and the negative side is automatically set as the mirror image of what you draw. There are 16 voices and controls for attack, decay, LFO envelope, delay, arpeggio, and a tape loop. The synth is operated by an on screen 25 key stylophone style keyboard, but to get the most out of the app, plug your iPod/iPhone into the compatible Akai SynthStation 25. Erik Sigth's other SynthStation 25 compatible app is kinetic. Be sure to check out our full list of SynthStation 25 Supported apps.

Synthstation25 Supported Apps

The following apps are supported on the Akai Synthstation25. Unlike the Synthstation49, the smaller 25 key version for the iPhone does not support CoreMIDI, instead relying it’s own SDK available here for developers. The current apps supported are as follows:

50in1 Piano

App Store Link: 50in1 Piano ($2)

Description: It combines a piano keyboard, 50 studio-quality instruments, 120 piano lessons, real-time effects, 100 beat loops and much more in a user-friendly interface.

Fairlight

App Store Link: Fairlight ($10) or Fairlight Pro ($50)

Description: The first byte-perfect re-issue of the classic CMI sounds of the 80s, immortalised by artists including Alan Parsons, Jean Michel Jarre, Trevor Horn, Thomas Dolby, Brian Eno, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder and so many more.

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Akai Synthstation49

With 49 velocity-sensitive keys, 9 MPC-style light-up drum pads, transport control, iPad dock (which charges and works with both iPad and iPad 2), professional 1/4” stereo outputs with volume, dedicated headphone output, USB port for using the keyboard as a stand-alone MIDI controller on Mac or PC, as well as compatibility with all iOS CoreMIDI apps, the Akai Synthstation49 ($199) has been thoughtfully created to the performing or recording iOS musician. With so many great Apps comming out that take advantage of iOS CoreMIDI, this keyboard is a no-brainer for owners of the iPad or iPad 2. If that’s not enough, Akai won the best controller award for this at the recent Musikmesse trade-show in Frankfurt Germany.

Checkout the Synthstation category for apps and news related to the Synthstation49 and Synthstation25.

Korg iMS-20 Classic Analog iPad Synth

Korg seems to be the leader of the pack when it comes to porting their best selling and most beloved analog hardware devices to the iPad. Upping the anti on the original, the Korg iMS-20 ($33 not only recreates the legendary Korg MS-20 analog synth, it also adds a music production studio with the MS-20 mono synth, a six-part drum machine, a mixer, a recreation of the SQ-10 16-step sequencer, as well as various effects, controllable from the built in virtual keyboard, chaos pads or an external MIDI device. We love the virtual patch bay that let’s you reconfigure the signal path, the ability to copy audio to other apps, and the new WIST (Wireless Sync-Start Technology) option that lets you sync two iPads running either the iMS20 or the Korg iEletribe ($20), letting you perform with two units at once or with a fellow iOS musician. The Korg IMS-20 is highly recommended, but be warned that it will take quite a bit of time to explore everything this great-sounding, powerful synth is capable of.

Akai Synthstation 25

A two octave midi keyboard controller with an iPhone / iPod touch dock, the Akai Synthstation 25 ($70) brings hands on control to iOS. With velocity sensitive keys, pitch and modulation wheels, octave up/down and soundbank buttons, headphone out, USB and optional external power (that also charges your iphone), the only thing we are left wanting is professional, balanced outputs, instead of the built in stereo RCA outs. Regardless, the Synthstation 25 is a great solution for the musician on-the-go, looking to take full advantage of many exciting new apps including Akai’s own SynthStation ($2), 50in1 Piano ($2), Music Studio ($15), Fairlight Pro ($50) and many more. As iOS Recording.com reviews more Apps, we will begin to tag and list apps that work the Synthstation 25.