Ground-breaking synth app gets a great makeover!
I have been a long-time fan and user of ShapeSynth (see my earlier review comments below).
So, I was a little worried that this latest upgrade would diminish its charm and inherent quirkiness. I needn't have worried - HumbleTune has kept the faith with the original concept, but brought it into a new stage of evolution. Fantastic work!
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I have been using ShapeSynth pretty much since it's first release, and it's one of the few iOS music apps I continue to use on a regular basis. In fact, ShapeSynth recordings even featured on the recent album by wharf99, "The Shapes of Synths to Come". I think it's that good!
While ShapeSynth may not be the most sophisticated iOS modular synth around, it uses the touch interface and screen real estate to great effect. The developer has combined cutting edge tools (e.g., Sphero-driven controls, basic sequencer, sampler, MIDI support) with retro design features (e.g., "Pong" filter mode, built-in "cassette" tape recorder). Plus, support for the Akai SynthStation external keyboards as well as flexible export functions (e-mail, SoundCloud, paste board) mean that it's easy to incorporate ShapeSynth recordings and live performance with other devices and apps.
With the impending release of Audiobus, ShapeSynth will really come into its own (audio support is already available for the sister app, Brother), and the latest upgrade to the filter functions significantly enhances ShapeSynth's performance capabilities.
For my money, it's an essential tool for anyone interested in iOS music.
So, I was a little worried that this latest upgrade would diminish its charm and inherent quirkiness. I needn't have worried - HumbleTune has kept the faith with the original concept, but brought it into a new stage of evolution. Fantastic work!
=================================
I have been using ShapeSynth pretty much since it's first release, and it's one of the few iOS music apps I continue to use on a regular basis. In fact, ShapeSynth recordings even featured on the recent album by wharf99, "The Shapes of Synths to Come". I think it's that good!
While ShapeSynth may not be the most sophisticated iOS modular synth around, it uses the touch interface and screen real estate to great effect. The developer has combined cutting edge tools (e.g., Sphero-driven controls, basic sequencer, sampler, MIDI support) with retro design features (e.g., "Pong" filter mode, built-in "cassette" tape recorder). Plus, support for the Akai SynthStation external keyboards as well as flexible export functions (e-mail, SoundCloud, paste board) mean that it's easy to incorporate ShapeSynth recordings and live performance with other devices and apps.
With the impending release of Audiobus, ShapeSynth will really come into its own (audio support is already available for the sister app, Brother), and the latest upgrade to the filter functions significantly enhances ShapeSynth's performance capabilities.
For my money, it's an essential tool for anyone interested in iOS music.
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Erik's update makes it a whole new app
Erik Sigth's apps are some of the most unique iOS music production tools around. They all have a GUI that admittedly one likes or doesn't like most of the time. If there are indicators to what a control does or at least a manual or help (?) option I don't mind the layouts. Thing with the old version of the shapesynth was trying to make patches while using such a bare interface did cause problems. Now that things are labeled and laid out better, the synth is a joy to play.
And a totally unheralded aspect of this synth is the brilliant recorder. For an old analog dude who learned on Tascam PortaStudios there is the joy of seeing the little tape graphic and some of the more tape oriented controls. The real use of the recorder should be explored, most synths get AudioBussed or AUMed out to a DAW like Auria or Cubasis, this recorder can allow you to make some cool experimental soundscapes and then manipulate them further on in a DAW or app like Samplr. Just a great app for under $5 and incredible at just $2.
And a totally unheralded aspect of this synth is the brilliant recorder. For an old analog dude who learned on Tascam PortaStudios there is the joy of seeing the little tape graphic and some of the more tape oriented controls. The real use of the recorder should be explored, most synths get AudioBussed or AUMed out to a DAW like Auria or Cubasis, this recorder can allow you to make some cool experimental soundscapes and then manipulate them further on in a DAW or app like Samplr. Just a great app for under $5 and incredible at just $2.
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shapesynth comes full circle!
Sonic possibility abounds inside this app, all wrapped in a more user inviting environment. Highly recommended for those with a sound affinity.
Excellent, much more than just an update.
Magnificent work on this. It's a new beast, but it still has the quirks, feel and character of the original. Beauuuuutiful!
Awesome Update!!!
I always loved the sound of Shapesynth, but could never wrap my head around the minimal and confusing interface. But this update basically restructures everything--it's virtually a new app. The developer has grown and grown, I think. His more recent apps like Elsa and Strng are brilliant, and I think all that experience has been applied to reinvent Shapsynth! So nothing but mad props from this girl! 😊
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Superb experimental synth
This is great. The user interface is semi-intuitive but at times hard to grasp. But once you master all the functions it's worth it. The interface puts you in a trance-like mood just as (most importantly) the sounds within do. I love the easy waveform sculpting and the (unexpected) mic sampler. Great stuff! I love setting a huge note decay and layering notes with a comblike wave pattern. The ball-in-a-box filter is a good addition.
Anyhow this is a great tool for creativity. A real instrument rising out of an obvious experimental intent. Love the quirky tape recorder as well (tip of the hat to the OP-1?).
Cheers!
Anyhow this is a great tool for creativity. A real instrument rising out of an obvious experimental intent. Love the quirky tape recorder as well (tip of the hat to the OP-1?).
Cheers!
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I love Shapesynth
From the get go I dig this instrument. It is fun, inspiring and just PLAIN COOL. I am thankful for it and also NILS - Humble's awesome effects processor. With Shapesynth I have a blast with its syncing LFO's, delays and just total uniqueness. The fat sound it emits is very playable and as I've said (too much) in other reviews I LOVE A MINIMALIST GUI that harnesses a tremendous sound. This app is like no other and truly is a favorite of mine. Thanks for designing it!
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Not working
App has completely stopped working even after deleting and downloading again does not work.
Not happy
The only app you pay for using sphero as a control and you can't understand how to use it at all. Horrible application. Dont waist your money on it
It should have instructions
It is impossible to Understand!!!
