iSEM Synthesizer

iSEM Synthesizer

by Arturia

61 ratings
243 reviews
$9.99

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • October 9, 2013
  • November 16, 2019

Features

iSEM Synthesizer screenshot #1 for iPad
iSEM Synthesizer screenshot #2 for iPad
iSEM Synthesizer screenshot #3 for iPad
iSEM Synthesizer screenshot #4 for iPad
iSEM Synthesizer screenshot #5 for iPad
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About

This app is a touch-based emulation of the classic 1974 Oberheim SEM synthesizer, known for its warm analog sounds. It offers a wide range of sonic possibilities, from fat basses to lively leads, and includes over 500 preset sounds.

Classic Oberheim SEM emulation
Two oscillators with PWM
12dB/oct multi-mode filter
Added LFO, Noise, Sub oscillator, Arpeggiator, Portamento
Polyphonic playability
500+ preset sounds
MIDI and AudioUnit v3 support
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What users say

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What's New in iSEM Synthesizer

1.5

November 16, 2019

- Updates and bugfixes for iOS 13 - Upgrade AudioBus to Version 3 - Improved Startup Time

More

User reviews

iSem Audio Unit loads again in Cub3 - thanks!

Works! Brief try March 2026 all seems good, back to 5 stars, lovely little synth. Issues previously…Well, it’s been a year since I notified Arturia of this exact issue using Cubasis 3.4.1, and sadly we are at that point where iSem seems to be forgotten. 4 years since a revision. PullingUseless as an AU in Cubasis essentially - every other Audio Unit instrument, and I tried a dozen, all invoked fine, saved their state on shutdown of Cub3, etc. Other weirdness includes the fascia of the previous instrument you had up, remaining in place, it all seems connected to iSem not loading up? Over to you Arturia, sorry, iSem’s dead in the water for me as it stands.
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Leider derzeit völlig veraltet, und damit unbrauchbar

Habe die App schon seit vielen Jahren in Gebrauch, und immer gerne verwendet.
Leider als AUV3 Plugin unter Logic nicht mehr verwendbar…
Sehr schade!

auV3? Yes! Good Synth? No!

I usually go to the pad presets first when I get a music app. These were really not good. They all sounded the same and were completely uninspiring. When I started to create my own, I quickly realized why they all sound the same. The only variation I could find was the speed and length of the detuning - to the point where the thing was barely musical. The leads were much better and as an Oberheim port, they should be.
Congrats that this is the only Arturia product which seems to be AU compatible.
They should stop embarrassing themselves on iOS and stick to Hardware and VST. I love my MicroFreak! Especially with firmware 5!
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Это Шедевр !

Очень жду магазин звуков и наборов новых
Импорт новых звуков синхронизация тоже нужны …
Спасибо 😊!!!

iSem Audio Unit won’t load in Cubasis 3.6.1

Well, it’s been a year since I notified Arturia of this exact issue using Cubasis 3.4.1, and sadly we are at that point where iSem seems to be forgotten. 4 years since a revision. Pulling up Cubasis 3.6.1 (latest Jan 2024) on an iPad Pro M1 12.9 inch, with 2Tb SSD and lots of room on there, and so on, trying to add an instance of the iSem Audio Unit, results in it possibly seeming to work, but close down Cub3 and restart, and there’s no way to get iSem to show its face/fascia. Also, add a second instance/track of the iSem AUv3, and it never shows its face not even once. Any midi track info obvs does not play, and the fact the fascia won;t load once you duck out of Cubasis 3 even temporarily, and return, is indicative of no state being preserved etc. Useless as an AU in Cubasis essentially - every other Audio Unit instrument, and I tried a dozen, all invoked fine, saved their state on shutdown of Cub3, etc. Other weirdness includes the fascia of the previous instrument you had up, remaining in place, it all seems connected to iSem not loading up? Over to you Arturia, sorry, iSem’s dead in the water for me as it stands.
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User experience

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Reported Bugs

5 issues

Preset loading issues

Bug

MIDI connectivity problems

Bug

Unexpected crashes when switching between presets

Bug

Envelopes causing clicks and pops in some patches

Bug

Unresponsive controls when used as an AUv3

Bug

Requested Features

5 requests

Add MIDI program change support

Feature

Improve preset management and organization

Feature

Implement a global tuning option

Feature

Enhance MIDI mapping and automation capabilities

Feature

Provide more comprehensive AUv3 support

Feature

FAQ

What is iSEM Synthesizer?

iSEM Synthesizer is a mobile application that emulates the iconic 1974 Oberheim SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module). It aims to recreate the warm analog sound and unique characteristics of the original hardware synthesizer, offering expanded functionalities for modern music production.

What are the key features of iSEM Synthesizer?

Key features include a faithful emulation of the original SEM architecture with two oscillators, a 12dB/oct multi-mode filter, and two envelope generators. It also adds functionalities like a new LFO, noise, sub oscillator, arpeggiator, portamento, polyphonic playability, and over 500 preset sounds.

How much does iSEM Synthesizer cost?

The application is a paid app. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned, indicating a one-time purchase for full access to all features and sounds.

What devices is iSEM Synthesizer compatible with?

iSEM Synthesizer is compatible with Apple's AudioUnit v3, Inter-App Audio, AudioBus 3, Korg's WIST, and Apple's CoreMIDI. It also supports the Audio Unit Extension format, allowing it to be launched within any Audio Unit host applications on compatible iOS devices.

What kind of sounds can I create with iSEM Synthesizer?

You can create a wide range of warm analog sounds, including fat basses that made the Oberheim brand popular, as well as moving and lively leads. The unique multimode filter allows for tailoring sounds to be fat, crisp, or spectral, making it versatile for various electronic music genres.