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Pen2Bow

Pen2Bow

by Dimos Gaidatzis

10 ratings
14 reviews
🎵 Music

Archived App (Last seen on 12 May 2026)

This is an archived listing of the app previously available on the App Store.

Although the app is no longer distributed by Apple, you can still view its description, screenshots, version history, ratings, and metadata for reference.

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • March 28, 2018
  • June 22, 2020

Features

Developer

Dimos Gaidatzis
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Pen2Bow screenshot #1 for iPad
Pen2Bow screenshot #2 for iPad
⭐14
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🔄6+ apps
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❓8 answered
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📦w/o updates
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About

This app transforms your Apple Pencil into a violin bow MIDI controller for iPad. It translates linear and circular pencil movements into bow actions, enabling infinite bow extension and precise MIDI output for virtual instruments. Experience low latency control for a realistic bowed instrument simulation.

✓Apple Pencil violin bow MIDI controller
✓Linear and circular motion recognition
✓Infinite bow extension
✓Generates Velocity, Force, Tilt, Orientation MIDI controllers
✓CoreMIDI compliant
✓Low latency performance
✓Controls virtual instruments on iPad or computer
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What's New in Pen2Bow

1.1.2

June 22, 2020

- Improved the response of the sensitivity sliders in the settings section. - Replaced the stepper elements in the user interface by swipe gesture elements for faster change of MIDI parameters.

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User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

Logic Pro

Bonjour , je viens d’acheter pen2bow mais il n’est pas détecter dans Logic Pro comme contrôleur .
Comment faire ?
Merci pour votre aide
DymarioDymario

Must-have for SWAM strings!

I've been using Pen2Bow daily for the past few weeks and have been really pleased with the level of expression and sensitivity this has enabled in my playing of the various SWAM string instruments. The use of back and forth motions with the apple closely simulates the experience of using a real bow, and the developer's unique implementation of circular motion enables a very smooth legato and eliminates the need to continually worry about getting to the end of the bow. This app really makes all the difference for anyone wishing to get the most realistic sounds from the SWAM string instruments. Highly recommended!
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MG1262MG1262

Excellent controller for SWAM

This took me a bit to get installed and there is a daily setup, like opening audio devices and selecting “enable”, but if you already have an ipad with a pencil, this a an awesome controller for dirt cheap... well worth taking the time to get it connected. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. ALL OF THEM! I have the SWAM strings and can do a lot more with simple hand gestures than with the mod wheel. Good job!
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bosleylakeblacksmithbosleylakeblacksmith

Cool for sound design too!

Why not to add X and Y coordinates as CC sources and the possibility to send a note on (a single pre-selected midi note) when the pen touch the surface (and note off when leave)?
Mattia Persico 94Mattia Persico 94

Wonderful App, very helpful for bowed stringe, and cc modulation by IPad

i give 5 stars to this because is deserves.
I use it with Swam instruments, that are physical modeling instruments and completely improve the playability of the instruments,chancing the bow direction simply with the movement of the pencil or adding vibrato or bow pressure in real time is awesome.

Dimos is also very kind and patient,he helped me to find the cause of an issue that i had in Logic prox.

Thanks Dimos.... keep improve it !!!!!!
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MarcoMistaMarcoMista
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FAQ

What is Pen2Bow?

Pen2Bow is a unique application that turns your Apple Pencil into a violin bow MIDI controller for iPad. It allows for realistic bow movement simulation, including infinite bow extension, for controlling virtual instruments.

How does Pen2Bow work with the Apple Pencil?

Pen2Bow utilizes the Apple Pencil's sensors to detect linear and circular motions, translating them into MIDI data for bow velocity, force, tilt, and orientation. This enables expressive control over virtual bowed instruments.

Can Pen2Bow be used with external instruments or computers?

Yes, Pen2Bow is CoreMIDI compliant and can control virtual instruments on the same iPad or on a separate computer. Connections can be made via an external MIDI interface, WiFi, or USB.

What is the latency of Pen2Bow?

The app is optimized for minimal latency, with reported speeds of approximately 10ms on iPad Pro models and 20ms on other supported iPads. This ensures a responsive playing experience.

What devices is Pen2Bow compatible with?

Pen2Bow is designed for use on iPads and requires an Apple Pencil for its core functionality. It is optimized for high-resolution positional information provided by the Apple Pencil.

How much does Pen2Bow cost?

Pen2Bow is a paid application, available for $7.99. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements mentioned in the provided data.

Does Pen2Bow have ads?

No, Pen2Bow does not contain advertisements. The application is a one-time purchase with no in-app purchases or ads.

When was Pen2Bow last updated?

The latest version of Pen2Bow is 1.1.2, which was released on June 22, 2020. The app was initially released on March 28, 2018.