# Pen2Bow

> Apple Pencil violin bow MIDI controller for iPad with infinite bow extension. (iPhone/iPad app by Dimos Gaidatzis.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pen2bow/id1358113198 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Dimos Gaidatzis](https://appshunter.io/developer/1358113197)
- Category: Music
- Price: $7.99
- Rating: 3.30/5 from 10 App Store ratings · 14 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 8 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2018-03-28
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pen2bow/id1358113198/reviews.md

## What is Pen2Bow?

Pen2Bow is a violin bow MIDI controller using the Apple Pencil on the iPad. It recognizes linear as well as circular pencil motion and generates bow movement from the user input. Circular motion enables the infinite extension of the bow that otherwise would be limited in length. This frees the user from constantly thinking about performing bow changes in order to prevent the bow from running out. Intended bow changes are accurately recognized and included in the midi output. We are calling this type of device an infinity bow controller and believe it is one of the very few, if not the only practical MIDI input device for bowed instruments. For more information please watch the videos on the App Support website.

Pen2Bow takes full advantage of the sensors in the Apple Pencil and generates 4 continuous MIDI controllers: Velocity, Force, Tilt and Orientation. These can be used to drive virtual instruments such as violins or synthesizers.

Pen2Bow is CoreMIDI compliant. It can control virtual instruments that run on the same iPad as well as virtual instruments that run on a separate computer. There are various ways to connect the iPad to a computer. This can be done either with an external MIDI interface, wirelessly over WiFi, or directly over USB. Please consult the App Support website on how to establish a MIDI connection between an iPad and a computer.

The software is optimized for minimal latency which amounts to about 10ms on the iPad Pro 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch(2.gen) and 20ms on the iPad (6.gen), iPad Pro 9.7-inch and 12.9-inch(1.gen). Pen2Bow fully utilizes the high resolution positional information at 240Hz provided by the Apple Pencil to estimate robust bow velocities.

## Key features

- 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

## Recent user reviews (10 of 14)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pen2bow/id1358113198/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Logic Pro

*2023-11-21, version 1.1.2*

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

### 5/5 — Must-have for SWAM strings!

*2023-07-04*

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!

### 5/5 — Excellent controller for SWAM

*2021-02-22*

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!

### 4/5 — Cool for sound design too!

*2020-12-30, version 1.1.2*

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)?

### 5/5 — Wonderful App, very helpful for bowed stringe, and cc modulation by IPad

*2020-10-25, version 1.1.2*

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 !!!!!!

### 1/5 — No audio

*2020-10-14*

It’s showing the lights and responding, however no sounds come out. Nothing in the settings seems to fix this

**Developer response:** Pen2Bow is a MIDI controller, it produces no sound on its own. This is clearly stated in the description and in my youtube videos. Please be so kind as to remove your 1* review. If there is something you want to add please leave a comment on one of my youtube videos (audio motion instruments).

### 1/5 — Not working with ipad pro

*2020-05-18*

Unfortunately its not working on the new ipad pro

**Developer response:** Can you please get in touch with me on the Audio Motion Instruments Youtube channel and write a comment to one of my videos explaining what exactly does not work? And please be so kind as to remove your one star review, this is not fair.

### 5/5 — Le partenaire des instruments AudioModeling

*2020-03-29, version 1.1.1*

incroyable avec la contrebasse modélisée par AudioModeling.

### 1/5 — Was really excited to buy this but...

*2019-12-10*

It’s dead in the water...i have just about every music making app on here and invest on a lot of sound packs...however, this doesn’t seem to work with any of them. The onboard keyboard works with the other apps but using the pen only produces the light streaks but no sounds. I checked the midi data with midi wrench and there doesn’t seem to be any coming from the app...is it possible to have this fixed or to get a refund?

**Developer response:** To me this sounds like a midi configuration issue. can you contact me on VI CONTROL (username Audio Motion) so we can troubleshoot? alternatively you can write a comment on youtube (channel: audio motion instruments).

### 5/5 — Superb MIDI Controller.

*2019-03-27, version 1.1.1*

Great addition to any iOS musicians toolbox. Watch YouTube demonstrations for a taste of what it can do.

Note to developer:

Please, please, make MIDI CC assignments user definable. I want to control CC#2 in particular but many others would be useful. I know I could use a utility to reassign the value mid stream, but with such a simple procedure I shouldn’t need to. The program is a great tool, but not just for string players!

## Frequently asked questions about Pen2Bow

### 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.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.1.2 — 2020-06-22

- 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.

### 1.1.1 — 2019-02-01

- Added the option to change the MIDI channel in the settings page.

### 1.1.0 — 2019-01-29

- Added Audio Unit (AuV3) support. Pen2Bow can now be used as a plugin within Audio Unit hosts that support MIDI effects (aumi).

### 1.0.2 — 2018-04-22

- Added a settings page. It includes sensitivity and range adjustment for the 4 MIDI controllers.

- Added a touch piano keyboard. Virtual instruments can now be played without the need for an external MIDI keyboard.

- Added a refresh button for the MIDI device list. Pen2Bow no longer needs to be restarted in order to detect new MIDI devices.

### 1.0.1 — 2018-04-09

- Added smoothing option for the pencil velocity. Pen2Bow is very sensitive and picks up the smallest fluctuations in pencil speed. When used with string instruments, this greatly adds to the realism. In the case of synths however, those micro fluctuations might be less desirable. Therefore now there is an option to dampen those fluctuations (see help).

- Support for iOS 11.0 and higher (before it was 11.2 or higher)

- Pen2Bow now produces force values from 1 to 127 when the pencil is attached to the surface. Before it was 0 to 127. Zero is now only emitted when the pencil is detached from the surface. This allows a downstream App to detect pencil attachments and detachments by reading the force continuous controller.

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*