# Peter Vogel CMI Pro — user reviews > 45 indexed App Store user reviews of Peter Vogel CMI Pro by Peter Vogel Instruments Pty Ltd, rated 2.70/5 from 10 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/peter-vogel-cmi-pro/id427747876/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/peter-vogel-cmi-pro/id427747876.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 2 · 4★ 3 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 5 ## Newest reviews (13 of 45) ### 4/5 — Crashing on Opening *2024-02-25* I used to Love this App. But right now it Crashes Every Time I try to Open it! Please update it so it opens in the newer iOS Versions. ### 2/5 — Not such a good app. *2021-12-08, version 2.4.3* It seems to crash a lot in AUM and it doesn’t work in Audiobus 3 so a bit of a disappointment. ### 4/5 — Love this! *2020-01-02* I really love playing sounds and sometimes playing them slowed down like with orch1, but I played anvil11 and BrassFall11 and it sounded just like Terminator 2 Judgement Day soundtrack! It’s amazing! I highly recommend you get it! But I don’t like how expensive this was. Why is it so expensive? ### 4/5 — Wish there were more functionality *2019-02-07* Would love to see the HARMONIC ENVELOPES PAGE 4 implemented someday, and a skin from the model III rather than I and II; it’s far easier on the eyes after a while. I would like to see this app updated to the point where a modern brain could use it for music production for the use of its excellent sample library. I went through my vintage-stuff phase, just want to get some work done. Thank you! ### 2/5 — Broken Sequencer, Great Synth *2017-01-22* [EDIT: 01/22] An update has been released which claims to fix the Page R issues. I can't verify this because, during testing, it became clear that The app can't stay on beat; its BPM is slightly slower than my other apps (all of which synchronize perfectly when set to the same BPM), which causes it to drift further and further off with every loop. Since this app also doesn't take MIDI Clock In, good luck getting it to synchronize with your other tools, unless you want to use it as a master and have all of your samples with the wrong BPM. Unacceptable for the price; this is still an update or two off from being a professional tool. [Original]The instruments sound great and the MIDI functionality means this will play nice with external sequencers. For the premium price, you'd expect for the hyped 'Page R' (built-in sequencer) functionality to work, but it's buggy beyond usability. Changes made don't always register and sometimes half-register (replacing a note with another will either not work at all or, sometimes, both notes will sound polyphonically, which isn't accurate to the hardware, obviously!). As another reviewer pointed out, your changes will be represented GRAPHICALLY but won't impact playback, so what you see is rarely what you hear. It's disappointing, because part of this app's appeal is its immersive simulation, but the fact that Page R doesn't work brings you out of the illusion; you have to use it more like any of your other iOS synths. Because it sounds and looks so good, I'd rate this app much higher -- if its price tag were more humble! At this price, I definitely expect an app to not be inhibited by such dramatic bugs. ### 4/5 — Memories *2016-10-24, version 2.1* Never got near it in the studio back in the eighties......now I can.....look forward to updates ### 2/5 — very poor *2016-08-20, version 2.1* So in good faith I parted with my £40 and took the plunge. After a few hours I was starting to really enjoy this app. The sampling is simple and creating a instrument enables you to layer several samples, which is where the fun really begins. I'd got a couple of other-worldly textures that begged further experimentation. And then, last night, when I sat down to develop some ideas, they didn't work any more. All of the layered instruments, including the factory presets will only play back a single sample (despite all midi channels being the same). And then the keys started sticking and notes were greyed out. So I restarted my iPad(pro) and the problem persisted. This morning I have spent over an hour trying to get this to work but it's quite evident that I need to trash the thing and loose two days work. Quite frankly I am appalled at this. FORTY POUNDS! I bought the fantastic Samplr for £7.99 and haven't had a single issue with it. How can they get away with charging this sort of money for such a buggy piece of crap. I know it's not Apple's policy to refund money for dodgy apps but it generally my policy not to waste money on them either, so if you're listening Apple, please debit my account with £39.99. ### 3/5 — Really want to give 5!!! *2015-06-26, version 2.0.1* I saw this app advertised and thought I just had to own a small piece of history! There are some bad reviews on here, but I thought it might have just been trolls so I went ahead with my almost £40 purchase of the "Pro" version to ensure I had the option of using all the features. Unfortunately I have to report that the keyboard issue is most definitely alive and well in the most current release. Me being me didn't want to give up hope, so off dutifully to the supermarket to buy the apple usb-lightning camera adaptor to hook up my brand new Roland A800 Pro MIDI keyboard. To my dismay it wouldn't work as it was "not supported" even though I had been externally powering the keyboard. To summarise, the app has all the great sounds built right in and all other features I've explored so far work great. However I am sad to report that owing to the on-screen keyboard bugs, and immediate rejection of my otherwise excellent MIDI keyboard as a workaround, I cannot grant any more than 3 stars as it really isn't fit for purpose quite yet. At almost £40 for an iOS app, this should not even be an issue... I look forward to a good overhaul of these bugs and maybe someday I can use the app for what it is intended. ### 4/5 — For '80s gear geeks only *2015-04-03* TL;DR, unless you're a diehard fan of '80s music, don't buy this app. I understand PVI's desire to keep this simulation as close as possible to the original Fairlight OS, but let's just say I'm very glad music tech has advanced beyond the "pattern sequencer" phase. My favourite record in the world is "Shout" by Devo, and this app gives me the opportunity to make everything I write sound like Shout. Now that I've personally de-evolved my brain from Fantom X to Fairlight Page R, I can use it passibly, but it's a very frustrating process especially on iPhone 6, where the virtual keys don't always work (fortunately, I have an iRig KEYS controller to workaround that problem). If I were only rating this as a retro music app, I would give it 5 stars. But, in terms of efficient music sequencing in iOS, I would give this app 2 stars. Since I can't give split-star ratings, I'll be generous because it's a Fairlight CMI and give it 4 stars. I'm not going to complain about the price: Fairlight stuff has always been expensive and this app is a steal, relative to the $50,000 original machine. I do think Page R's time has passed and there are obvious ways to improve it, but that's another story. ### 3/5 — Still problems *2013-10-22, version 1.5.9* The keyboard is still broken. Keys become 'stuck' and the octave select has a mind of its own. ### 2/5 — Broken *2013-10-20, version 1.5.9* I bought this purely out of nostalgia and quickly regretted it. For £35 you would think they could include an optional modern sequencer and a stable keyboard. Grotesquely overpriced, just like the original! ### 4/5 — Fixed and fabulous! *2013-04-21, version 1.5.2* Old and great music making tool with hundreds of 80s samples. Totally recommended if you like collecting retro instruments or want a grown up Mario Composer. ### 1/5 — Completely unhappy *2012-05-07, version 1.1.9* £34 for nothing. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — I loved this app, but it’s dying *2025-01-19* With each subsequent iOS update, the app loses functionality. Apparently nobody is home taking care of it any longer. I feel cheated. I would like to still be able to sample and edit. ### 1/5 — Money down the drain *2021-03-10* Still crashes on launch after the 3-9-21 update. /// App does not work in iOS 14. Why is this allowed to stay in the App Store? ### 1/5 — Why isn’t this working anymore? *2021-01-04* Why isn’t this working anymore? ### 1/5 — Crashes when launching on iPhone 11 Pro Max *2020-05-15* Program was running great on my previous version iPhone. Tried deleting and reloading. No success. Tried contacting app support but got a 404 error. Anyone have any suggestions ### 1/5 — Broken after last update *2019-11-07* Can now only play one note at a time after the last update. I’ve had this app now for years and it’s been great going all the way back to my 3rd generation iPad running IOS 8, but now after the update you can no longer play chords .. only one note at a time. I’m using two iPad Pro’s now days one running IOS 12.3.1 and the other IOS 11.3.1. If this gets fixed I’ll give it a 5 star rating .. but as is now after the update it’s useless. ### 1/5 — Page R is a Disaster *2013-10-30* Page R is an absolute catastrophe. What you see is not what you hear, or even close. The only worthwhile part of this synth is the included samples, so you shouldn't get the pro version if you are interested. ### 1/5 — Broken keyboard *2013-10-18, version 1.5.9* I am still to experience this app in working fashion, the keyboard sticks and sometimes randomly scrolls to the highest or lowest portion, making it unusable. I expected a fix in this version but no dice. My most expensive app purchase and so far the worst, based on this and the last version of the software. ### 1/5 — Still Not iPad or iPhone Compatible for iOS 7 *2013-10-13, version 1.5.8* Keys stick in both versions.. Keys are unsatble and jum around even after disabling the suggested multi-tasking feature. This needs to be addressed immediately before minor bugs are fixed in older iOS versions. It is outrageous to me that this app has had several updates since iOS7 has come out and none make the app fully operational on iOS7. I have previously given this app great reviews and as a functional app it is incredible. The app doesn't function on iOS7. Fix it. ### 1/5 — Unless you are desperate for the samples avoid this *2013-09-24, version 1.5.4* Nasty interface, unless you plan to pay the money to relive the limitations of 80s interface design. Musically there are many other synth apps that deliver a much better user experience and sonic pallet at a lower cost. ### 1/5 — Crashy crashy *2013-09-20, version 1.5.4* Audiobus update fail. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — A player *2017-01-25* Who would have thought, back in the day, while most of us were coding on tickertape and punch cards, that some brilliant guys would put together such an awesome creature that had a touchscreen interface and played back the coolest digital samples. Something that impressed Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones? And that a couple of decades later you could download a Fairlight in less than a minute? Never mind. I just spent an hour just going through the sound files like a kid in a game store. It's a piece of history and science fiction all at once. ### 5/5 — Finally! *2016-08-13* I have waited so long to be able to draw my own waveforms and to get to enjoy the additive synthesis capabilities of the Fairlight and now I finally can! Thank you so much for adding this feature to the app! ### 5/5 — Great app! *2014-09-11, version 1.5.11* Just like the old one! ### 5/5 — Single app which justifies the purchase of an iPad *2013-12-25* I must say that the CMI app is absolutely incredible. This is THE killer app for me, in a sense that it justifies the use of the iPad for me. Without the CMI app, I wouldn’t have gotten myself into the iPad at all, because I am the ’80s guy, and none of the new products or technologies really excite me. The CMI app has by far my favorite interface, amazing sound library, and super easy sampling. I mean, I just sampled C4 of my Roland D-50, and the sampled sound is playable across entire 5 octave keyboard, and it sounds amazing. In one word, incredible!!! ### 5/5 — A 5-Star-Slam-Dunk For Those Who Know *2013-10-30* The Fairlight has always been something of a mystical beast: obscenely unaffordable while also being such a key element in So much of my favorite music: the combo resulting in the Fairlight being an electronic unicorn. Enter the CMI app: obviously not the real thing (which was never an option for most of us anyway) but a certain essence of said unicorn as translated to our beloved ios. I knew it'd be fun to play with but i didn't expect it to be AS fun as it is to get hands on with those iconic sounds and perhaps most importantly the Limitations that equate to warmth and magic: lo-fi samples but in a VERY specific Fairlight way (to me there's nothing remotely close to the feel of them) - and Page R being as beautifully bare-bones as it is (and always has been). (note: you might be shocked at how much creativity can result from sequencing in Page R). This is not an app for everyone and i can easily imagine how confused users might be if they're unaware of Fairlight legacy in general - but for those who know the history and have been in love with the nature of this machine this app will make you glad to wake up in the morning and will keep you up at night. ### 5/5 — Fairlight Rocks *2013-01-31* Like others, the mythical Fairlight is now in your grasp. I've had a ton of fun with my 5 year old daughter sampling giggling, water splashing, fart noises, dog barks...Has entertained her for hours.... ### 5/5 — NEW NAME & STILL TRULY AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!! *2012-07-12, version 1.1.10* The Fairlight synth contains some of the most beautiful and memorable samples you are likely to ever hear. This sound has shaped all the music we love since it's inception in 1979, and it's influence is still being felt. This app let's us all experience the dream of creating music with the power of this very unique instrument. This Pro version has the bonus of the CMI III series sounds which are higher quality and quite exquisite, which is on top of the 500+ sounds of the CMI II series. The sounds are all amazing and you can also easily edit the loop points to create your own signature sounds. The sampler is the real bonus with this version as you are able to create and save your own sounds with the original interface that helps you easily tune your samples to the keyboard. You can also import your own sound files but also easily export anything you create as well. You can also use an external midi keyboard but I actually prefer the on screen keys just for that modern touch. Then the famous Page R pattern based sequencer enables you to create your compositions with ease which I have to say is a lot of fun. This is a serious professional instrument that really allows you to create high quality unique compositions, but it's really worth it for the experience alone. ### 5/5 — It's the Fairlight all over again. . . . *2012-03-23, version 1.1.9* and thank goodness that it is! Yep, this is just like the real thing - sound-wise, that is. It's all been as perfectly re-created as is possible! Pricey - but totally worth it! The 80's are BACK. . . .baby, . . . .Yeah! ### 5/5 — A Fairlight in your pocket? Yes please! *2011-06-07, version 1.0.1* I have to say this is the stuff of dreams, can't believe an app of this calibre is available. The sounds bring back so many memories and the sequencer is fantastic, reminds me of the tracker software I used to use on my old Amiga computer. The Fairlight was the most important advance in music since ears evolved and now as an app it's mind-blowing. To have this legendary instrument on my iPod 4 is worth every penny. (A few minor bugs need sorting and I can't work out how to change the attack or even pan a voice like the help section states.) ### 5/5 — That Eighties sound... *2011-05-16, version 1.0.1* I hesitated initially as to whether to buy the Pro version but boy am I glad that I did. After a few days I am still knocked-out by the App. Thirty years ago I could but dream of owning a Fairlight. The attention to detail in the App is worthy of the original and I'm impressed by the dedication and responsiveness of today's Fairlight team to develop this product. Check out the comments on the Chat pages of their website to see that upgrades and fine-tuning the product are being taken seriously. Sadly, many potential purchasers may not realise what has been made available with this App. The Pro version is not cheap by AppStore standards but this is no fly-by-night product. Read the history of Fairlight; break out those 1980s albums. Listen, learn and then grab this opportunity to make sounds and songs the way that so many top artists did. I'm still pinching myself. I'VE GOT A FAIRLIGHT! Thank you Fairlight a thousand times. If nothing else, this has justified the purchase of my iPad 2. --- *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.*