# Photon AU — AU Midi Recorder > AUv3 MIDI recorder and playback tool for iPad with groove quantizing. (iPhone/iPad app by anthony saunders.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photon-au/id1441542979 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [anthony saunders](https://appshunter.io/developer/460303742) - Category: Music, Entertainment - Price: $3.99 - Rating: 3.60/5 from 19 App Store ratings · 11 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 11.0 · 28 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2019-02-16 - Data updated: 2026-07-05 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photon-au/id1441542979/reviews.md ## What is Photon AU? Photon AU - Midi Recorder with Pad playback & Groove NOTE: You need a suitable host to run this AUv3 midi app (eg AUM, Audiobus, apeMatrix, Cubasis etc). The standalone version is for the manual & file import. Record your midi performances (from a keyboard, sequencer or arpeggiator) using this audio unit in your DAW then save/export them as standard midi files via email or directly to other apps. Load midi files using Airdrop (uses the standalone version) & select your track to import in the AU version. Up to six pads can be loaded with midi file data & played back with variations in transposition, loudness, tempo, parts defined as start/duration You can also load a midi file as a Groove file to allow it to replace midi timing or velocity in your recorded/loaded midi file thereby conforming your buffer midi to the groove pattern (eg trancegate effects) Most controls automated as AU Parameters (quick record, pad controls, pad playback etc) Full 29 page Manual available here http://amssoftware.org/manual/PhotonManual.pdf Iphone version coming soon with universal app ## Key features - Record MIDI performances - Save/export as MIDI files - Load MIDI files via Airdrop - Up to six pad playback - Groove file for timing/velocity - AU Parameters automation ## Recent user reviews (10 of 11) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photon-au/id1441542979/reviews.md ### 1/5 — I just wanted to play a MIDI file *2021-11-24, version 1.01* This can probably do what I want, but I'm dammed if I can work out how. Dreadful UI. Support only on Facebook where I don't have an account. Sadly, Apple refused refund. ### 4/5 — Fantastic if a little frustrating *2020-06-18, version 1.01* This is an incredibly useful tool but dancing through raindrops to start playing in sync with the host is a bit tiresome. The transport controls really need to be linked to the hosts, this seems quite an oversight in an AUv3 application. ### 1/5 — No Airdrop! *2020-02-08, version 1.01* I just purchased this expressly be able to play my previously built midi files via AUM and/or AudioBus. I followed your instructions to download a file via an email attachment. Numerous other apps I have were able to successfully load the file. However, Photon AU was not among those available for download. I will update my review upon successful resolution to this issue. Please respond here, because I do Not do Facebook. Thanks! ### 1/5 — Unable to import MIDI files into Photon *2019-11-12, version 1.01* Unable to import MIDI files into Photon , fix please! ### 5/5 — Just purchased ....... Wow *2019-11-02* Learning curve easy. Exactly what I was looking for. ### 5/5 — Photon AU by anthony saunders *2019-02-26, version 1.0* "Designed & Developed by Tony Saunders based on requests in the Audiobus forum users." This is one of the most responsive iOS developers on the platform, complete lack of ego and eager to implement changes, even if it means a complete re-do. This is one of the most useful utilities on iOS as it gives you the freedom to swap out any sounds or instruments because it’s a midi recorder. ENJOY! ### 1/5 — Complicated and cluttered - INVESTIGATE *2019-02-22, version 1.0* Many were waiting for a midi recorder for environments like AUM that don’t capture or playback midi. This might do what it says but, it’s poor design and it may not work for you. The UI is not optimal, period. The midi file list is only going to growif it’s both for midi files and groove files (if you’re Really even use this thing). It’s like having a preset list on screen at all times. The midi “editor” isn’t displayed at all times and is crammed into a tiny popup. This app raises a lot of eyebrows. If you don’t understand 100% what this app is doing you should watch videos of it in use. There’s still room for an elegant midi recorder to enter the iOS playground. ### 5/5 — Very Unique AU midi recorder/ looper. *2019-02-18, version 1.0* Highly recommend this AU app if you are into music production. It opens up some many new possibilities for creativity when used in apps like AUM, ApeMatrix. It’s a one of a kind AU midi recorder and lives in the essential tool folder now on my iPad to get the job done! ### 5/5 — Really Useful *2019-02-17, version 1.0* Great for capturing ideas. To the 1 star reviewer, this is an AU (audio unit) so you have to open it from within a host that supports AUs (e.g. AUM or a DAW). ### 1/5 — Got PDF file, but no app *2019-02-16, version 1.0* I downloaded this file and did not get the Photon AU app as expected, just the PDF manual. Please help! ## Frequently asked questions about Photon AU ### What is Photon AU? Photon AU is an Audio Unit (AUv3) MIDI app for iPad that allows you to record MIDI performances, load and play MIDI files, and apply groove quantizing to your tracks. It requires a host app like AUM or Cubasis to function. ### How much does Photon AU cost? Photon AU is a paid app, priced at $3.99. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements associated with this application. ### What devices does Photon AU support? Photon AU is currently supported on iPads. An iPhone version is planned for release in the future. ### Can I use Photon AU offline? Yes, Photon AU can be used offline for recording and playback of MIDI data. However, you will need a compatible host app installed on your iPad to utilize its AUv3 functionality. ### How often is Photon AU updated? Photon AU was last updated on March 24, 2019, with version 1.01. The initial release date was February 16, 2019. Update frequency information beyond this is not provided. ### What is the age rating for Photon AU? Photon AU has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for users of all ages. This rating is based on general content appropriateness. ### Where can I find the manual for Photon AU? A comprehensive 29-page manual for Photon AU is available online at http://amssoftware.org/manual/PhotonManual.pdf. This manual provides detailed instructions on all features and functionalities. ### What makes Photon AU unique? Photon AU stands out with its ability to load MIDI files as 'Groove files' to quantize timing and velocity, and its support for up to six pads with playback variations. It also offers automation of most controls as AU Parameters. ## Version history (last 2 releases) ### 1.01 — 2019-03-24 . increased number of pads from 4 to 6 . reworked UI to move files & settings to pop-out panel . UI control method updownleftright sensitivity issues. Moved this to Settings panel . Clear button (internal buffer) resets length of empty buffer to 4 beats . reworked to fix saving of empty file issue(pad copy to buffer then save) . reworked lengths to offer integer roundups to better fit clip beats . Fixed midi file import with spaces not showing in standalone app list (even though they are imported and seen in AU) . load multi-track sequence now allows user to chose track with option to round length up to integer values . fixes to Quantise . Quantise now includes triplet (x0.3333) & Dotted (x1.5) values on 1/1 to 1/64 range in (1/n,1/nD,1/nT) order . Step Rec AdvanceBy & Duration now includes triplet (x0.3333) & Dotted (x1.5) values on 1/64 to 1/1 range in real duration order (low to high) . trim now updates display (4 bars is always minimum shown) correctly - it trims start & end and allows round up of length . locked 48k ipad pro 2018 catered for in recording/playback . Updated manual ### 1.0 — 2019-02-16 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Photon AU | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Auditor - Audio Editor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/auditor-audio-editor/id1248284381) | 4.2 (40) | $14.99 | Music | | [LoFiFx](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lofifx/id6743444100) | 5.0 (3) | $1.99 | Music | | [guitarscaper](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guitarscaper/id1316544251) | 4.8 (21) | $1.99 | Music | ## More apps by anthony saunders - [midiSequencer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midisequencer/id787934896) - [Quantum Sequencer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/quantum-sequencer/id1207932898) - [Midi Echo AU](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-echo-au/id1422324067) - [Polythemus AU](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polythemus-au/id1439815017) - [Skirmish 1944](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skirmish-1944/id1597985916) All apps by anthony saunders: https://appshunter.io/developer/460303742 --- *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 2026-07-05.*