# Strokes - Audio Workstation — Sequencer/Sampler/Synthesizer > Cross-platform audio workstation for sequencing, sampling, and synthesis. (iPhone/iPad app by John Howes.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strokes-audio-workstation/id6443816236 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [John Howes](https://appshunter.io/developer/1649559715) - Category: Music, Music - Price: $19.99 - Rating: 4.96/5 from 26 App Store ratings · 15 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 21 MB - Released: 2022-11-15 - Data updated: 2026-06-01 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strokes-audio-workstation/id6443816236/reviews.md ## What is Strokes? Sound On Sound (Jan 2023): ""Huge fun, and musically potent. A dedicated pattern sequencer for your DAW that opens up all sorts of polyrhythmic, pseudo-random, non-linear possibilities." Tom Rowlands [Chemical Brothers] : "Strokes is an amazing device for rhythmic inspiration. Its a lot of fun to play with and can lead to some very cool unexpected patterns and combinations" CDM : "Its just really elegant... a semi-modular powerhouse for exploring polyrhythms, both in musical note/percussion patterns and modulation. So, uh… whoa." DJ Mag: "DJs and producers wanting to create intricate sequencer patterns should look at Strokes" MusicRadar: "An instant inspiration generator" International Orange: "An elevated groovebox" ---------------------------------- Welcome to Strokes. An all-in-one, cross-platform workstation for sequencing, sampling and synthesis. The idea of this device is to encourage free-flow experimentation and exploration of rhythm and modulation. The architecture behind Strokes is complex, but on the surface it’s designed to be intuitive no matter what your experience level is. By setting up some sounds and turning the dials, anyone can create interesting and unique results. The sequencing and modulation are cross-patched, meaning the actions of one part impact on another - in this way, the patterns all form part of the greater whole, moving in symbiosis to create cohesive results. The first four sequencer channels can be set according to your wishes, while the other four behave in various ways according to those settings. Each channel can be assigned one of 16 oscillators from Mutable Instruments’ celebrated Plaits module. Alternatively, they can each be assigned to samples of your choice with various sound design options. There are probability options to add semi-random changes to the sequencers, and on-board reverb and delay add effects processing to the sounds being generated. Various modulation options allow these sounds and effects to be changed in subtle or significant ways, always in response to the other rhythmic behaviour taking place in the project. Rather than relying on methodical programming of patterns or computer-defined ‘randomness’, Strokes offers a way to create surprising music with an emphasis on fun. Nothing happens by accident, but you never quite know where a jam will take you. With the means to store patterns and melodic information within a project, one set up can produce different results every time. Strokes can run as a VST3 or AU plug-in within all major DAW environments, meaning the MIDI information generated can also be assigned to your own software and hardware instruments. On iOS, Strokes can run as a standalone application or from within a host such as AUM. Desktop VST3 & AU are a separate purchase, available at congburn.co.uk/strokes ---------------------------------- Video Manual - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUa8ZmeONjE Synth/iOS demo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9IXqFBCa24 Sampler/iOS demo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvLasl_wois PDF Manual - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hViEDttYSAIFygN1Y4kWXByMXfX5r3K4 ---------------------------------- Strokes contains DSP code provided under the MIT open source license by Mutable Instruments. Plaits © 2016 Emilie Gillet https://github.com/pichenettes/eurorack ## Key features - Sequencing, sampling, and synthesis - Intuitive design for experimentation - Cross-patched sequencers and modulation - Assign oscillators or samples - Probability options for semi-random changes - On-board reverb and delay effects - VST3/AU plugin and standalone iOS app ## Recent user reviews (10 of 15) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strokes-audio-workstation/id6443816236/reviews.md ### 5/5 — A Treasure *2025-02-02* It’s a Euclidean sequencer, it has Braids built-in, really smart MIDI and performance capabilities, and that is scratching the surface. You can do a LOT in the standalone, and the AUv3 really asserts itself as a powerful player in a mix in your mixer or daw. Hardly a day goes by that this doesn’t help me to be creative. It rewards careful learning and patience at first, but once I got used to it, I want to use it in every mix. The approach to pitch, a sort of control-voltage approach, is probably the most challenging aspect, but it makes it more “modular” and there are enough piano rolls. ### 5/5 — Gets better every time I use it… enjoyment is infinity squared *2024-08-14, version 3.13.4* I used this app and was blown away. I used it the next day and found more things that blew me away. It has been like that every day since. Some apps challenge you and poke you into new ways of thinking and creating. I could live for a thousand years and never feel like I had fully explored the possibilities but I would know I had a marvellous time trying. I have numerous sessions that I have saved and I can load them up and blend them in to whatever new jam I have just created. An eternal jam that never sounds the same twice. ### 5/5 — Really powerful .. *2023-12-22, version 3.13.4* This strokes is a brilliantly designed and thought out groove-unit. And sound quality is high quality. Really excellent. It’s a bit like some sort of Elektron device, but at a fraction of the price. Highly recommended Also the developer is very helpful. Top banana! ### 5/5 — Amazing piece of kit! *2023-10-27, version 3.12.5* From rhythm to synthscapes, midi sequencer to modulation mayhem, rigid structure to wild performance, all so cleverly realised - this is a beast of such flexible and creative possibilities - I can’t recommend it enough. ### 5/5 — UI color *2023-09-23* adding a few UI color options, light blue, bright orange, lime green would look really good. Just a thought….great work! ### 5/5 — Great Update! *2023-08-28* Really impressed with the latest update. ### 5/5 — Unique and inventive sequencing *2023-08-23* There’s nothing quite like this on iOS. Modular sequencing and modulation without the cables. An inspiring piece of software. ### 5/5 — At first a bit daunting, don’t let that dissuade you though. *2023-05-03* I’ve explored a lot of sequencers and grooveboxes over the years and have come to the conclusion that this one is quite exceptional. The combination of inter-connected modulation routing with its unique probability/chance schemes make mechanical sequences seem to breath and evolve. Also don’t forget to find that little “swing” slider button and use it . Lastly, the internal sounds are great and useable as well as flexible and varied. However, if that is not enough or not to your liking , you can always load your own samples. I found myself engrossed with it for hours (even bothering to read the very clearly written manual). I can’t believe it is an multi instance AU app that I can use in AUM to trigger other instruments which I’ve still yet to try . Deep and worth every penny. ### 5/5 — intuitive, powerful, and fun *2023-04-26* frequent updates with new features too! ### 5/5 — Brilliant *2023-04-21, version 3.10* Steep learning curve but one of the best music apps on the store. It’s pretty easy to get something going without knowing what it’s doing. You can get a long way just tweaking the demo patches. It’s very deep though and the time you invest in learning how it works really pays off. With the recent additions of sample players and synth engines you an create anything from polyrhythmic techno to beautifully evolving melodies. Awesome stuff! ## Frequently asked questions about Strokes ### What is Strokes used for? Strokes is an audio workstation designed for sequencing, sampling, and synthesis. It encourages free-flow experimentation with rhythm and modulation, allowing users to create unique musical patterns and soundscapes. ### What platforms does Strokes support? Strokes is a cross-platform application. It can run as a VST3 or AU plugin within major DAW environments on desktop, and as a standalone application or within a host like AUM on iOS. ### How does Strokes encourage creativity? Strokes uses cross-patched sequencers and modulation, meaning the actions of one part impact another. This symbiotic relationship helps create cohesive results and surprising music, emphasizing fun and exploration over methodical programming. ### Can I use my own sounds with Strokes? Yes, each sequencer channel can be assigned to samples of your choice. Strokes also offers various sound design options for these samples, allowing for extensive customization. ### What kind of effects are available in Strokes? Strokes includes on-board reverb and delay effects. These effects can be used to process the sounds being generated and can be modulated in subtle or significant ways. ### How much does Strokes cost? Strokes is available for a one-time purchase of $19.99. The desktop VST3 & AU plugins are a separate purchase. ### What is the age rating for Strokes? Strokes has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. ### How often is Strokes updated? The latest version of Strokes, 3.13.4, was released on November 17, 2023. This indicates a relatively active development cycle for the application. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.13.4 — 2023-11-17 This version should run on iOS 12 or later. - Standalone app correctly sends MIDI clock. Receiving is best done with a host. - Audio setup page displays correctly - When a sampler isn't selected, don't show the load a sample button on performance page - Fix MIDI CC page display - Tutorial / manual buttons now display correctly on info page ### 3.13.1 — 2023-11-02 Microtonality / Alternate tunings - Import a 7 or 12 note scala file - Edit the tuning from within the app, save a copy under a new name - Imported scalas are saved in the plugin/app, so you can optionally delete your .scl files once imported - When you load a project, the tuning you were using for that project will be loaded up - The last tuning you use is carried over next time you open the app/plugin. So if you like a scl file you can set it and forget it There's an interesting discussion on tuning here -> https://cdm.link/2022/03/ableton-releases-free-microtuner-but-tuning-is-more-than-spaces-between-12-semitones/ 8 new synth engines ported from Plaits v1.2 - Classic waveshapes with filter - Phase distortion and modulation - 3 x 6-operator FM synth with 32 presets - Wave terrain synthesis - String machine - Chiptune Matrix / Weights randomizers Hit the "i" button to find these. Use a fader to morph between the value in the pattern, and the random value. So you can dial in a touch of random, or roll the dice. When you close the info view your changes are stored in the pattern. Other changes - 3 new themes/skins - Mute / Solo / Inv are all accessible from the performance page - You can edit the modulation sources for each voice from the performance page (use the samples dropdown to display this) - You can edit the tuning from the performance page (FX dropdown) - Replaced one of the demo projects - Lower the reverb/delay levels for a default pattern ### 3.12.5 — 2023-09-18 - Delay & Reverb send levels have been tweaked, your projects will sound more spacey as a result. You can offset this by reducing the FX return levels or by tweaking the send levels - Remove polarity text labels and replace with SVG icons - Dragging root notes / note selects now saves correctly - Fixed palindrome seq occasionally getting stuck on first/last steps of sequence - Add a limiter to each individual voice - Improved sample handling for legacy project files ### 3.12.3 — 2023-08-25 Video manual - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUa8ZmeONjE This update adds a new Performance View - this page provides a high level overview of your jam where you can smoothly interpolate (or crossfade) between patterns, sounds and project files. That means your entire backcatalogue of Strokes projects can be performed as a live set as you drift between projects and patterns without ever stopping the clock. This isn't an audio crossfade, its a parameter crossfade. So as you move the crossfaders the underlying sound and sequencing engines morph into new forms - you'll uncover a whole new set of sounds lurking in the void between your patterns. Also new: - Samplers upgraded. Each has 5 sub-samplers enabling you to use different samples per pattern. If a slot is empty when switching pattern, it auto-fills with the current sample. - Bus saturator & glue compressor and main stereo outs - Hit the channel label on the voices page to copy settings between patterns/voices - Sync button added to accent section. After hitting sync, when the accent reaches the end of it's loop all the grid channels will realign/reset to 0 - Keyboard modal for note selects and root notes only appears on a tap (600ms hold) - Kit/pattern separation is deprecated. Patterns now contain all necessary data making patterns interchangeable between project files ### 3.11.2 — 2023-05-25 - Improved the quality of the amplitude envelopes. They now function as an AD rather than ADSR. What this means is that the entire attack & decay stages will play on each note event. If another note trigger occurs during the attack stage, it won't reset to the beginning of the attack. If a note trigger occurs during the decay phase, it'll reset to the start of the decay stage. This results in better sound quality and less clicks. - Load a sample button now asks for confirmation if you have a sample already loaded - When changing from euclidean to step mode, copy the euclidean rhythm to step mode if steps are blank. - Fixed an issue where setting decay high and adding modulation would destroy all the synth voices. - Tutorial overlay play button displays at correct resolution. - Keyboard modals display current note / root note. - Change naming of voice modulation params for Matrix. ## Apps similar to Strokes | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [FAC Drumkit](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fac-drumkit/id1552568814) | 4.8 (79) | $17.99 | Music | | [ANALOGyGR](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/analogygr/id6746485545) | 4.6 (8) | $2.99 | Music | | [DigiKeys AUv3 Sequencer Plugin](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/digikeys-auv3-sequencer-plugin/id1497678986) | 4.3 (18) | $9.99 | Music | --- *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 2026-06-01.*