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Arctic Keys (Universal)
Arctic Keys is an iOS Universal virtual analog synthesizer. With a classic dual-oscillator subtractive synthesis design that gives you the sound creation flexibility we all know and love. With an easy to use user interface that just wants to be tweaked. The result is a truly professional instrument with an audio quality that rivals that of hardware synthesizers.
TWEAK:
With all the synthesizer parameters immediately available on one page, you get instant feedback as you tweak. The two LFOs each have three modulation destinations. Each LFO may also be free running or sync’ed to tempo and the timing rate adjusted. The modulation matrix allows for deep routing between the Mod Wheel, aftertouch and 16 x 4 analog-style gated step-sequencer. Quickly change pages to edit effects and sequences.
PERFORM:
The classic arpeggiator is complimented by the 16 x 4 gated step-sequencer. Play a note to trigger the sequencer. Step through a sequence to play short melodic lines or let it modulate the synthesizer. The different key gating options may be used to change how the sequence is triggered. Each of the 4 tracks has an assignable modulation destination and loop point. Along with traditional Pitch and Mod Wheels, adjust the velocity by tapping along the length of the key from top to bottom. Change the key mode to mono for retro lead lines. Adjust the size of the keyboard to suite your style or use a gesture to scroll through the octaves. Place the keyboard into Pitch mode and use multi-touch gestures to bend individual notes, while sliding up and down the keys to add aftertouch.
SHARE:
The live phrase recorder lets you save your performances as 44.1KHz 16-bit WAV files and as a Standard MIDI File. The MIDI File includes all the knob’s control change information along with the notes you play. Use Sonoma AudioCopy or Intua Audio Sharing to paste recorded audio directly into other apps. From within Arctic Keys, e-mail the patches you make, then open them directly and save into your patch library. Or share them with Wi-Fi and iTunes File Sharing.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Synthesis: analog modelling
- Polyphony: up to 4 voices
- Oscillators: 2 per voice, alias free, saw, triangle and square with pulse width, hard sync, ring mod, noise generator
- Filter: 1 multi-mode resonating filter with 4 filter types
- Envelopes: filter and amp ADSR envelopes
- Modulation: 2 LFOs with multiple wave shapes, sample and hold, 3 routable destinations per LFO, independently sync-able
- Effects: master effect processors: 3-band EQ, Distortion, Chorus, Stereo Delay
- Arpeggiator: classic arpeggiator with octave shift, MIDI-sync-able
- Sequencer: 16 x 4 gated step sequencer with multiple modulation destinations, MIDI-sync-able
- Keyboard: glissando, scroll, multi-touch poly pitch bend and aftertouch
FEATURES:
- KORG Wireless-Sync Start Technology (WIST)
- Sonoma AudioCopy
- MIDI Learn
- Live phrase recorder with audio and MIDI export
- File and patch sharing via iTunes File Sharing, e-mail and Wi-Fi
- Supports external MIDI in and out via CoreMIDI Networking and USB with the Camera Connection Kit
- Audio background operation
- Virtual MIDI Ports
- Open Music App Collaboration compliant
- AudioBus compatible
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Arctic Keys is now up to version 1.0.6 with added support for MIDI banks and program change. LFO key sync triggering. Multi-channel support for GeoSynth and more fixes. There’s also an updated user manual in PDF available here: https://www.onereddog.com.au/support/
@Leslie I have no idea! I hope it stays this way. The 1.0.3 update was literally approved in 12 hours. I think with the iOS 5 update and the Facebook app debacle, they’ve pushed stuff out on autopilot. Great for me as you guys were able to get the updates very quickly, which is how it should be, so hopefully this is the new system.
That was quick… Two updates in two days, how is that possible with Apple app approval system… ;)
Downloading now, thanks again… :)
The 1.0.3 update is now live in the App Store. Please upgrade it fixes the problems with random note drop out.
@One Red Dog Media, thanks again and btw; update has just arrived… :)
@Leslie great. It’s very easy to overdrive the synth by having the oscillators too loud. This can work for and against you. Even on iPad 2 running more than one or two app combinations can cause issues. Some apps have small audio buffers which put extra strain on the CPU. I’ve read on the Open Music App Collaboration Google group that sometimes the order in which apps are launched can also make a difference, e.g http://groups.google.com/group/open-music-app-collaboration/browse_thread/thread/68c42b8644549138
The 1.0.2 update should now be live in the App Store, it’s just been approved by Apple. This fixes the issue with the User bank in the Patch Browser.
@One Red Dog Media, thanks heaps for your reply :)
The lowering of OSC volume did the trick for most part, but you are correct about in regards to background apps – most of the clipping appears when trying to run Arctic with Genome, Molten and Baseline or Sunrizer, NLog, MoDrum, etc :(
Oh well, looks like I will have to bite the bullet eventually and upgrade to iPad 3 (when it becomes available)… ;)
@Leslie try lowering the Osc Volume, it might be clipping in the signal chain. On iPad 1 it’s advisable to run as few background apps as possible.
Anyone else is experiencing a lot of pops and clicks on most of the patches, or is it a problem with iPad 1 not having enough of CPU grunt under the bonnet..? :(
Sounds good and looks like a clean interface. I do love Sunrizer and it seems to have the edge in overall sound, but Arctic supports virt midi, ACP and background audio and a few other great features. And just from watching the video above, the step/arp looks very nice. $4.99? Seems like a must have for the price!
@Jay, in case you have never noticed, Sunrizer does have Virtual MIDI, Background Audio and copy/paste support ;)
Not sure what you mean by “few other great features” though…
Maybe he means the 16 step sequencer with 4 lanes of programmable automation?
Good synth, it is already in my top three (it joins Sunrizer and Additive Synth}. It is not the fattest or most innovative, but is just flat out good. Like the step sequencer/arp…. combined with Molten (same company) it’s a worthwhile investment….
@rafael_ollero Please send details of crashes to me
@Photosinferno the music track in our YouTube promo video was done on iPad1, I’m not sure what crashes people are referring to, please email me with specifics and we’ll fix them
Interesting bit of kit, however anybody got it working ok on an iPad 1 ? The review on the app store is making me think it may crash all the time.
I’ll explain …. Sunrizer synth:
- has 2 filters per voice with configurable routing, Arctic just one (this makes a huge difference!)
- supersaw oscillator
- each oscillator has subosc = 4 osc in total, Arctic: 2
- comb and formant filter…
- compare presets :) the depth and ‘fatness’
Look good, but need an Urgent Update because crash a lot.
Nice interface. Not overly impressed with the sounds. I have to agree that Sunrizer sounds better, I would have to also add NLog as a better engine. I need to spend some time tweaking before I can review on the app store. It’s worth the money but I am hoping the presets are not reflective of the overall possibilities.
Leslie, could you please explain what makes Sunrizer better than this (or any other synth)?
This is a genuine question. I just want to learn from others.
It is very, very good, but Sunrizer is still the king of synths on iOS…
Excellent, this is every bit as good as I hoped it would be! Full of analog goodness :-)
Wow, the specs sound amazing. It could be a real contender for best iPad synth.
I like the aftertouch and multitouch pitch bend. Might need one more filter and more routing options on the LFO’s. (NanoStudio Eden still has the best routing system available together with 4 LFO’s and an extra envelope generator)