Monday, December 30, 2013

Happy New Year!

No more news in this year. But what about next? Of course year will be full of new experiences and ideas. Very soon in new year will be released new version of Audio Mastering application for iPad.

It will be totally new sound engine inside. A whole new level of audio quality. The quality of sound processing will be better than in any other mobile app and even better than in the most VST plug-ins of the similar direction.

And yes, such nice things as support Inter-App Audio, additional color schemes like Master FX and advanced control mode. You will have standard control interface as it's now or you can switch to advanced control interface with parametric equalizer (instead graphic) and additional modes in other sections. Both these modes work on new sound engine and you will have the best quality, regardless of the mode. Not in the new but in the next after, will be high quality multiband compressor in addition to maximizer.

Great news at the end of year! Audio Mastering in the Top 10 iOS music apps 2013. Know more about other apps:

Music App Blog - Top 10 iOS music apps 2013

If my applications have helped to make your music even brighter and more interesting please support them by writing a short review or your opinion in the Apple App Store or just rate it.

Happy new year everybody!

Regards,
Igor Vasiliev


Friday, December 27, 2013

Master FX for real time processing

In one track I used Master FX for real time processing at mixing. Three recorded instrumental tracks (mono) processed by two iPads. Two tracks on one iPad (in two separated channels mode) and one on other. Stereo output from both iPads came to mixing console. Other tracks were processed by other devices.

One iPad processes the Clavia Nord Lead and Roland Juno-60. On first screenshot below it's first three slots for one instrument channel and next three for another (slots configuration on the second screenshot). The third screenshot from other iPad which processes Moog Slim Phatty track.



Click on image to enlarge

Processing and mixing of all tracks was performed in real time on two iPads and others digital and analog devices. Very low latency time allows to use Master FX app together with any other devices (even analog) without audible delays of signal. And with using of external audio interface for iPad (I use Focusrite Scarlett 6i6) the quality of sound processing also is high.

Before and after demo of processing:






iPad used in this track not only for sound processing. One of part was created on a very interesting musical application Virtual ANS.

Final track:




[ More about recording this track ]

[ More about Master FX ]







Thursday, December 19, 2013

Professional sound processing on iPad

In the music production the iPad is still regarded by most as a toy rather than a tool. Some believe that it can not give a good enough quality of sound. Others believe that there is no quality sound processing applications for iPad. All this is not so.


What you need to use iPad in the studio or in a live performance? Not so much.

iPad (I use iPad 4 with Lightning connector).
Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (for iPads with Lightning connector).
External high quality audio interface.

In fact built-in AD/DA in iPad can't give a good enough sound quality for studio use. But can sounds pretty good as example for a live performance.

I use Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 as external interface because it has a good value for money. The whole Scarlett series have a very decent stuffing inside:

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 inside

There are many audio interfaces compatible with iPad. Many of them have their own AD/DA inside. But not all is highest quality of course. Before buy, look at their specification and read reviews. Here is large list of interfaces compatible with iPad (almost all with AD/DA inside):

Audio Interface Compatibility

With regard to the sound processing applications. There are a lot but not all of them provide a high quality audio processing too. The most important thing in these apps (besides of comfortable User Interface of course) it's what the processing algorithms were used.

If algorithms were created with understanding of Psychoacoustics and experiences of work with real analog devices and instruments, iPad can process audio not worse than a well-known professional VST plug-ins or even standalone digital processors.

In all of my applications I use special designed audio processing algorithms. It is unique algorithms were created especially for these applications in cooperation with a professional sound engineer Andrew Startsev who developing and producing audio devices and software for audio recording and mastering for many years.

For post processing I would suggest using my application Audio Mastering for iPad. It the most natural sounding application for finalize your tracks.

[ More about Audio Mastering ]
[ Audio Mastering technical specification ]

For real time processing synthesizer, guitar or voice I would recommend use Master FX for iPad. Besides the wide range of high-quality and creative effects this application has very low latency time what is very important for use in a live performance.

[ More about Master FX ]
[ Master FX technical specification ]



Sunday, December 8, 2013

Master FX ver. 1.1 has been released

Multipurpose effect processor for guitar, synthesizer and voice, providing a wide range of high-quality and creative effects options for audio processing.

The main thing of this release it is support of Inter-App Audio feature. Also been added:

  • Waveform view of player files.
  • Loop mode for playback.
  • Improved compressor module.
  • Several new presets.
  • New color schemes of visual interface.
  • Built-in description updated.
  • Some bugs fixed.

Demo of using Master FX for processing acoustic guitar taken from the microphone:



[ More about Master FX ]

[ Master FX Technical specification ]







Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Master FX Reverb presets demo

Demo with new Master FX ver. 1.1, used Reverb effect presets: Live stage, Cathedral.

Sequencer: Doepfer Dark Time. Synth: Moog Slim Phatty. Real time processing and recording on Master FX.




[ More about Master FX ]

[ Master FX Technical specification ]






Sunday, December 1, 2013

Master FX ver. 1.1 submitted for review

Multipurpose effect processor for guitar, synthesizer and voice, providing a wide range of high-quality and creative effects options for audio processing. 

What's new:

  • Inter-App Audio supported.
  • Waveform view of player files.
  • Loop mode for playback.
  • Improved compressor module.
  • Several new presets.
  • New color schemes of visual interface.
  • Built-in description updated.
  • Some bugs fixed.

Different color schemes of visual interface (addition to the standard):


Click on image to enlarge


[ More about Master FX ]

[ Master FX Technical specification ]







Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Friday, November 22, 2013

Master FX review

Very detailed review of Master FX from Music App Blog.

Master FX review – multi-effects app for iPad


High-quality (uncompressed, downloadable) audio demo of Master FX processing








Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Master FX in the live performance

Due to flexible configurations of effect modules Master FX can be used on the live performance for processing two sources of signal. As example for guitar and microphone and at the same time for playback pre-recorded track from playlists.

Convenient controls allow changing effect parameters and playback during performance.


Click on image to enlarge


Example of use Master FX in two-channel configuration.








Saturday, November 16, 2013

Interesting combination

BIAS and Master FX Two Amazing Apps Working Together iPad

A really clean tone from BIAS processed through Master FX, both of these apps are exceptional. For more info on all things iOS music related stuff and more goto http://discchord.com.








Thursday, November 14, 2013

Master FX ver 1.0 for iPad has been released!

Master FX it is the best multipurpose audio effect processor that you can find for your iPad. Version 1.0 at a special starting price already includes seven very natural-sounding effects.

This application will actively develop and improve. All the nearest additions will be included in the current application, not as In-App purchases.

In the most immediate plans to add a guitar combo effect with overdrive. For an excellent sounding, it's not so easy to do and takes a time. But anyway, it also will be the best.

More about Master FX








Master FX - Classic effects

Master FX app for iPad contains set of classic sound effects which you can use for guitar, synth or voice at live performance or for processing tracks in DAW and other mixing apps thru Inter-App Audio or with Audiobus. Through the use of unique high quality audio processing algorithms the sound of this app is closest to the sound of world famous hardware audio effects.

This app includes Parametric EQ, Chorus, Flanger, Pitch modulator, Delay, Reverb, Compressor, Audio player, Recorder and also convenient presets system supplemented with control panel for live performance.

Master FX has flexible configuration of effect modules. You can process stereo source or two mono inputs for different instruments or voices each with own effects. With built-in player and special control panel you can easy use this app for live performance with minus one (accompaniment) tracks.


Click on image to enlarge

Additional features:

  • Low-latency.
  • Up to 6 effects at once.
  • High quality 32-bit audio processing.
  • Built-in player with playlist feature.
  • Convenient playback control panel.
  • Various configurations of effect modules.
  • Processing of two channels separately.
  • Built-in recorder on input or output.
  • Global presets for all modules and configurations.
  • Individual presets for each effect module.
  • Inter-App audio compatible.
  • Supports Audiobus with "State Saving" feature.
  • Uploading tracks thru Dropbox or Web access.
  • Supports audio clipboard and "Open file in" option.
  • Supports iTunes file share.
  • Different color schemes for user interface.

Requirements:

Fourth generation of iPad and higher is required.

Reviews:


Demo of using Master FX for processing guitar and synth:







Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Master FX screenshots

Different color schemes and main functions (click on image to enlarge).


Player panel.
Waveform panel below.

Main view.
6 effect modules in slots.

Effect module details.
Effect presets list at the right.

Global presets list.
Applied to all modules and settings.

Live mode.
Pads for quick select presets.

Settings mode.
Application settings panel.


[ More about Master FX ]

[ Master FX technical specification ]







Master FX for iPad - Reverb

Click on image to enlarge


Level: Fader controls the output level of effect (0 - 100%).

Pre delay: Fader sets the amount of delay before reverb (0 - 127 ms).

Decay: Fader sets the reverberation time (RT60 1.0 - 4.175 sec).

Size: Fader sets the relative room size of the reverb (0 - 150%).

LPF: Buttons control of low pass filter in the reverb signal (8 kHz, 4 kHz, 2 kHz).

Phase Inv: Button reverses the phase of reverb tail.

Type: Buttons control the early reflections density. Reflection type has only six early reflections without diffusion. This gives very natural sounding reverberation. It is well suited for harmonic signals without clearly noticeable transients, such voices, synths, guitars and etc. Diffusion type has a lot of diffused early reflection. It is the best choice for drums, percussion and complex signals.






[ About Master FX ]
[ Technical specification ]






Master FX for iPad - Delay

Click on image to enlarge


Level: Fader controls the output level of effect (0 - 100%).

Delay: Fader sets the delay time (0.010 - 1.280 sec).

Feedback: Fader sets the amount of delay feedback (0 - 100%).

Stereo: Fader controls the stereo width in the delayed signal (0 - 100%).

LPF: Buttons control of low pass filter for delayed signal (Off, 6 kHz, 4 kHz).

Ping Pong: Button switches stereo "ping pong" mode.

Phase Inv: Button reverses the phase of delayed signal.


[ About Master FX ]
[ Technical specification ]






Master FX for iPad - Chorus

Click on image to enlarge


Level: Fader controls the output level of effect (0 - 100%).

Width: Fader controls the stereo width (0 - 100%).

Voices: Buttons intended for switching number of chorus voices (1, 2, 3).


[ About Master FX ]
[ Technical specification ]






Master FX for iPad - Pitch modulator

Click on image to enlarge


Level: Fader controls the output level of effect (0 - 100%).

Depht: Fader sets the amount of detune (0 - 100%).

Voices: Buttons intended for switching number of pitch modulator voices (1, 2).

Matrix: Fader sets the amount of microdelay between direct and modulated signals. When Depth = 0 the pitch modulator becomes matrix (combo) filter (0 - 100%).


[ About Master FX ]
[ Technical specification ]






Master FX for iPad - Flanger

Click on image to enlarge


Level: Fader controls the output level of effect (0 - 100%).

Width: Fader controls the stereo width (0 - 100%).

Voices: Buttons intended for switching number of flanger voices (1, 2, 3).

Feedback: Fader sets the amount of flanger feedback (0 - 100%).


[ About Master FX ]
[ Technical specification ]






Master FX for iPad - Compressor

Click on image to enlarge


Threshold: Fader adjusts the level when compression starts (0 - 40 db).

Ratio: Buttons set how much compression to apply once the signal has passed the Threshold level and the Attack has allowed the compression to start acting (Infinity:1, 10:1, 5:1, 3:1, 1.5:1).

Attack: Buttons set the speed at which compression is applied. At fast settings transients will be decreased more quickly, and at slower settings the compression will take longer to act (50, 10, 5, 1, 0.5 msec).

Release: Buttons set how quickly the compressor returns the compressed signal back to its original volume (0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2, 0.1 sec).

Level: Fader adjusts amplification of output signal after compressor

Meter on the compressor panel indicates common reduction level up to -12 db.

Compressor works in stereo link mode.


[ About Master FX ]
[ Technical specification ]






Master FX for iPad - Equalizer

Click on image to enlarge


Parametric equalizer has three band with five fixed frequences in each.

Quality factor (Q) can be changed at the middle band and shelf / bell filter types can be applied for side bands.

Gain faders: Set attenuation / amplification of signal at selected frequency in range of +/- 12 db.

Type: Buttons intended for switch the filter type (Shelf, Bell).

Q: Buttons intended for switch filters quality factor (Q = 0.5, 1, 2).


[ About Master FX ]
[ Technical specification ]






Master FX for iPad - Technical specification

About
Screenshots
iOS Compatible Audio Interfaces
Download (App Store)
Feedback

Supported playback files formats: .wav .aif .aiff .mp3 .mp4 .m4a .aac .caf .au .snd .flac

Recording file formats: .wav .aif

Recording modes: Input signal (dry), Processed signal, Complete signal (processed mixed with player)

Supported sample rates: 44.1, 48 kHz

Supported bit depth: 16, 24, 32

Dithering: Dithering with noise shaping when convert to 16 bit depth

Hardware sample rate switching: 44.1, 48 kHz

Latency: Low latency about 4 msec

Processing sections:

  • Completely 32-bit floating point audio processing algorithms.
  • 3-Band parametric equalizer. Range +/- 12 db. Frequences: 60 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, 160 Hz, 240 Hz, 320 Hz, 480 Hz, 640 Hz, 960 Hz, 1.2 kHz, 1.6 kHz, 2.4 kHz, 3.2 kHz, 6.4 kHz, 12.8 kHz.
  • Chorus. Up to 3 voices. Stereo width adjustment.
  • Flanger. Up to 3 voices. Stereo width and feedback adjustment.
  • Pitch modulator. 1 or 2 voices. Amount of detune adjustment. Matrix (combo) filter adjustment.
  • Delay. From 10 msec to 1.28 sec. Feedback adjustment. LPF (off, 6 kHz, 4 kHz), Phase inversion, Ping Pong mode.
  • Reverb. Two types: Reflection / Diffusion. Pre delay 0 - 127 msec. Reverberation time RT60 from 1 to 4.175 sec. Size adjustment. LPF (8 kHz, 4 kHz, 2 kHz), Phase inversion.
  • Compressor. Threshold up to -40 db. Ratio: Infinity:1, 10:1, 5:1, 3:1, 1.5:1. Attack: 50, 10, 5, 1, 0.5 msec. Release: 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2, 0.1 sec. Output level adjustment. Reduction level meter.
  • Limiter on main output. Brick wall look ahead limiter with superfast gain reduction.

File exchange:

  • Upload and download files through internal Web access service in local WiFi network.
  • Exchange files between applications through audio clipboard (support iOS General pasteboard operations).
  • Support "Open in" feature to move audio files from other applications.
  • Option "Open file in" sends file directly to another application.
  • Get and send files to Dropbox web service.
  • Access files through iTunes file share.

Inter-App audio support:

Support Inter-App audio feature as node. Can be used as effects with other Inter-App audio host applications.

Audiobus support:

Can use with Audiobus in Effects or Output position. In both modes can record processed output. Buttons Play and Record available on Audiobus connection panel.

Compatible:

iPad 2 and higher is strongly recommended (especially with Audiobus). Generally this application can be run on first generation iPad but there is a possibility of audio dropouts. Offline processing can be done with any iPad.


Demo:







Monday, November 11, 2013

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Master FX 1.0 is submitted for review

New multipurpose effect processor Master FX for iPad is submitted for review!

In this video: 

Audiobus + Arctic Keys + Master FX

Recipe of new sound

Take the default preset
add some Flanger
Get plenty Pitch modulator
also Delay
and a little bit of Reverb






Saturday, November 2, 2013

Master FX Reverb demo

Master FX Reverb demo (with Audiobus + SessionBand)
  • Adding effect to slot.
  • Changing presets.
  • Detailed parameters of effect.





Friday, November 1, 2013

Master FX

In this month. On the Apple App Store. New, multipurpose effect processor for guitar, synthesizer and voice.

With fantastic quality of effects.

All most useful effects, predefined presets, various variants of connecting effect modules, player, recorder, low latency and highest quality of audio processing.

Master FX intended for processing sound from one or two external instruments or microphones separately during playing or singing in real time. Also has possibility to mix instrument sound or voice with player tracks.

The second target it is use Master FX as sound processor for a variety of musical applications which support Audiobus. Master FX will give a new, more realistic sound of familiar applications that you use to create a music.


Click on image to enlarge

Built-in effects in version 1.0:

  • 3-Band parametric equalizer
  • Chorus
  • Flanger
  • Pitch modulator
  • Delay
  • Reverb
  • Compressor
  • Limiter on main output

Main features:

  • Low-latency for real time playing.
  • Up to 6 effects at once.
  • Various options for connecting effect modules.
  • Processing of the two channels separately.
  • Built-in player with supporting playlists.
  • Convenient playback control.
  • Built-in recorder with switching sources (input, processed, output).
  • Individual presets for each effect module.
  • Global presets for all module parameters and connections.
  • Special design of controls for live performance.
  • Support Audiobus in Effect or Output position.
  • Support Dropbox web service (you will need free Dropbox account).
  • Exchange files between applications through audio clipboard.
  • Support feature "Open in" audio file from other applications.
  • Option "Open file in" sends file directly to another application.
  • Access to files through internal Web service in local network.
  • Support iTunes file share.