NI intros iMASCHINE groove app for iPhone, iPod touch
updated 12:20 pm EDT, Fri October 7, 2011
Music can be exported to computers, SoundCloud
Native Instruments has released iMASCHINE, a new audio production app for the iPhone and iPod touch. The software allows small-scale music production; 16 pads, for instance, can be used to play included drum kits or individual samples, while a keyboard can be used to create elements like melodies, and an audio recorder is meant for singing and sampling. Some 10 projects, 25 instrument kits and 400 individual samples are included by default.
Among control options are two keyboard manuals for playing chords, bass or melodies, note repeats functions for both the keyboard and the beat pad, and a mixer with Delay, Flanger, Chorus, LoFi, HP, BP and LP effects. The live-mode sequencer automatically detects the length of recorded loops, and completed ones can be exported locally or to SoundCloud. Whole pieces can be created by combining up to four groups (tracks).
Projects can be exported to the desktop MASCHINE software. Conversely, custom WAV samples can be imported, or extra premade sounds and drum kits bought via in-app purchases. The app itself costs $5, and requires iOS 4.3 or better.
