iPad synths & sequencers, how does it fit in the workflow?

[Gert van Santen]

Op 18-12-2012 17:20, Joost Schuttelaar schreef:
> Last weekend at Gert's, we were talking about all these cool new synthesizers and tools like the iMPC for iPad. One thing I've been wondering quite a bit, how do people use them?
>
> VST's back in the days were just a synth engine plus some controls, but apps like the iPolysix and iMS20 have multiple synth voices, drums and a complete sequencing environment. A bit like Rebirth back in the day. You can make a simple track with the app. But does anyone do this?
>
> Or do you just MIDI it up, and record over analog, like an old fashioned hardware synth?
>
> Or audio over WIFI? Or export wave date (copy paste) from the sequencer in the synth and paste them into a bigger DAW, like GarageBand or...?
>
> Right now I find that I like to toy with them, but that for making any production I just run AU's in Logic...
>
> So what do you do with them? :)
>

I think making music with an iPad is not about working with 
better synths and better tools than you've got in your regular 
DAW. The synths on the iPad do sound more or less the same as the 
virtual synths in anyone's DAW, so no big deal. I also don't 
think incorporating an iPad in a DAW setup, just for using a Korg 
Polysix or MS-20 is so interesting - although it's perfectly possible

I think the whole "making music with your iPad" thing is about:

1. Prepare tracks on the go for later editing in your studio.
2. Going back to a simple(r) setup and produce complete albums 
with less gear.
3. Being able to gig and produce "everywhere you won't take your 
DAW".
4. And of course jamming and just freaking around :-)

Of course you can make it as complicated as you wish, but I like 
the 1 iPad method, 1 mini keyboard and perhaps some guitar, vocal 
and analog synth recording.

Oh, Tony, and you don't really need a midi interface - just a 
camera connection kit will do, or a mini keyboard with iOS 
connection. Don't forget there's the new (and different) 
lightning interface in the iPad 4...

That being said, I have not had time at all this year to make any 
music, so it's going to be next year, but I'll be combining all 
points 1-4 :-)

Gert
www.gertvansanten.nl
-- 
gert van santen
www.gertvansanten.nl