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Use it for live looping, sequencing, arranging, mixing, and much more. Whether you're a live performer, a producer, or just experimenting with sound, Loopy Pro helps you take control of your creative process.

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Sound design for meditation / meditative ambient and soundscapes

24

Comments

  • Tera Pro is utterly fantastic, as have all the recent Virsyn releases, Cube Pro, Addstation etc. Virsyn synths tend to have a colder sound but you can always soften things up by using, say Alteza, instead of the inbuilt reverb. They always come with an absolute shit load of incredible presets. I listened to a bit of a demo of the mitosynth factory presets yesterday and found them pretty clichéd to be honest, though I don't doubt good stuff can be made with it. Honestly though, you have more than enough stuff already to get started. Nambu is great.

    For sampling and looping, don't forget about Gauss. Also remember that after release it got a record decay knob added so can now be used for Frippertronics style looping. Set decay to about 50%, start recording in overdub mode and feed different sounds in, you'll potentially have an ambient masterpiece in no time. I also like loading a few instances of aa sample player, putting in samples on loop mode and maybe reverse, playing with attack, release, start and end times etc - often manipulating those live or using lfos - and playing all 3 instances with the aum keyboard or a sequencer or whatever, simultaneously. Thinking outside the box will allow you to make great ambient with even a very minimal set of tools.

  • @Gavinski said:
    Tera Pro is utterly fantastic, as have all the recent Virsyn releases, Cube Pro, Addstation etc. Virsyn synths tend to have a colder sound but you can always soften things up by using, say Alteza, instead of the inbuilt reverb. They always come with an absolute shit load of incredible presets. I listened to a bit of a demo of the mitosynth factory presets yesterday and found them pretty clichéd to be honest, though I don't doubt good stuff can be made with it. Honestly though, you have more than enough stuff already to get started. Nambu is great.

    For sampling and looping, don't forget about Gauss. Also remember that after release it got a record decay knob added so can now be used for Frippertronics style looping. Set decay to about 50%, start recording in overdub mode and feed different sounds in, you'll potentially have an ambient masterpiece in no time. I also like loading a few instances of aa sample player, putting in samples on loop mode and maybe reverse, playing with attack, release, start and end times etc - often manipulating those live or using lfos - and playing all 3 instances with the aum keyboard or a sequencer or whatever, simultaneously. Thinking outside the box will allow you to make great ambient with even a very minimal set of tools.

    Thanks @Gavinski, I'll listen again to Tera Verse, and listen to the sounds that Tera Pro creates. For sure, Mitosynth needs input to create art with it, rather than something cliched, yes. I love how I can turn off and on additional sounds when I dive into the settings, such as water and other white noise type sounds. Great for sketching things out that I would usually build in a DAW.

    I have Gauss, and yes, it's for sure a handy tool, I used it quite a bit when it first came out, but again, it's been gathering dust with all my other tools this past year. Ah, I didn't think about multiple instances of aa sample player. I have it, but couldn't find much use for it.

    AUM certainly offers a range of ways of building sound, it's so quick and light to put things together in there (I don't usually end up with an endlessly scrolling screen like some creators). Again, I love that I can put together little sketches in AUM on my phone too.

  • Really interesting project!
    Have you tried Borderlands Granular?

  • @sharifkerbage said:
    Really interesting project!
    Have you tried Borderlands Granular?

    Thank you, and yes, I've dabbled with Borderlands in the past, but I'm feeling to work with it more in the coming days and weeks. I love the interface of Borderlands, Samplr, Spacecraft, and all the Eric Sigth apps (they were the first I bought, way back when). The iPad as interface, rather than just for it's computing power, is where the magic happens!

  • @andowrites said:

    @el_bo said:
    Not sure if you've looked into LayR synth. It’s seemingly an über pad-machine. Don’t own it yet, (though at the current 50% discount I probably should), but it might be useful for you. Also worth checking out Virsyn’s TERAVERSE.

    Then of course, there're the granular and sampler 'usual suspects' such as Samplr, Spacecraft, Borderlands, FRMS etc. which can help you easily design drones, or intricate little ear-candy to go along with drones. Throw field-recordings into these apps, have some good ol' hands-on funtimes, and have the results funnelled out through rymdigare, Otherdesertcities and some mega-verb, or other. These kinds of instruments are not only very suited to touchscreens, but playing them can become a meditation in itself.

    Good times

    Yes, I have LayR synth. I love the approach, and the quality of sound it produces. It still seems a bit buggy on my iPad though, which has turned me away from learning it fully. I also love that I can run it on my iPhone.

    Someone else recommended Teraverse too. I wasn't so sure about that one.

    I absolutely love Samplr, Spacecraft, Borderlands and FRMS. I've got a field recorder, and also grab little snippets on my iPhone when I'm out and about. I'm learning and loving Koala too. Pad based sampling has become and unexpected part of my workflow.

    I've got Rymdigare, but haven't got to grips with it yet, although I do use and enjoy Tardigrain. OtherDesertCities is a real favourite for delay, along with K7D and YaleD reverse delay. Modley from Klevgrand is another favourite tool. I recently added BabyAudio Crystalline to my reverbs, and I regularly use Stratosphere, Black Hole, and Alteza, my go to reverbs.

    I'm asking questions like a complete noob here, because I ended up spending a year out of music production due to getting cancer early last year. Slowly on the mend now, I have time and a little energy to return to my love of ambient, but my memory is a bit rusty, so I'm digging through old apps, wondering how I will create with them altogether.

    The one part of my setup that I'm new to learning, is sequencers, so that's fun, I only skimmed the surface before, and never really clicked with them. And I'm looking to choose a couple of synths to learn and work with in more depth. Mitosynth is one, and I'm looking for another. I may already have it. I'm loving Nambu, which is new to me since my long break.

    The other gap in my knowledge and tools is looping and sampling, which again, I'm deep diving into now. But I keep wondering if there's a better tool than Koala for me to do live and recorded creating with, for launching samples and loops, and of course, Loopy Pro, which I'm trying to learn, but finding it a bit mind-boggling. All of this, and I'm learning about LFOs this week, which have always confused me.

    But the music will find a way out, regardless of tools and knowledge, but it all helps.

    My favourite (and yes, it certainly can be meditative) process for creating, is to choose just maybe 3 or 4 apps to work with (not counting the host, which is usually AUM), and sit deep with them. Only adding additional apps once the piece has its direction.

    This seems to be a year for pulling all of this together, for developing some ease in the process, and enjoying the deeper learning. One thing I keep coming back to, is MiRack and VCV rack, but this forum, and others, keep reminding me it may be time to learn to build and create in the mythical Drambo!

    Who knows, perhaps I will become one of the Drambo masters of ambient yet? I can but sit back and listen, when @echoopera starts sharing his creations.

    I did read the OP a few days ago, but had not connected it today before replying. Wouldn’t have recommended what you already have, otherwise. I don’t have any experience with the apps you were enquiring about, other than a desire to perhaps one day get Amarillo. PSP seems to be a one-stop-shop for many sounds, but I've avoided it myself 'cause I think I will be disappointed with much of the content.

    For guitars, do you have any VI's on desktop that you could sample?

    Other than that you seem to have everything you need, along with the right ideas of how to use it all to accomplish your goals.

    Glad you’re on the mend :)

  • @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:

    @el_bo said:
    Not sure if you've looked into LayR synth. It’s seemingly an über pad-machine. Don’t own it yet, (though at the current 50% discount I probably should), but it might be useful for you. Also worth checking out Virsyn’s TERAVERSE.

    Then of course, there're the granular and sampler 'usual suspects' such as Samplr, Spacecraft, Borderlands, FRMS etc. which can help you easily design drones, or intricate little ear-candy to go along with drones. Throw field-recordings into these apps, have some good ol' hands-on funtimes, and have the results funnelled out through rymdigare, Otherdesertcities and some mega-verb, or other. These kinds of instruments are not only very suited to touchscreens, but playing them can become a meditation in itself.

    Good times

    Yes, I have LayR synth. I love the approach, and the quality of sound it produces. It still seems a bit buggy on my iPad though, which has turned me away from learning it fully. I also love that I can run it on my iPhone.

    Someone else recommended Teraverse too. I wasn't so sure about that one.

    I absolutely love Samplr, Spacecraft, Borderlands and FRMS. I've got a field recorder, and also grab little snippets on my iPhone when I'm out and about. I'm learning and loving Koala too. Pad based sampling has become and unexpected part of my workflow.

    I've got Rymdigare, but haven't got to grips with it yet, although I do use and enjoy Tardigrain. OtherDesertCities is a real favourite for delay, along with K7D and YaleD reverse delay. Modley from Klevgrand is another favourite tool. I recently added BabyAudio Crystalline to my reverbs, and I regularly use Stratosphere, Black Hole, and Alteza, my go to reverbs.

    I'm asking questions like a complete noob here, because I ended up spending a year out of music production due to getting cancer early last year. Slowly on the mend now, I have time and a little energy to return to my love of ambient, but my memory is a bit rusty, so I'm digging through old apps, wondering how I will create with them altogether.

    The one part of my setup that I'm new to learning, is sequencers, so that's fun, I only skimmed the surface before, and never really clicked with them. And I'm looking to choose a couple of synths to learn and work with in more depth. Mitosynth is one, and I'm looking for another. I may already have it. I'm loving Nambu, which is new to me since my long break.

    The other gap in my knowledge and tools is looping and sampling, which again, I'm deep diving into now. But I keep wondering if there's a better tool than Koala for me to do live and recorded creating with, for launching samples and loops, and of course, Loopy Pro, which I'm trying to learn, but finding it a bit mind-boggling. All of this, and I'm learning about LFOs this week, which have always confused me.

    But the music will find a way out, regardless of tools and knowledge, but it all helps.

    My favourite (and yes, it certainly can be meditative) process for creating, is to choose just maybe 3 or 4 apps to work with (not counting the host, which is usually AUM), and sit deep with them. Only adding additional apps once the piece has its direction.

    This seems to be a year for pulling all of this together, for developing some ease in the process, and enjoying the deeper learning. One thing I keep coming back to, is MiRack and VCV rack, but this forum, and others, keep reminding me it may be time to learn to build and create in the mythical Drambo!

    Who knows, perhaps I will become one of the Drambo masters of ambient yet? I can but sit back and listen, when @echoopera starts sharing his creations.

    I did read the OP a few days ago, but had not connected it today before replying. Wouldn’t have recommended what you already have, otherwise. I don’t have any experience with the apps you were enquiring about, other than a desire to perhaps one day get Amarillo. PSP seems to be a one-stop-shop for many sounds, but I've avoided it myself 'cause I think I will be disappointed with much of the content.

    For guitars, do you have any VI's on desktop that you could sample?

    Other than that you seem to have everything you need, along with the right ideas of how to use it all to accomplish your goals.

    Glad you’re on the mend :)

    Bless you, and thank you. Yes, Amarillo seems to be a powerful sound design tool, especially now I've learnt a little from @echoopera on how to tone it down somewhat.

    What is PSP?

    I don't have any VIs I can think of, on desktop, except, maybe there's an electric guitar in GarageBand? I've also thought of using GuitarScaper as a sound source to begin exploring this particular vibe from.

    Wishing you well on your own creative journey.

  • @andowrites Stella, the Decent Sampler pack by Venus Theory is a very beautiful guitar sample pack. I have the free version, it's ace.

    PSP is Pure Synth Platinum by Gospel Musicians BTW, their sounds are always quality, just a matter of whether they suit your taste. Their apps are all sample based so can eat up a fair bit of space, which is why I personally decided to offload most of them. You could always find preset demos on youtube, I'm sure.

  • @Gavinski said:
    @andowrites Stella, the Decent Sampler pack by Venus Theory is a very beautiful guitar sample pack. I have the free version, it's ace.

    PSP is Pure Synth Platinum by Gospel Musicians BTW, their sounds are always quality, just a matter of whether they suit your taste. Their apps are all sample based so can eat up a fair bit of space, which is why I personally decided to offload most of them. You could always find preset demos on youtube, I'm sure.

    Ooh, I've grabbed a couple of his free packs, but missed Stella, I'll check it out today. I know what you mean about space consumption. iPad hard drive real estate is precious.

  • @Gavinski said:
    @andowrites Stella, the Decent Sampler pack by Venus Theory is a very beautiful guitar sample pack. I have the free version, it's ace.

    PSP is Pure Synth Platinum by Gospel Musicians BTW, their sounds are always quality, just a matter of whether they suit your taste. Their apps are all sample based so can eat up a fair bit of space, which is why I personally decided to offload most of them. You could always find preset demos on youtube, I'm sure.

    For clarity, i'd be quite happy to use certain sounds from PSP (Pianos, Electric pianos, organs, certain of their strings and orchestral stuff etc.) But for synths I'm already well-covered. It's the guitars I'm referring to, which the OP was specifically after, which I was thinking of other options.

  • @andowrites said:

    @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:

    @el_bo said:
    Not sure if you've looked into LayR synth. It’s seemingly an über pad-machine. Don’t own it yet, (though at the current 50% discount I probably should), but it might be useful for you. Also worth checking out Virsyn’s TERAVERSE.

    Then of course, there're the granular and sampler 'usual suspects' such as Samplr, Spacecraft, Borderlands, FRMS etc. which can help you easily design drones, or intricate little ear-candy to go along with drones. Throw field-recordings into these apps, have some good ol' hands-on funtimes, and have the results funnelled out through rymdigare, Otherdesertcities and some mega-verb, or other. These kinds of instruments are not only very suited to touchscreens, but playing them can become a meditation in itself.

    Good times

    Yes, I have LayR synth. I love the approach, and the quality of sound it produces. It still seems a bit buggy on my iPad though, which has turned me away from learning it fully. I also love that I can run it on my iPhone.

    Someone else recommended Teraverse too. I wasn't so sure about that one.

    I absolutely love Samplr, Spacecraft, Borderlands and FRMS. I've got a field recorder, and also grab little snippets on my iPhone when I'm out and about. I'm learning and loving Koala too. Pad based sampling has become and unexpected part of my workflow.

    I've got Rymdigare, but haven't got to grips with it yet, although I do use and enjoy Tardigrain. OtherDesertCities is a real favourite for delay, along with K7D and YaleD reverse delay. Modley from Klevgrand is another favourite tool. I recently added BabyAudio Crystalline to my reverbs, and I regularly use Stratosphere, Black Hole, and Alteza, my go to reverbs.

    I'm asking questions like a complete noob here, because I ended up spending a year out of music production due to getting cancer early last year. Slowly on the mend now, I have time and a little energy to return to my love of ambient, but my memory is a bit rusty, so I'm digging through old apps, wondering how I will create with them altogether.

    The one part of my setup that I'm new to learning, is sequencers, so that's fun, I only skimmed the surface before, and never really clicked with them. And I'm looking to choose a couple of synths to learn and work with in more depth. Mitosynth is one, and I'm looking for another. I may already have it. I'm loving Nambu, which is new to me since my long break.

    The other gap in my knowledge and tools is looping and sampling, which again, I'm deep diving into now. But I keep wondering if there's a better tool than Koala for me to do live and recorded creating with, for launching samples and loops, and of course, Loopy Pro, which I'm trying to learn, but finding it a bit mind-boggling. All of this, and I'm learning about LFOs this week, which have always confused me.

    But the music will find a way out, regardless of tools and knowledge, but it all helps.

    My favourite (and yes, it certainly can be meditative) process for creating, is to choose just maybe 3 or 4 apps to work with (not counting the host, which is usually AUM), and sit deep with them. Only adding additional apps once the piece has its direction.

    This seems to be a year for pulling all of this together, for developing some ease in the process, and enjoying the deeper learning. One thing I keep coming back to, is MiRack and VCV rack, but this forum, and others, keep reminding me it may be time to learn to build and create in the mythical Drambo!

    Who knows, perhaps I will become one of the Drambo masters of ambient yet? I can but sit back and listen, when @echoopera starts sharing his creations.

    I did read the OP a few days ago, but had not connected it today before replying. Wouldn’t have recommended what you already have, otherwise. I don’t have any experience with the apps you were enquiring about, other than a desire to perhaps one day get Amarillo. PSP seems to be a one-stop-shop for many sounds, but I've avoided it myself 'cause I think I will be disappointed with much of the content.

    For guitars, do you have any VI's on desktop that you could sample?

    Other than that you seem to have everything you need, along with the right ideas of how to use it all to accomplish your goals.

    Glad you’re on the mend :)

    Bless you, and thank you. Yes, Amarillo seems to be a powerful sound design tool, especially now I've learnt a little from @echoopera on how to tone it down somewhat.

    What is PSP?

    I don't have any VIs I can think of, on desktop, except, maybe there's an electric guitar in GarageBand? I've also thought of using GuitarScaper as a sound source to begin exploring this particular vibe from.

    Wishing you well on your own creative journey.

    Thanks!

    Ok, I thought you might also be a desktop producer with access to Kontakt etc.

    Hve you looked at Pianobook to check if there're usable guitar packs for Decent Sampler? I know there're some more esoteric guitar samples done for Kontakt so some of those might've been converted.

  • @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:

    @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:

    @el_bo said:
    Not sure if you've looked into LayR synth. It’s seemingly an über pad-machine. Don’t own it yet, (though at the current 50% discount I probably should), but it might be useful for you. Also worth checking out Virsyn’s TERAVERSE.

    Then of course, there're the granular and sampler 'usual suspects' such as Samplr, Spacecraft, Borderlands, FRMS etc. which can help you easily design drones, or intricate little ear-candy to go along with drones. Throw field-recordings into these apps, have some good ol' hands-on funtimes, and have the results funnelled out through rymdigare, Otherdesertcities and some mega-verb, or other. These kinds of instruments are not only very suited to touchscreens, but playing them can become a meditation in itself.

    Good times

    Yes, I have LayR synth. I love the approach, and the quality of sound it produces. It still seems a bit buggy on my iPad though, which has turned me away from learning it fully. I also love that I can run it on my iPhone.

    Someone else recommended Teraverse too. I wasn't so sure about that one.

    I absolutely love Samplr, Spacecraft, Borderlands and FRMS. I've got a field recorder, and also grab little snippets on my iPhone when I'm out and about. I'm learning and loving Koala too. Pad based sampling has become and unexpected part of my workflow.

    I've got Rymdigare, but haven't got to grips with it yet, although I do use and enjoy Tardigrain. OtherDesertCities is a real favourite for delay, along with K7D and YaleD reverse delay. Modley from Klevgrand is another favourite tool. I recently added BabyAudio Crystalline to my reverbs, and I regularly use Stratosphere, Black Hole, and Alteza, my go to reverbs.

    I'm asking questions like a complete noob here, because I ended up spending a year out of music production due to getting cancer early last year. Slowly on the mend now, I have time and a little energy to return to my love of ambient, but my memory is a bit rusty, so I'm digging through old apps, wondering how I will create with them altogether.

    The one part of my setup that I'm new to learning, is sequencers, so that's fun, I only skimmed the surface before, and never really clicked with them. And I'm looking to choose a couple of synths to learn and work with in more depth. Mitosynth is one, and I'm looking for another. I may already have it. I'm loving Nambu, which is new to me since my long break.

    The other gap in my knowledge and tools is looping and sampling, which again, I'm deep diving into now. But I keep wondering if there's a better tool than Koala for me to do live and recorded creating with, for launching samples and loops, and of course, Loopy Pro, which I'm trying to learn, but finding it a bit mind-boggling. All of this, and I'm learning about LFOs this week, which have always confused me.

    But the music will find a way out, regardless of tools and knowledge, but it all helps.

    My favourite (and yes, it certainly can be meditative) process for creating, is to choose just maybe 3 or 4 apps to work with (not counting the host, which is usually AUM), and sit deep with them. Only adding additional apps once the piece has its direction.

    This seems to be a year for pulling all of this together, for developing some ease in the process, and enjoying the deeper learning. One thing I keep coming back to, is MiRack and VCV rack, but this forum, and others, keep reminding me it may be time to learn to build and create in the mythical Drambo!

    Who knows, perhaps I will become one of the Drambo masters of ambient yet? I can but sit back and listen, when @echoopera starts sharing his creations.

    I did read the OP a few days ago, but had not connected it today before replying. Wouldn’t have recommended what you already have, otherwise. I don’t have any experience with the apps you were enquiring about, other than a desire to perhaps one day get Amarillo. PSP seems to be a one-stop-shop for many sounds, but I've avoided it myself 'cause I think I will be disappointed with much of the content.

    For guitars, do you have any VI's on desktop that you could sample?

    Other than that you seem to have everything you need, along with the right ideas of how to use it all to accomplish your goals.

    Glad you’re on the mend :)

    Bless you, and thank you. Yes, Amarillo seems to be a powerful sound design tool, especially now I've learnt a little from @echoopera on how to tone it down somewhat.

    What is PSP?

    I don't have any VIs I can think of, on desktop, except, maybe there's an electric guitar in GarageBand? I've also thought of using GuitarScaper as a sound source to begin exploring this particular vibe from.

    Wishing you well on your own creative journey.

    Thanks!

    Ok, I thought you might also be a desktop producer with access to Kontakt etc.

    Hve you looked at Pianobook to check if there're usable guitar packs for Decent Sampler? I know there're some more esoteric guitar samples done for Kontakt so some of those might've been converted.

    Ah, I do use desktop, and have recently been transitioning to Ableton, which is proving to be a wonderful tool. I like it very much, despite having a learning curve to deal with. I was originally solely iOS, but I'm appreciating combining the two now, for different elements of the process.

    I have Kontakt player only, and a limited budget, but yes, I must look at Pianobook, to see what's available there on the guitar front, as I do use Decent Sampler.

  • @Gavinski said:
    As for presets, Aparillo already has tons, literally hundreds. I actually made a bunch of banging presets for it when I made my video, but they seem to have vanished somehow.

    What am I missing? There only seem to be around 20 or so presets when I look? About 10 or 12 categories, each has 2 presets in (?)
    Funny how everyone has different ears, and different tastes. I heard so much good stuff about Aparillo so I took a punt about 18 months ago. Opened it up and hated it. I mean the sounds are AWFUL. Everything is kinda gnarly and abrasive to my ears. If I was making filthy drum and bass it might come in useful, but other than that, I wouldn’t go near it with a barge pole. @Gavinski , most of the time I feel like our tastes are pretty in alignment…….enlighten me!

  • edited January 2023

    @andowrites if you decide to go with Aparillo, I absolutely want to hear the welcoming meditation sounds you make with it.

    I love that app, but I honestly can't see how such takes can be created with it. I could conjure up a decent post-nuclear-wasteland vibe with it in seconds any time, but positive welcoming meditation? I totally need to hear that if and when it is born. 😀

    Jokes aside, I have an actual tip well: the various -scaper apps by Rob Jackson. They can generate neverending positive vibes, you can even set the mood if you prefer.

  • @Kashi said:

    @Gavinski said:
    As for presets, Aparillo already has tons, literally hundreds. I actually made a bunch of banging presets for it when I made my video, but they seem to have vanished somehow.

    What am I missing? There only seem to be around 20 or so presets when I look? About 10 or 12 categories, each has 2 presets in (?)
    Funny how everyone has different ears, and different tastes. I heard so much good stuff about Aparillo so I took a punt about 18 months ago. Opened it up and hated it. I mean the sounds are AWFUL. Everything is kinda gnarly and abrasive to my ears. If I was making filthy drum and bass it might come in useful, but other than that, I wouldn’t go near it with a barge pole. @Gavinski , most of the time I feel like our tastes are pretty in alignment…….enlighten me!

    Actually, I would agree that the factory presets tend towards the aggressive, so unless Ando wants to make her own presets it might not be the best choice. I generally really like Sugarbytes apps, but when it comes to presets, they're often not my kind of thing. Lemme grab aparillo and make something mellow with it!

  • @andowrites said:

    @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:

    @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:

    @el_bo said:
    Not sure if you've looked into LayR synth. It’s seemingly an über pad-machine. Don’t own it yet, (though at the current 50% discount I probably should), but it might be useful for you. Also worth checking out Virsyn’s TERAVERSE.

    Then of course, there're the granular and sampler 'usual suspects' such as Samplr, Spacecraft, Borderlands, FRMS etc. which can help you easily design drones, or intricate little ear-candy to go along with drones. Throw field-recordings into these apps, have some good ol' hands-on funtimes, and have the results funnelled out through rymdigare, Otherdesertcities and some mega-verb, or other. These kinds of instruments are not only very suited to touchscreens, but playing them can become a meditation in itself.

    Good times

    Yes, I have LayR synth. I love the approach, and the quality of sound it produces. It still seems a bit buggy on my iPad though, which has turned me away from learning it fully. I also love that I can run it on my iPhone.

    Someone else recommended Teraverse too. I wasn't so sure about that one.

    I absolutely love Samplr, Spacecraft, Borderlands and FRMS. I've got a field recorder, and also grab little snippets on my iPhone when I'm out and about. I'm learning and loving Koala too. Pad based sampling has become and unexpected part of my workflow.

    I've got Rymdigare, but haven't got to grips with it yet, although I do use and enjoy Tardigrain. OtherDesertCities is a real favourite for delay, along with K7D and YaleD reverse delay. Modley from Klevgrand is another favourite tool. I recently added BabyAudio Crystalline to my reverbs, and I regularly use Stratosphere, Black Hole, and Alteza, my go to reverbs.

    I'm asking questions like a complete noob here, because I ended up spending a year out of music production due to getting cancer early last year. Slowly on the mend now, I have time and a little energy to return to my love of ambient, but my memory is a bit rusty, so I'm digging through old apps, wondering how I will create with them altogether.

    The one part of my setup that I'm new to learning, is sequencers, so that's fun, I only skimmed the surface before, and never really clicked with them. And I'm looking to choose a couple of synths to learn and work with in more depth. Mitosynth is one, and I'm looking for another. I may already have it. I'm loving Nambu, which is new to me since my long break.

    The other gap in my knowledge and tools is looping and sampling, which again, I'm deep diving into now. But I keep wondering if there's a better tool than Koala for me to do live and recorded creating with, for launching samples and loops, and of course, Loopy Pro, which I'm trying to learn, but finding it a bit mind-boggling. All of this, and I'm learning about LFOs this week, which have always confused me.

    But the music will find a way out, regardless of tools and knowledge, but it all helps.

    My favourite (and yes, it certainly can be meditative) process for creating, is to choose just maybe 3 or 4 apps to work with (not counting the host, which is usually AUM), and sit deep with them. Only adding additional apps once the piece has its direction.

    This seems to be a year for pulling all of this together, for developing some ease in the process, and enjoying the deeper learning. One thing I keep coming back to, is MiRack and VCV rack, but this forum, and others, keep reminding me it may be time to learn to build and create in the mythical Drambo!

    Who knows, perhaps I will become one of the Drambo masters of ambient yet? I can but sit back and listen, when @echoopera starts sharing his creations.

    I did read the OP a few days ago, but had not connected it today before replying. Wouldn’t have recommended what you already have, otherwise. I don’t have any experience with the apps you were enquiring about, other than a desire to perhaps one day get Amarillo. PSP seems to be a one-stop-shop for many sounds, but I've avoided it myself 'cause I think I will be disappointed with much of the content.

    For guitars, do you have any VI's on desktop that you could sample?

    Other than that you seem to have everything you need, along with the right ideas of how to use it all to accomplish your goals.

    Glad you’re on the mend :)

    Bless you, and thank you. Yes, Amarillo seems to be a powerful sound design tool, especially now I've learnt a little from @echoopera on how to tone it down somewhat.

    What is PSP?

    I don't have any VIs I can think of, on desktop, except, maybe there's an electric guitar in GarageBand? I've also thought of using GuitarScaper as a sound source to begin exploring this particular vibe from.

    Wishing you well on your own creative journey.

    Thanks!

    Ok, I thought you might also be a desktop producer with access to Kontakt etc.

    Hve you looked at Pianobook to check if there're usable guitar packs for Decent Sampler? I know there're some more esoteric guitar samples done for Kontakt so some of those might've been converted.

    Ah, I do use desktop, and have recently been transitioning to Ableton, which is proving to be a wonderful tool. I like it very much, despite having a learning curve to deal with. I was originally solely iOS, but I'm appreciating combining the two now, for different elements of the process.

    I have Kontakt player only, and a limited budget, but yes, I must look at Pianobook, to see what's available there on the guitar front, as I do use Decent Sampler.

    Ableton seems to be a great DAW, along with also being a great sonic/sound-design playground.

    Have had a re-think about the guitars in PSP. You may very well fine, for your current uses, that any of their sounds played through the appropriate FX will get you 'there'. If you're able to MIDI-learn the volume to a slider or knob, you should be able to get some decent violining going on. From there, you could even think about re-sampling the result into a sample and make playable guitar pads/washes/soundscapes.

  • @Kashi said:

    @Gavinski said:
    As for presets, Aparillo already has tons, literally hundreds. I actually made a bunch of banging presets for it when I made my video, but they seem to have vanished somehow.

    What am I missing? There only seem to be around 20 or so presets when I look? About 10 or 12 categories, each has 2 presets in (?)
    Funny how everyone has different ears, and different tastes. I heard so much good stuff about Aparillo so I took a punt about 18 months ago. Opened it up and hated it. I mean the sounds are AWFUL. Everything is kinda gnarly and abrasive to my ears. If I was making filthy drum and bass it might come in useful, but other than that, I wouldn’t go near it with a barge pole. @Gavinski , most of the time I feel like our tastes are pretty in alignment…….enlighten me!

    It sounds like you haven't bought the full IAP of Aparillo. To be honest, I don't think I would have bought it this week, but it turns out, I bought it previously, and forgot all about it. Yes, I felt the same about the sounds as you, and am yet to be convinced! But I have learnt that I need to harvest sounds I love from different apps, as every synth app I have, has a sound or three that I love and can make good use of. Finding the magic synth (and the skills to control it!) that will meet my needs as an all in one solution, is yet to come to me.

  • @Gavinski said:

    @Kashi said:

    @Gavinski said:
    As for presets, Aparillo already has tons, literally hundreds. I actually made a bunch of banging presets for it when I made my video, but they seem to have vanished somehow.

    What am I missing? There only seem to be around 20 or so presets when I look? About 10 or 12 categories, each has 2 presets in (?)
    Funny how everyone has different ears, and different tastes. I heard so much good stuff about Aparillo so I took a punt about 18 months ago. Opened it up and hated it. I mean the sounds are AWFUL. Everything is kinda gnarly and abrasive to my ears. If I was making filthy drum and bass it might come in useful, but other than that, I wouldn’t go near it with a barge pole. @Gavinski , most of the time I feel like our tastes are pretty in alignment…….enlighten me!

    Actually, I would agree that the factory presets tend towards the aggressive, so unless Ando wants to make her own presets it might not be the best choice. I generally really like Sugarbytes apps, but when it comes to presets, they're often not my kind of thing. Lemme grab aparillo and make something mellow with it!

    I agree with you about that too. Same initial response, I bounced off it in horror! But since @echoopera managed to create some magic in it, I figure maybe I can too. For sure, there must be something in there I can make use of! But yes, it would need some significant dial-tweaking.

  • @andowrites said:

    @Gavinski said:

    @Kashi said:

    @Gavinski said:
    As for presets, Aparillo already has tons, literally hundreds. I actually made a bunch of banging presets for it when I made my video, but they seem to have vanished somehow.

    What am I missing? There only seem to be around 20 or so presets when I look? About 10 or 12 categories, each has 2 presets in (?)
    Funny how everyone has different ears, and different tastes. I heard so much good stuff about Aparillo so I took a punt about 18 months ago. Opened it up and hated it. I mean the sounds are AWFUL. Everything is kinda gnarly and abrasive to my ears. If I was making filthy drum and bass it might come in useful, but other than that, I wouldn’t go near it with a barge pole. @Gavinski , most of the time I feel like our tastes are pretty in alignment…….enlighten me!

    Actually, I would agree that the factory presets tend towards the aggressive, so unless Ando wants to make her own presets it might not be the best choice. I generally really like Sugarbytes apps, but when it comes to presets, they're often not my kind of thing. Lemme grab aparillo and make something mellow with it!

    I agree with you about that too. Same initial response, I bounced off it in horror! But since @echoopera managed to create some magic in it, I figure maybe I can too. For sure, there must be something in there I can make use of! But yes, it would need some significant dial-tweaking.

    Ok, not exactly warm fluffy new age ambient, but no nuclear holocaust either:

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/CnuHvaghHuH/?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE=

    Did this from an init patch. Could have made it tamer but I couldn’t resist adding some modulation. Using the first FM algorithm which is the least abrasive and set the envelope to polyphonic (default is unison)

  • @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:

    @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:

    @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:

    @el_bo said:
    Not sure if you've looked into LayR synth. It’s seemingly an über pad-machine. Don’t own it yet, (though at the current 50% discount I probably should), but it might be useful for you. Also worth checking out Virsyn’s TERAVERSE.

    Then of course, there're the granular and sampler 'usual suspects' such as Samplr, Spacecraft, Borderlands, FRMS etc. which can help you easily design drones, or intricate little ear-candy to go along with drones. Throw field-recordings into these apps, have some good ol' hands-on funtimes, and have the results funnelled out through rymdigare, Otherdesertcities and some mega-verb, or other. These kinds of instruments are not only very suited to touchscreens, but playing them can become a meditation in itself.

    Good times

    Yes, I have LayR synth. I love the approach, and the quality of sound it produces. It still seems a bit buggy on my iPad though, which has turned me away from learning it fully. I also love that I can run it on my iPhone.

    Someone else recommended Teraverse too. I wasn't so sure about that one.

    I absolutely love Samplr, Spacecraft, Borderlands and FRMS. I've got a field recorder, and also grab little snippets on my iPhone when I'm out and about. I'm learning and loving Koala too. Pad based sampling has become and unexpected part of my workflow.

    I've got Rymdigare, but haven't got to grips with it yet, although I do use and enjoy Tardigrain. OtherDesertCities is a real favourite for delay, along with K7D and YaleD reverse delay. Modley from Klevgrand is another favourite tool. I recently added BabyAudio Crystalline to my reverbs, and I regularly use Stratosphere, Black Hole, and Alteza, my go to reverbs.

    I'm asking questions like a complete noob here, because I ended up spending a year out of music production due to getting cancer early last year. Slowly on the mend now, I have time and a little energy to return to my love of ambient, but my memory is a bit rusty, so I'm digging through old apps, wondering how I will create with them altogether.

    The one part of my setup that I'm new to learning, is sequencers, so that's fun, I only skimmed the surface before, and never really clicked with them. And I'm looking to choose a couple of synths to learn and work with in more depth. Mitosynth is one, and I'm looking for another. I may already have it. I'm loving Nambu, which is new to me since my long break.

    The other gap in my knowledge and tools is looping and sampling, which again, I'm deep diving into now. But I keep wondering if there's a better tool than Koala for me to do live and recorded creating with, for launching samples and loops, and of course, Loopy Pro, which I'm trying to learn, but finding it a bit mind-boggling. All of this, and I'm learning about LFOs this week, which have always confused me.

    But the music will find a way out, regardless of tools and knowledge, but it all helps.

    My favourite (and yes, it certainly can be meditative) process for creating, is to choose just maybe 3 or 4 apps to work with (not counting the host, which is usually AUM), and sit deep with them. Only adding additional apps once the piece has its direction.

    This seems to be a year for pulling all of this together, for developing some ease in the process, and enjoying the deeper learning. One thing I keep coming back to, is MiRack and VCV rack, but this forum, and others, keep reminding me it may be time to learn to build and create in the mythical Drambo!

    Who knows, perhaps I will become one of the Drambo masters of ambient yet? I can but sit back and listen, when @echoopera starts sharing his creations.

    I did read the OP a few days ago, but had not connected it today before replying. Wouldn’t have recommended what you already have, otherwise. I don’t have any experience with the apps you were enquiring about, other than a desire to perhaps one day get Amarillo. PSP seems to be a one-stop-shop for many sounds, but I've avoided it myself 'cause I think I will be disappointed with much of the content.

    For guitars, do you have any VI's on desktop that you could sample?

    Other than that you seem to have everything you need, along with the right ideas of how to use it all to accomplish your goals.

    Glad you’re on the mend :)

    Bless you, and thank you. Yes, Amarillo seems to be a powerful sound design tool, especially now I've learnt a little from @echoopera on how to tone it down somewhat.

    What is PSP?

    I don't have any VIs I can think of, on desktop, except, maybe there's an electric guitar in GarageBand? I've also thought of using GuitarScaper as a sound source to begin exploring this particular vibe from.

    Wishing you well on your own creative journey.

    Thanks!

    Ok, I thought you might also be a desktop producer with access to Kontakt etc.

    Hve you looked at Pianobook to check if there're usable guitar packs for Decent Sampler? I know there're some more esoteric guitar samples done for Kontakt so some of those might've been converted.

    Ah, I do use desktop, and have recently been transitioning to Ableton, which is proving to be a wonderful tool. I like it very much, despite having a learning curve to deal with. I was originally solely iOS, but I'm appreciating combining the two now, for different elements of the process.

    I have Kontakt player only, and a limited budget, but yes, I must look at Pianobook, to see what's available there on the guitar front, as I do use Decent Sampler.

    Ableton seems to be a great DAW, along with also being a great sonic/sound-design playground.

    Have had a re-think about the guitars in PSP. You may very well fine, for your current uses, that any of their sounds played through the appropriate FX will get you 'there'. If you're able to MIDI-learn the volume to a slider or knob, you should be able to get some decent violining going on. From there, you could even think about re-sampling the result into a sample and make playable guitar pads/washes/soundscapes.

    That sounds like a good set of suggestions, thanks @el_bo!

  • @ervin said:
    @andowrites if you decide to go with Aparillo, I absolutely want to hear the welcoming meditation sounds you make with it.

    I love that app, but I honestly can't see how such takes can be created with it. I could conjure up a decent post-nuclear-wasteland vibe with it in seconds any time, but positive welcoming meditation? I totally need to hear that if and when it is born. 😀

    Jokes aside, I have an actual tip well: the various -scaper apps by Rob Jackson. They can generate neverending positive vibes, you can even set the mood if you prefer.

    Yes, I love the 'scaper apps. I have been looking into ways to bring them into the mix, with some bending and stretching and other effects. A nice, warm, wash of guitar, synth, or found sound textures beneath would make for a nice mellow vibe.

  • @Yovop said:

    @Gavinski said:

    @Kashi said:

    @Gavinski said:
    As for presets, Aparillo already has tons, literally hundreds. I actually made a bunch of banging presets for it when I made my video, but they seem to have vanished somehow.

    What am I missing? There only seem to be around 20 or so presets when I look? About 10 or 12 categories, each has 2 presets in (?)
    Funny how everyone has different ears, and different tastes. I heard so much good stuff about Aparillo so I took a punt about 18 months ago. Opened it up and hated it. I mean the sounds are AWFUL. Everything is kinda gnarly and abrasive to my ears. If I was making filthy drum and bass it might come in useful, but other than that, I wouldn’t go near it with a barge pole. @Gavinski , most of the time I feel like our tastes are pretty in alignment…….enlighten me!

    Actually, I would agree that the factory presets tend towards the aggressive, so unless Ando wants to make her own presets it might not be the best choice. I generally really like Sugarbytes apps, but when it comes to presets, they're often not my kind of thing. Lemme grab aparillo and make something mellow with it!

    I opened up aparillo, and started fiddling around with the knobs and sliders. I was starting to get some interesting sounds, but it was a bit too dark and moody for what I was going for. So I started playing with some of the other parameters and eventually found something that was a lot more mellow and fit what I was looking for.

    I think Sugarbytes apps are great for creating from scratch and experimenting, and I find that I often make my own presets to get the sound I like. But when I'm looking for something specific, I find that I don't always get the sound I'm after. I tend to end up searching for presets from other companies instead.

    I hear that darkness too. More dark ambient at best, than my flavour.

  • Besides a mellow electric guitar sound, I'm also still trying to find a dusty mellow and warm old synth vibe too, but most of the synths in my collection are of the more modern flavour, and I'm not sure where to begin. I'd appreciate any pointers to apps that might contain that kind of sound, or that I could adjust to create that sound with.

  • @andowrites said:
    Besides a mellow electric guitar sound, I'm also still trying to find a dusty mellow and warm old synth vibe too, but most of the synths in my collection are of the more modern flavour, and I'm not sure where to begin. I'd appreciate any pointers to apps that might contain that kind of sound, or that I could adjust to create that sound with.

    IK's Mellotron and Audiokit's VHS synth come to mind. Both are at opposite ends of the cost spectrum, but both bring a special interpretation of dusty mellow and warm. Mellotron can be seen at around $40 in sale. Pretty sure that's what I paid

  • @Yovop said:

    @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:
    Besides a mellow electric guitar sound, I'm also still trying to find a dusty mellow and warm old synth vibe too, but most of the synths in my collection are of the more modern flavour, and I'm not sure where to begin. I'd appreciate any pointers to apps that might contain that kind of sound, or that I could adjust to create that sound with.

    IK's Mellotron and Audiokit's VHS synth come to mind. Both are at opposite ends of the cost spectrum, but both bring a special interpretation of dusty mellow and warm. Mellotron can be seen at around $40 in sale. Pretty sure that's what I paid

    That sounds great! I'm sure both of those synths will bring you lots of creative inspiration. If you're looking for something in the middle of the cost spectrum, there are lots of digital synths available that provide great sound quality at a much more affordable price. What kind of sound are you looking for?

    No doubt! Didn't want to make it seem like these are the only or best options, but I do think they're quite unique. Also, I don't think the IK synth is over-priced, even at full retail...for some perspective.

    But other recommendations would be the Moog synths, Arturia's SEM and pretty much anything can be mellowed and retro-fied sat above various lo-fi plugin FX ;)

  • @Yovop said:

    @el_bo said:

    @Yovop said:

    @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:
    Besides a mellow electric guitar sound, I'm also still trying to find a dusty mellow and warm old synth vibe too, but most of the synths in my collection are of the more modern flavour, and I'm not sure where to begin. I'd appreciate any pointers to apps that might contain that kind of sound, or that I could adjust to create that sound with.

    IK's Mellotron and Audiokit's VHS synth come to mind. Both are at opposite ends of the cost spectrum, but both bring a special interpretation of dusty mellow and warm. Mellotron can be seen at around $40 in sale. Pretty sure that's what I paid

    That sounds great! I'm sure both of those synths will bring you lots of creative inspiration. If you're looking for something in the middle of the cost spectrum, there are lots of digital synths available that provide great sound quality at a much more affordable price. What kind of sound are you looking for?

    No doubt! Didn't want to make it seem like these are the only or best options, but I do think they're quite unique. Also, I don't think the IK synth is over-priced, even at full retail...for some perspective.

    But other recommendations would be the Moog synths, Arturia's SEM and pretty much anything can be mellowed and retro-fied sat above various lo-fi plugin FX ;)

    Wow, that's quite an impressive list of recommendations! I'm sure any of these would be great choices. Do you have any tips on how to get the best sound out of these synths?

    Some tips for getting the best sound out of these synths include exploring the different sounds and effects available on each one, experimenting with different combinations of effects, and learning how to use the various modulation options available. Also, make sure to take the time to experiment with the various sound settings and find out what works best for your music. Finally, don't forget to use the built-in effects and other features to shape your sound - these can make all the difference!

    Don’t take this personally, but are these comments generated by AI by any chance? My spidey-sense is tingling!

  • @Kashi said:

    @Gavinski said:
    As for presets, Aparillo already has tons, literally hundreds. I actually made a bunch of banging presets for it when I made my video, but they seem to have vanished somehow.

    What am I missing? There only seem to be around 20 or so presets when I look? About 10 or 12 categories, each has 2 presets in (?)
    Funny how everyone has different ears, and different tastes. I heard so much good stuff about Aparillo so I took a punt about 18 months ago. Opened it up and hated it. I mean the sounds are AWFUL. Everything is kinda gnarly and abrasive to my ears. If I was making filthy drum and bass it might come in useful, but other than that, I wouldn’t go near it with a barge pole. @Gavinski , most of the time I feel like our tastes are pretty in alignment…….enlighten me!

    Aparillo is quite capable of doing non-abrasive sounds. It is a synth set up so differently from most that more time may be needed to get used to programming it than synths using more standard architectures. The selection of presets included with it don’t do justice to it’s range.

  • @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:
    Besides a mellow electric guitar sound, I'm also still trying to find a dusty mellow and warm old synth vibe too, but most of the synths in my collection are of the more modern flavour, and I'm not sure where to begin. I'd appreciate any pointers to apps that might contain that kind of sound, or that I could adjust to create that sound with.

    IK's Mellotron and Audiokit's VHS synth come to mind. Both are at opposite ends of the cost spectrum, but both bring a special interpretation of dusty mellow and warm. Mellotron can be seen at around $40 in sale. Pretty sure that's what I paid

    I bought VHS Synth just a couple of days ago. I've been looking for a Mellotron, and just searched the app store, and even the IK website for Mellotron app, but I can't find it anywhere. It looks like it has been absorbed into their Sampletron app, which is £69. It looks like it has a wonderful collection of these type of synths, and I'm sure I would love the sounds, but goodness, £69. Am I missing something, or has Mellotron indeed disappeared?

  • @espiegel123 said:

    @Kashi said:

    @Gavinski said:
    As for presets, Aparillo already has tons, literally hundreds. I actually made a bunch of banging presets for it when I made my video, but they seem to have vanished somehow.

    What am I missing? There only seem to be around 20 or so presets when I look? About 10 or 12 categories, each has 2 presets in (?)
    Funny how everyone has different ears, and different tastes. I heard so much good stuff about Aparillo so I took a punt about 18 months ago. Opened it up and hated it. I mean the sounds are AWFUL. Everything is kinda gnarly and abrasive to my ears. If I was making filthy drum and bass it might come in useful, but other than that, I wouldn’t go near it with a barge pole. @Gavinski , most of the time I feel like our tastes are pretty in alignment…….enlighten me!

    Aparillo is quite capable of doing non-abrasive sounds. It is a synth set up so differently from most that more time may be needed to get used to programming it than synths using more standard architectures. The selection of presets included with it don’t do justice to it’s range.

    I definitely agree with that.

  • @Yovop said:

    @el_bo said:

    @andowrites said:
    Besides a mellow electric guitar sound, I'm also still trying to find a dusty mellow and warm old synth vibe too, but most of the synths in my collection are of the more modern flavour, and I'm not sure where to begin. I'd appreciate any pointers to apps that might contain that kind of sound, or that I could adjust to create that sound with.

    IK's Mellotron and Audiokit's VHS synth come to mind. Both are at opposite ends of the cost spectrum, but both bring a special interpretation of dusty mellow and warm. Mellotron can be seen at around $40 in sale. Pretty sure that's what I paid

    That sounds great! I'm sure both of those synths will bring you lots of creative inspiration. If you're looking for something in the middle of the cost spectrum, there are lots of digital synths available that provide great sound quality at a much more affordable price. What kind of sound are you looking for?

    I'm looking for a dusty, warm, mellow, synth sound. Fluctuations welcome, tapey, reamp sounds welcome, but I can also build those in with added effects in AUM or a DAW. I am seeking simplicity too. If that's possible in this world!

    I'd buy Sampletron app if I had the budget, but I currently don't.

  • @Yovop said:

    @andowrites said:
    Besides a mellow electric guitar sound, I'm also still trying to find a dusty mellow and warm old synth vibe too, but most of the synths in my collection are of the more modern flavour, and I'm not sure where to begin. I'd appreciate any pointers to apps that might contain that kind of sound, or that I could adjust to create that sound with.

    One great option for creating a dusty, mellow, and warm old synth vibe is to use a vintage synth emulation plug-in. Many of these plug-ins are quite affordable and offer a wide range of sounds from classic analog synths. You could also try using a sampler with samples from vintage synths. There are many free and paid apps available that offer a range of vintage samples. Finally, you could also look for free online samples that you can use to create your own unique sound.

    For a more modern sound, you could also try using a modern synth plug-in. Many of these come with a range of effects and sounds that can be used to create a unique and modern sound. Additionally, you could use a sequencer to create your own patterns and riffs that are sure to stand out and make your music sound unique. With the right combination of these tools, you can create a vintage-inspired sound that is sure to capture your audience's attention.

    To top it off, you can also add some vocal samples to your music. These can be either pre-recorded samples or you can record your own voice. This can help to give your music a more personal touch and add a layer of depth to the sound.

    These are lovely suggestions. Thank you for your generosity in your sharing of ideas.

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