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Comments
That's right. Since the OP asked for perfect examples, and cited Model D, I felt that just having nice sounds would not apply.
I agree but thought it might be worth explaining more for anyome that might not be clear about the implications.
Awesome man, I complimented you in the link 👍
Can’t believe I forgot this one either. It’s fantastic! The free one is also great but not as close to the original as this one it.
They didn’t say perfect examples in the original comment, unless it was edited, or they made another comment further down that I missed. Which is why I brought that one up. They asked what imitations of hardware there are on iOS, and that is indeed imitations of hardware synths.
Not to belabor the point but the title of this thread is: "What are perfect examples of IOS app imitations of Hardware Synths" emphasis added.
Synclavier Go is pretty identical to the original, except it’s lacking the sequencer and sample to disk modules. I believe the code is the same.
If we’re gonna go fully pedantic then in that case we should just axe the thread because none are exactly perfect lol at the most maybe a couple get 95% there but even a lot of them either have some changes or things added/taken away. Not sure why there’s an issue bringing up an app that’s sole purpose is imitations of classic synths when OP asked for imitations of classic synths 😂
I imagine if I was on the lookout for some classic hardware on iOS I’d be stoked to find out about Syntronik.
I’ll fix that now. I should have said “good” or “decent” instead of perfect. Perfect wasn’t the right word, but just some good imitations
@spanaboy505 said
OK. The key question is whether you want to access the controls of a classic synth, to understand how they work, or you want to just access the sounds. Most of the apps mentioned so far are emulations of specific hardware synths, with control over filters, envelopes, and modulation.
For sound emulations, there are lots more choices. Certainly Syntronik, already mentioned. Also the recent King of FM, King of Digital, and King of Bass.
Mmmmm, semantic refinement always warms my sub-cockles.
I did a search, but I couldn’t find Sub-Cockles in the AppStore. What does that emulate?
If we are talking about analog instruments (especially older designs like the early Prophets, ARP modulars, Buchla instruments, etc) , there is so much variation from instrument to instrument and minor hardware revision to minor hardware revision that the best you’re ever going to be able to do is emulate a specific, individual instrument. Even then, you’re only capturing a snapshot in time- that same analog instrument is going to sound different in 5 years or even day to day due to aging of the components, temperature and magical elves. Modern instruments have designed a lot of that variation out of the circuitry, which is a shame imho. That unpredictably is one of the reasons why none of the digital emulators are truly a replacement for the real thing. That (along with the huge difference is ‘playability’ between hardware and software) is why I named my Easel patch for Drambo a “simulator” - kind of a joking homage to the Job Simulator games.
This is turning into a great list and resource. The idea that you can emulate a basement full of classic synths with just an iPad and perhaps $200 USD of apps is incredible! I'll add a few more to the list.
OPL: Yamaha 1980s FM sound chip. More info here: https://www.discodsp.com/opl/
Yamaha FM Essential: Emulates the DX100, TX81Z (DX-11), and V50. You have to connect it to any Yamaha MX49, MX61, or MX88 Keyboard to unlock all of the sounds (I did it at my local Guitar Center).
Alina: Solina String Ensemble ROMpler. It's 135 MB in size. Electrorchestra from GSi is only 8.3 MG and models a beautiful-sounding string synth, but doesn't sound quite as close to the Solina (or so I have read). I used it last night when playing Hungry Like the Wolf.
There are some excellent emulations of the TB303 as Drambo patches:
https://patchstorage.com/d303/
And the older
https://patchstorage.com/acidline-devilish/
I’m not sure if it’s been mentioned but KQ Dixie is a DX7 emulator that can actually read original syx patch files. There’s an eno.syx floating around somewhere that’s a copy of the patch (taken I think from an old magazine) Brian used on An Ending (Ascent) from Apollo.
Yes, Dixie may well be called an emulation.
I have it next to a real TX7 and 95% of patches sound exactly the same.
Only very few patches (I‘ve found only 1 until now) have a significant variation, probably by some math model differences.
I mentioned OPL as well. It’s one of my favorites on the App Store. Also DiscoDSP told me in an email they’re hoping to port more of their apps to iOS soon.
In the same vein as your last recommendation, the InsideOut apps are incredible, and I may actually prefer their strong machine over the GSI, though both are great. GSI’s organs are also maybe the best you can get on iOS (unless you’re willing to pay $130 for the IK Hammond).
That's good news about DiscoDSP's plans to grow their iOS product line.
I used InsideOut's Combo Organ Model V until GSi released their Red Animal and it was an easy decision for me to make the change.
Hillman from Klevgr is another nice string synth (modeled, not sample-based; only 6.3 MB). Beautiful sounds. Often on sale for $5 USD. The abundance of great options is overwhelming.
Oh yeah, Compact Deluxe from GSI is also amazing. I use all 3 (VBm) quite often. I’m a sucker for a good organ.
I always forget about Hillman and then I use it and remember how cool and unique it is. I have a standalone track I’m finishing up right now that uses Hillman pretty prominently.
Electribe
Square Synth 2 does a good job of imitating NES sounds
Also DiscoDSP told me in an email they’re hoping to port more of their apps to iOS soon.
What stuff does DiscoDSP have that they’re porting? I love OPL and OB-XD
iELECTRIBE and iELECTRIBE for iPhone.
How could I have forgotten those??
I think of the question as encompassing the experience of the hardware in addition to the sound. Sometimes that’s a limiting factor in terms of functionality, but great to have for nostalgia and inspiration.
Those two nail it in that respect.
They didn’t mention any specifics but insinuated there were a few they were looking into. I’m hoping that’s the case 🎉
TGX-99-77 YAMAHA SY-99/77
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tgx-99-77-sample-library/id6467767793
11 GB library - oof!
If analog organs count, Harmonus is spot on.
It’s actually 11+18 so 29 gb. I bought the other 2 expansions previously they were about 30 gigs a piece.
Are those massive ROMplers massively better than King of Digital? Or just expansive huge and just big?
They’re pretty different animals to me. I mean they’re sampling totally different synths after all. The GM are very authentic and sound great. Not necessarily better than KOD, but equal.