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Semi-modular iPad synths list
Hello
I am trying to put together a list of semi-modular synths on iPad together cause I couldn’t find one myself.
Only rule: must have a prepatched signal flow (not a preset in a modular synths!), that can then be altered via patching.
So far, I know of the following:
- Moog Mariana (only in connection with the MF plugins)
- Bram Bos Solderbox
- Bram Bos Hilda
- Bram Bos Ripplemaker
- Korg iMS-20
E.g. the Moog Model 15 is a modular synth. Great synth but not a semi-modular. Also, I understand the argument could be made for the Model D to be semi, however, I believe it only offers a few modular extras and would not identify as a semi.
I look forward to your additions to the list and will check all of them out.
Comments
Twin 3
ToneBoosters Flowtones
These are my two favourite semi-modular synths. Ymmv.
Oh Twin 3 looks delicious.
Sorry, I'm not following here...how are Mariana, Flowtones and Twin 3 "semi-modular"?
I'm unsure if Mariana is semi-modular since I haven't dug deep enough into it yet. If a synth makes sound right off the bat and has a plethora of LFOs and Mod Envelopes you can assign to various parameters, it's semi-modular. If it's something like a Eurorack, then it's fully modular.
I’m sorry, I was unclear here: only in connection with the MF plugins.
Sorry, I don't agree...for me a semi-modular synth has a pre-defined signal path that can be altered through patch points e.g. Solderbox.
Being able to route modulation sources is not semi-modular...
It's fine if you disagree, but I also disagree. The thing is, if you can assign an LFO and/or Envelope to a parameter, aka parameter modulation, that makes the synth modular in some capacity.
I’m with @lasselu here. Think Behringer Neutron, Pro-1, Moog Dfam
I know that there are different interpretations of “semi-modular” (prepatched vs fixed modules) but I’ve never seen modular as referring to modulation, it has always been about the modules
Ah, okay. The way I was taught "semi-modular" was on Absynth back at uni. The professor called that a "semi-modular" synth, so I assumed that's what a semi-modular synth is, whether as software or hardware.
Branches- Semi Modular Synth https://apps.apple.com/us/app/branches-semi-modular-synth/id1520212093 at 4$ is a good price.
Korg Gadget 3 has this Semi Modular synth called Dublin.
Factory Modular Synth from Sugerbytes https://apps.apple.com/us/app/factory-modular-synthesizer/id1458743434
I don’t know if iVCS3, SunVox, or Drambo would count as “semi”, but they should count as “semi”because there technically “semi”, probably not the “semi” your lookkmg for. There’s also Mela 6, Tera Pro, Audulus 4 not really “semi” but i’ll mention anyways. I also just found this online web based one called GSN Composer, its not an app. I had just found out about it but looks real interesting.
What about TC-11?
Imo, the ARP 2600 is the classic semi-modular synth. The connections are normaled to produce a conventional subtractive synth, but they can all be overridden with patch cords. I believe the OP is asking about synth apps similar to that. So, things like Tera Pro and Mela 6 are not semi-modular, because they have nothing until you load a preset.
ids-10 for sure. It's the iMS-20 little sibling
VAPolyWest is another example, similar to Hilda. Any "west-coast" style synth probably qualifies, since they usually feature normaled connections, but lots of flexibility.
Ah okay. Maybe the professor used Absynth as an example of how semi-modular synthesis works, and I may have considered Absynth (and other synths with LFOs and Envelopes) as semi-modular.
It'd be pretty cool if an Arp 2600 clone came to iPad not gonna lie. 😂
Tera Pro
Factory has been sooooo crashy lately.
FWIW I’d class iVCS3 as fully modular - it doesn’t make any sound until you start patching with the matrix, there are no normalled connections. The default patch has some connections made, but if you remove the pins it’s just doing nothing until you put some pins back in to connect the modules in some way.
Mariana + MoogerFoogers is a stretch IMHO. It’s basically a fixed architecture synth with some effects and a way to connect them that allows for some extra modulation options. But that isn't much different to any synth + effects and maybe some MIDI LFOs in a host. YMMV.
Hilda is fixed architecture, you can’t really change the signal path.
I’m tempted to pick about VAPolyWest, but that’s probably more to do with my frustrations with it!
Drambo is fully modular imo.
For me, one of the best semi-modular synths on iOS is (was) propellerheads thor.
I'm keeping an old iPad just for that one.
Such a bummer it isn't available anymore.
That synth needs to be brought back as an AUv3 plugin! I'd pay again for that.
Absolutely!
Buzz Zone
FM Zone
Zeeon
Factory
Nambu
FRMS
Quanta 2
Continua
Volt
Shockwave
Aparillo
Synthscaper
Agonizer
Stria (or any Apesoft App/synth/thing)
Phosphor 3
Synthmaster 1 / 2
Cyclop
Addictive Pro
CrystalsynthXT
Mitosynth
PPG Infinite
Those toward the bottom might no longer be available on the App Store. Those on top are my most used/favs.
Some/many of these might not qualify as semi ... But I guess it depends on the definition.
That's the way I learned it as well. Not necessarily "module" based but a synth that offers a mod matrix or variations to the signal path.
A ton of great synths listed, even if not all of them are semi-modular. (Cyclop for instance isn't semi-modular afaik.)
I need to get into Synthmaster 2. Purchased it, never used it. To be used in one of my Jamuary Ambient pieces.
Exactly! That's where my confusion comes in.
A nice little resource I've used and didn't see shared on this thread- learningmodular.com - their definition for semi-modular is probably worth mentioning if not for just sharing this resource with anyone interested in euro-rack / modular.
One of my 2025 resolutions is to learn how to work with a Eurorack environment (miRack in my case) to create generative Ambient that goes on forever.
EDIT: So this website will he a valuable resource for me. Thanks mate.
If Cyclop is a semi, it might be toward the bottom of the spectrum (Zeeon/Factory/Ripplemaker are at the top, imo)
It has swappable sound generation modules (Saw/Analog sync/FM/etc) , Several different filter routings, swappable filter and distortion models, and an interesting variety of LFO/modulation and sequencing modes for various parameters. It's much deeper than it looks at first glance, but it's a quirky way of doing things, like Sugar Bytes are known for.
I have Thor installed on my current iPad Pro M1 with iPadOS 18 and it still works great.
I do hate to see the day it becomes broken though.
Thor was among the top 2 synths that were most painful for me to lose (next to Z3TA+ )
Such a brilliant sounding, endlessly deep synth, and an excellent (touch optimized!) interface tying it all together. We have others that approach their depth now, but they're a bit lacking on the UI front. (Cough, synthmaster, cough)