Hey there!

PJH2000

Long time lurker, first time poster...

I've been an ameteur musician for many years, started strumming a guitar as a kid, got into bands in my teens and twenties, discovered electronic music in my twenties and started messing about with computers in my forties. Now in my fifties, I've become slightly obsessed with iPad music making!

Been using this forum to follow the release of Grooverider 2 and have to say it's the bees knees! Kudos to Doug and Leo of Sound Test Room and Sound for More respectively. These guys show an amzing amount of dedication to helping people like myself to understand the amazing tools we can use.

Lovely to be here and hope to have some intersting chats about all matters AUv3!

Paul

gusgranite

Welcome! 👋

reezygle

@PJH2000 said:
Long time lurker, first time poster...

I've been an ameteur musician for many years, started strumming a guitar as a kid, got into bands in my teens and twenties, discovered electronic music in my twenties and started messing about with computers in my forties. Now in my fifties, I've become slightly obsessed with iPad music making!

Been using this forum to follow the release of Grooverider 2 and have to say it's the bees knees! Kudos to Doug and Leo of Sound Test Room and Sound for More respectively. These guys show an amzing amount of dedication to helping people like myself to understand the amazing tools we can use.

Lovely to be here and hope to have some intersting chats about all matters AUv3!

Paul

Welcome Paul!

Many of us have similar stories here. I’m also in my 50s and have followed a similar journey to yours. Getting into iPad music production is great. So many professional quality apps, so many ways, never ending fun, and a great community.

Cheers!

Dav

Welcome!

Edward_Alexander

Welcome aboard Paul! @PJH2000

Happy to have you here, and I can assure you you’re among many like minded adults with similar stories. (I’m also in my 50’s!)

PJH2000

Thanks all! Nice to know there are others of a similar vintage...my biggest obstacle to creating my masterpiece (!) is time, seems a lot of others on this forum have the same issue...

I've just got into the idea of enjoying making music for it's own sake and not trying to have a set goal but would be nice to finsh a track or two sometimes!

rapidfire

Hi Paul and welcome.
I’m approaching 72 and heavily into iPad music, I keep purchasing new synth apps and fx when they become available, trouble is I need another 72 years to use it all 👨‍🦳
Someone on this forum wrote ………with all this technology and the iPad…what a great time to be alive
I absolutely agree 🍻
Mike

jwmmakerofmusic

Welcome! Glad GR2 is your gateway app into the world of iOS music creation.

As far as my favourite AUv3s go, I love Grand Finale 2 followed by NoLimits2 on the master effects of GR2. Gives my EDM tracks some polish. If you like I can explain more how I use them.

PJH2000

@jwmmakerofmusic said:
Welcome! Glad GR2 is your gateway app into the world of iOS music creation.

As far as my favourite AUv3s go, I love Grand Finale 2 followed by NoLimits2 on the master effects of GR2. Gives my EDM tracks some polish. If you like I can explain more how I use them.

Thanks, I’ve not heard of either of those. I’ve just been using Bark filter to date but shall give those a crack, any tips welcome man…I’m pretty green with a lot of this but GR2 is very intuituve

michael_m

Welcome to the forum. Your background sounds like it could fit many of the members, so you’re in good company!

jwmmakerofmusic

@PJH2000 said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:
Welcome! Glad GR2 is your gateway app into the world of iOS music creation.

As far as my favourite AUv3s go, I love Grand Finale 2 followed by NoLimits2 on the master effects of GR2. Gives my EDM tracks some polish. If you like I can explain more how I use them.

Thanks, I’ve not heard of either of those. I’ve just been using Bark filter to date but shall give those a crack, any tips welcome man…I’m pretty green with a lot of this but GR2 is very intuituve

Once I'm home from my gig, expect a very long reply. 🤣 I'm an overexplainer.

yellow_eyez

Hello Paul
Welcome!!!

jwmmakerofmusic

Yeah, that Bark Filter tripleband preset way of mastering is pretty great, not gonna lie! It's how I used to master my tracks. But then Logic Pro got AI Mastering Assistant, and I used that for the longest time to master my tracks. Then I discovered Grand Finale 2 and NoLimits2.

SO, the way I master a track is...I slap on Grand Finale 2 and use the "EDM Punch" preset. I adjust the input knob until the level meter on the upper right hits around -14LuFS (the typical loudness standard for Spotify, and the loudness level I prefer). Sometimes on rare occasion, a peak or two may slip through, which is why I also apply NoLimits2 to catch any stray peaks. 1dB input, -1dB output for NoLimits2. This way, the signal does NOT surpass -1dB so to allow more than plenty headroom in case you need to compress the audio file down into a lossy format (which sometimes causes distortion when the signal is right at 0dB and no headroom).

In GR2, Jim was clever to put an LuFS meter on the master fader. That works a treat. However, if I'm mastering an EP or Album in Cubasis 3, I make sure to use Youlean's Loudness Meter. It's free, but the graphs cost an IAP. However, a producer can master just fine without the graphs so long as one can see the LuFS level (which you can without the IAP).

Reverbs. OMG, there are so many top quality reverbs out there on iOS. The built-in ones in GR2 are extremely top quality, but say I want to produce Ambient. In which case, I'd use Stratosphere Cloud Reverb AUv3 in the send effects with the dry/wet knob turned 100% wet. I also love FAC Alteza for the ultimate shimmer reverb that can make reverb tails lasting minutes on end.

However, for most other genres outside of Ambient, the built-in reverbs will do you just fine.

Synthwise, I'd say you should purchase Pure Acid and Poison-202, both also by Mr. Pavloff. They both integrate seamlessly into GR2 without the need to load them as an AUv3 plugin. That said, Pure Acid is integrated just a bit better than Poison-202, since Pure Acid can be loaded as the 303 synth and as the drum synth. Poison-202 is pretty much presets only. (Then again, Poison-202 can be loaded as an AUv3 plugin into GR2 if you want more control over your sound.)

If you got any questions, please do let me know, Paul. Again, welcome to the LPF.

craftycurate

@PJH2000 Welcome Paul, from one 50-something iPad music nut to another.

When I read your opening line - “Long time lurker, first time poster” - in my head i heard it being sung to the tune of “I am 16, going on 17” from The Sound of Music … go figure! 🤔 You won’t be able to unhear it now 😂

jwmmakerofmusic

@craftycurate said:
@PJH2000 Welcome Paul, from one 50-something iPad music nut to another.

When I read your opening line - “Long time lurker, first time poster” - in my head i heard it being sung to the tune of “I am 16, going on 17” from The Sound of Music … go figure! 🤔 You won’t be able to unhear it now 😂

Thanks dude. Just what I needed tonight is that earworm living rent free in my head right before bed. 🤣

PapaBPoppin

@craftycurate said:
@PJH2000 Welcome Paul, from one 50-something iPad music nut to another.

When I read your opening line - “Long time lurker, first time poster” - in my head i heard it being sung to the tune of “I am 16, going on 17” from The Sound of Music … go figure! 🤔 You won’t be able to unhear it now 😂

🎵 Long time lurker, first time poster
Promise, I'm not a diiiiick 🎵

Welcome aboard, Paul! Lots of wonderful, openly knowledgeable folk round here

Which angle of iOS production's got your attention? Genre, physical instruments, synth design, just wanna stack as many midi generators on top of each other for chaotic ambience, noodle around and see what sticks, or trying to recreate Majik Vol III?

What pulled ya toward this surprisingly versatile mobile option? Aside from it being a surprisingly versatile mobile option...

And what are you hoping to accomplish (or learn)? If you know, of course

craftycurate

@jwmmakerofmusic said:

@craftycurate said:
@PJH2000 Welcome Paul, from one 50-something iPad music nut to another.

When I read your opening line - “Long time lurker, first time poster” - in my head i heard it being sung to the tune of “I am 16, going on 17” from The Sound of Music … go figure! 🤔 You won’t be able to unhear it now 😂

Thanks dude. Just what I needed tonight is that earworm living rent free in my head right before bed. 🤣

Ah sorry about that, hehee 😬

craftycurate

@PapaBPoppin said:
What pulled ya toward this surprisingly versatile mobile option? Aside from it being a surprisingly versatile mobile option...

Umm, I’m gonna go with b) It’s a surprisingly versatile mobile option 👍

PJH2000

@jwmmakerofmusic said:
Yeah, that Bark Filter tripleband preset way of mastering is pretty great, not gonna lie! It's how I used to master my tracks. But then Logic Pro got AI Mastering Assistant, and I used that for the longest time to master my tracks. Then I discovered Grand Finale 2 and NoLimits2.

SO, the way I master a track is...I slap on Grand Finale 2 and use the "EDM Punch" preset. I adjust the input knob until the level meter on the upper right hits around -14LuFS (the typical loudness standard for Spotify, and the loudness level I prefer). Sometimes on rare occasion, a peak or two may slip through, which is why I also apply NoLimits2 to catch any stray peaks. 1dB input, -1dB output for NoLimits2. This way, the signal does NOT surpass -1dB so to allow more than plenty headroom in case you need to compress the audio file down into a lossy format (which sometimes causes distortion when the signal is right at 0dB and no headroom).

In GR2, Jim was clever to put an LuFS meter on the master fader. That works a treat. However, if I'm mastering an EP or Album in Cubasis 3, I make sure to use Youlean's Loudness Meter. It's free, but the graphs cost an IAP. However, a producer can master just fine without the graphs so long as one can see the LuFS level (which you can without the IAP).

Reverbs. OMG, there are so many top quality reverbs out there on iOS. The built-in ones in GR2 are extremely top quality, but say I want to produce Ambient. In which case, I'd use Stratosphere Cloud Reverb AUv3 in the send effects with the dry/wet knob turned 100% wet. I also love FAC Alteza for the ultimate shimmer reverb that can make reverb tails lasting minutes on end.

However, for most other genres outside of Ambient, the built-in reverbs will do you just fine.

Synthwise, I'd say you should purchase Pure Acid and Poison-202, both also by Mr. Pavloff. They both integrate seamlessly into GR2 without the need to load them as an AUv3 plugin. That said, Pure Acid is integrated just a bit better than Poison-202, since Pure Acid can be loaded as the 303 synth and as the drum synth. Poison-202 is pretty much presets only. (Then again, Poison-202 can be loaded as an AUv3 plugin into GR2 if you want more control over your sound.)

If you got any questions, please do let me know, Paul. Again, welcome to the LPF.

This is amazing, thanks! That process for mastering sounds very thorough and beyond what I have been messing with to date. Just checked out both apps on the store and will put them on my list, I’ve reached my (self imposed) financial app budget from this month. It’s so easy to spend money by convincing myself ‘it’s only another 7.99’! I also want to make sure I don’t get into the trap of think img that of I just get this app I’ll be able to knock out something incredible…

Reverbs - FAC Altzea is on my list, heard great things. Really like the shimmer on GR2 also…

I’ve got Poison and Pure Acid. Being an old raver, I lose hours to Pure Acid! Agreed on the implementation in GR2, awesome.

Really appreciate you taking the time to go through this man. I’ve found this forum to be very welcoming and massively informative, thanks again!

jwmmakerofmusic

@PJH2000 said:

@jwmmakerofmusic said:
Yeah, that Bark Filter tripleband preset way of mastering is pretty great, not gonna lie! It's how I used to master my tracks. But then Logic Pro got AI Mastering Assistant, and I used that for the longest time to master my tracks. Then I discovered Grand Finale 2 and NoLimits2.

SO, the way I master a track is...I slap on Grand Finale 2 and use the "EDM Punch" preset. I adjust the input knob until the level meter on the upper right hits around -14LuFS (the typical loudness standard for Spotify, and the loudness level I prefer). Sometimes on rare occasion, a peak or two may slip through, which is why I also apply NoLimits2 to catch any stray peaks. 1dB input, -1dB output for NoLimits2. This way, the signal does NOT surpass -1dB so to allow more than plenty headroom in case you need to compress the audio file down into a lossy format (which sometimes causes distortion when the signal is right at 0dB and no headroom).

In GR2, Jim was clever to put an LuFS meter on the master fader. That works a treat. However, if I'm mastering an EP or Album in Cubasis 3, I make sure to use Youlean's Loudness Meter. It's free, but the graphs cost an IAP. However, a producer can master just fine without the graphs so long as one can see the LuFS level (which you can without the IAP).

Reverbs. OMG, there are so many top quality reverbs out there on iOS. The built-in ones in GR2 are extremely top quality, but say I want to produce Ambient. In which case, I'd use Stratosphere Cloud Reverb AUv3 in the send effects with the dry/wet knob turned 100% wet. I also love FAC Alteza for the ultimate shimmer reverb that can make reverb tails lasting minutes on end.

However, for most other genres outside of Ambient, the built-in reverbs will do you just fine.

Synthwise, I'd say you should purchase Pure Acid and Poison-202, both also by Mr. Pavloff. They both integrate seamlessly into GR2 without the need to load them as an AUv3 plugin. That said, Pure Acid is integrated just a bit better than Poison-202, since Pure Acid can be loaded as the 303 synth and as the drum synth. Poison-202 is pretty much presets only. (Then again, Poison-202 can be loaded as an AUv3 plugin into GR2 if you want more control over your sound.)

If you got any questions, please do let me know, Paul. Again, welcome to the LPF.

This is amazing, thanks! That process for mastering sounds very thorough and beyond what I have been messing with to date. Just checked out both apps on the store and will put them on my list, I’ve reached my (self imposed) financial app budget from this month. It’s so easy to spend money by convincing myself ‘it’s only another 7.99’! I also want to make sure I don’t get into the trap of think img that of I just get this app I’ll be able to knock out something incredible…

I know exactly what you mean about Appaholism. 😂 Then again, GR2 has eliminated my need to purchase app after app. So has Cubasis 3's IAPs for that matter (which are so good, I deleted Pure Synth Platinum 2 from my iPad to free up 100gb space lol).

Reverbs - FAC Altzea is on my list, heard great things. Really like the shimmer on GR2 also…

I love the shimmer on GR2. Doesn't have monster-sized reverb tails though like Alteza, but someday mate.

I’ve got Poison and Pure Acid. Being an old raver, I lose hours to Pure Acid! Agreed on the implementation in GR2, awesome.

You're an older raver too? I just finished a Minimal Techno track I just uploaded to SoundCloud.

Really appreciate you taking the time to go through this man. I’ve found this forum to be very welcoming and massively informative, thanks again!

You're absolutely welcome mate. I'm glad you find here welcoming and informative. All the best.

PJH2000

@PapaBPoppin said:

@craftycurate said:
@PJH2000 Welcome Paul, from one 50-something iPad music nut to another.

When I read your opening line - “Long time lurker, first time poster” - in my head i heard it being sung to the tune of “I am 16, going on 17” from The Sound of Music … go figure! 🤔 You won’t be able to unhear it now 😂

🎵 Long time lurker, first time poster
Promise, I'm not a diiiiick 🎵

Ha! Might work into a track!

Welcome aboard, Paul! Lots of wonderful, openly knowledgeable folk round here

Which angle of iOS production's got your attention? Genre, physical instruments, synth design, just wanna stack as many midi generators on top of each other for chaotic ambience, noodle around and see what sticks, or trying to recreate Majik Vol III?

I often sit down thinking I’ll make a minimal techno track and then it usually turns out sounding like a bad New Order copy…love the process though. Very interested in learning about MIDI sequencing, atmos generators, drum programming…Mostly want to develop song structure, I’m listening to music in a different way now and trying to work out how others do it, really deepening my musical appreciation.

What pulled ya toward this surprisingly versatile mobile option? Aside from it being a surprisingly versatile mobile option...

And what are you hoping to accomplish (or learn)? If you know, of course

Love being able to sit on the sofa or in bed meeting about with sound…also love learning new software and digesting tutorials on YouTube!

PJH2000

@rapidfire said:
Hi Paul and welcome.
I’m approaching 72 and heavily into iPad music, I keep purchasing new synth apps and fx when they become available, trouble is I need another 72 years to use it all 👨‍🦳
Someone on this forum wrote ………with all this technology and the iPad…what a great time to be alive
I absolutely agree 🍻
Mike

Thanks Mike. Yeah, I try to resist buying more apps and to learn what I actually have properly!

It is insane the power I have on my iPad. A recording studio you can sling in a backpack! Love it…