iPad - the future of music or an expensive toy?

So the whole world has been split between people who love it and people who laugh at it, but the iPad has undoubtedly made an entrance onto the scene, competing with laptops and building up quite a reputation.

But does its intuitive interface lend itself to high quality music production?   Let's take a look at some of the pieces of software available for it that explore its musical side...


Synths

The first port of call on our journey through the iPad's musical expertise is synths - can it generate its own sounds?   Well, the short answer is - yes.

Much like the iPhone, there are synth apps available for it, such as "miniSynth Pro", which allows for subtractive and FM synthesis with 2 oscillators amongst other features.

The large screen allows for a keyboard display of many keys that can be easily played (they've opted for a clever two-level organ-esque approach to fit more keys on screen at once) and the touch screen makes it seem that bit more authentic and fun to play with, rather than interacting through a dehumanising (perhaps a bit of a harsh word, but you know what I mean) mouse.

The results are perfectly useable as well.   High quality sound and some useful arpeggiator options mean it is a versatile and playable tool.


Samplers

So how about importing your Prime Loops library to the iPad?   Well, if you want to start playing with your XXL Hip Hop Drums one shots, then look no further than Akai Synthstation.

The MPC is a massive influence as you'd expect, so you can load up your one shots and cut-up loops into the familiar pads, or compile things in a looping fashion in the grid edit mode.   It's basically an MPC translated into software - very cool.

Recording software

This is perhaps where the iPad is lacking, mainly because it's not got a fantastic amount of input ability (though some companies have come up with ways to get microphones and line level inputs into the device), but some software companies have still had a go.

"StudioTrack" by Sonoma Wire Works, for instance have made an 8 track sequencer that can apply effects, allow you to mix your track and acts as a nice, quick mixing tool.   What it lacks in versatility and depth, it makes up in accessibility, again with the touch pad allowing users to go back to the days of authentic mixers and move faders around like in the good ol' days!


Sheet Music

It's not all about sound coming directly from the iPad - as it's good for books, sheet music seems like a logical extension of that, allowing a pianist to keep all of their music in one place and for it to scroll automatically as you perform your piece!   Convenient, huh?

MIDI Contoller

need some more dynamic input for your DAW since the mouse/keyboard combo isn't cutting it?   Things like Cubase iC, Trixmix 2, TouchOSC, pOSCa, MRMR, iGOG and Spectrasonics Omni Live (to name but a few) are creating a stir in the hardware industry.   Anyone with an iPad can use the wonders of wifi to make virtual midi connections to their favourite software and control their synths and samples so much more easily!

Sequencer for live gigs and DJ sets

Looptastic and iSequence have both thought that bringing a versatile looping and sequencing to the live arena from your favourite apple tablet is clearly the way of the future!   With many FX, sounds and loops to choose from, it's definitely got the potential to work its way into the live sets of touring DJs who like to keep everything in one place!

Stand alone instrument

It's not just limited to synthesis, as iElectribe and Tenori-On have proven - their devices map perfectly to the rectangular screen and allow some really cool hands (or tenori) -on access to the whole of your electronic music performance!

Groovebox

Devices like moxMatrix, Propellerhead ReBirth and our friend TouchOSC have proven their worth as grooveboxes on the 'Pad (there really is no need for that apostrophe, but there are so many "i"s floating about that it's starting to get dangerous), providing anything from old school techno to modern electro productions quite literally at your fingertips.

Other useful studio gimmicks

How about TC electronics polytune tuner, the BPM Counter, Metronome, Rhyming Dictionary... the list goes on as far as the apps store will let it.   Which is pretty far.


Overall

So in conclusion, it looks like it's not quite a professional DAW-beater just yet, but there are definitely some useable pieces of software for live performance and getting ideas down when you're away from the studio.   All-in-all a great tool for inspiration, since the accessibility will no doubt unleash your want to start actually getting back in touch (aha) with your musical creativity!