Synthesizer V Android
Author Metcalfe
G-Stomper Studio is a music production tool similar to Caustic 3. It includes a drum machine, various synthesizers, a piano keyboard, and other valuable features. There is also native support for Ableton if you use that on your desktop computer. Some additional features include WAV file export, real-time audio recording, and a decent set of tutorials to teach you the parts. This app is also one of those good ones that people seem to like.
Nanoloop is a sequencer, synth, and sampler app that does a little bit of everything. The app features eight audio channels with eight patterns per channel. You can also sample via a microphone, resample, export to WAV (for import to another DAW later), and use the loop function to create basic beats for songs. It also boasts compatibility with the iOS version. Most modern Android phones have minimal lag, and the UI is much easier to use than many others.
The sound coming out of my amp is only from my HD (As if the synthesizer did not exist). How do I make the guitar sound process on the tablet synthesizer? Is there any hardware? Is there another setting? I do not want to buy a Roland G55 for this.
I was approached by Samsung directly a couple of years ago to bring my iOS apps to Android and they claimed their new SDK was low-latency and that their engineers would help. Later I found there were still bugs and not true.
I think all of the developers are kinda crippled by the lack of infrastructure provided by the android designers when it comes to audio. Seems like the creators of the Android OS just want developers and users to write/play games, watch youtube, and browse the web lol
When it comes to analog synthesizers, there's no doubt that iOS users have a slight advantage over those who prefer Android. For all the advantages that Android has, iOS still has the edge in terms of audio. Of course, while definitely fewer, this doesn't mean that there are no software synthesizers available on Android. So, if you are unwilling to make the leap from Android to Apple, you still have a few options available to you when it comes to synthesizers. Unfortunately, the market for Android apps is also a lot more crowded than iOS, which can make it hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. So, if you are a staunch Android supporter and would like to make some noise on your phone or tablet, here are a few options to choose from. Just remember that the specifications of your Android device can have a big impact on the quality of the soft synth you choose.
Latency is always an issue with audio applications on Android, so it is nice to see that the developers of Common Analog Synthesizer managed to overcome this issue. As the name suggests, it is a no thrills virtual analog synthesizer with a clean layout and decent sound quality. While it is one of the older synth apps on Android, it is completely free and you can still coax some interesting sounds out of it thanks to two oscillators, 3 envelopes, 1 LFO, cross-modulation and more.
QiBrd is another interesting virtual analog synthesizer that is not only free, but also doesn't have any adverts. However, if you want to add a recording feature to QiBrd you need to purchase this module separately. It is not an app that tries to mimic any particular vintage synthesizer, but instead focuses on ease of use. This app has also been used live by a couple of artists, so with the right hardware you'll be able to do the same. While this is probably not for musicians who are looking for an accurate simulation of a real analog vintage synth, it will definitely appeal to beginners or those who simply want to play around with analog sounds.
SonaSynth Anlog Synthesizer is an android app that is also getting a bit long in the tooth at this point, but it has the advantage of being completely free and very easy to play, which makes it ideal for newcomers. This app features volume and frequency envelopes, low frequency oscillators, two main oscillators with octave and siminote tuning, frequency modulation as well as a sound wave graph. The interface is very intuitive as well, but unfortunately you'll have to put up with a few random ads while using it.
Kosmiche Synthesizer is a virtual analog synthesizer and algorithmic sequencer that is probably a little too limited for experts, but can provide a lot of fun if you are a newcomer to the synth craze. It has a user interface that features several types of widgets and adjustments can be made via the sliders, buttons, choiceboxes, knobs and scrollboxes. In terms of features you get an analog-style step sequencer, two multi-waveform oscillators, a Moog-style resonant low-pass filter, tunable delay and reverb, random patch generation and much more. Users who enjoy this app can also support the developer by buying the paid version.
Bristol PolySynth is one of the oldest Android software synthesizers on this list, but it still delivers what it promises; the emulation of an 80s classic analogue poly synth. It has one oscillator, noise, mixer, filter as well as a pair of envelope generators. In addition, it has support for pressure sensitive touch screens, the use of an accelerometer for the pitch and mod wheel, along with multi-touch and zooming interface facilities. The option for analog filters are also included in the interface, which consumes extra CPU cycles, but shouldn't be an issue on modern Android devices.
Musicians who find themselves constantly switching between VST, iOS and Android devices will appreciate DRC. This virtual analog polyphonic synthesizer not only recreates the characteristic sound of an analog synth, but it is designed for portability. The same sound engine is shared across all of its supported platforms and you can even sync your patches among devices by using the cloud preset sync tech. With two main oscillators, one sub-oscillator, one noise source, 4 pole self-resonant low pass ladder filter, 2 pole multimode filter, 2 LFO's and 2 analog modeled envelope generators, arpeggiator with four modes and much more, it's definitely not lacking in features either.
The iKaossilator app for iOS became an enormous hit when it was released in 2011, and now it's available as an Android app. "KORG Kaossilator for Android" is a synthesizer app that lets anyone enjoy full-fledged instrumental performance simply by freely moving their finger across the touch panel. From electronic sounds to acoustic instruments and drums, you can play a wide range of sounds with a single finger. Also provided is a sequencer that's indispensable for creating songs, so you can create tracks by recording and layering your performances. This easy yet full-fledged instrumental experience is now available on your Android smartphone.
Kaossilator uses the unique X-Y interface. Create melodies and phrases simply by stroking, tapping, or rubbing the touch screen with your finger. Move your finger horizontally in the screen to control the pitch, and move vertically to control elements of the synthesizer sound. Musical knowledge is not required. Simply move your finger as you feel, and you'll be creating cool music that's unique to your performance style.
Use the 150 built-in sounds to perform and produce a broad range of dance music styles including EDM, hip-hop, house, techno, dubstep, nu-disco, and electro. Enjoy the synth leads and synth bass sounds, as well as acoustic sounds that simulate piano or guitar, chords, even the popular sound effects used by DJs. The drum sounds let you play and manipulate various patterns simply by moving your finger.
The built-in loop sequencer lets you layer up to five musical parts. By recording sounds such as synth, bass, chords, sound effects, and drums into each part, you can quickly complete original loop tracks that are distinctively your own. Fifty loops created by professional musicians are built-in to help you get started quickly.
In addition to its track-making capabilities, this loop sequencer is also a great feature for live performance. The Mix Play feature makes it easy to enjoy live remixing; you can switch seamlessly to another loop or extract a specific part from another loop while the playback continues.
The Flex Play function lets you add dynamic changes to the songs you play. Tap and hold Length or Tempo, and move your finger across the touch panel to dramatically change the loop's tempo or length. You can use this to instantly generate a fill or break as an accent for your performance.
Existing audio loop files can be imported into each part of the sequencer. In addition to simply playing back an imported audio loop, you can use a filter effect assigned to the touch panel to modify the sound of the loop in the same way of the KAOSS PAD. To import, simply send your audio loop file to the /Music/kaossilator/ folder of your device, and then import it via the import menu of the sound list (sound selection screen). An audio loop that you exported from within Kaossilator can also be re-imported into a part.
Yes it is possible to send SysEx files to your synth using an Android device, but it depends on your Android version and your device.
Most important: your device should provide proper USB-OTG support. I have experienced that not all Android devices support this. Sometimes a rooted device is required, which for me is the same as "not supported". For example, it doesn't work on my Huawei P9 lite, but it did work on my previous P8 (until I dropped it in the water. Oops.).
It's something the specs given by the manufacturer don't make clear. There are some apps in Google Play to test USB-OTG functionality.
With my Huawei P8 and my Nexus 7 I had succes, I used an app called Midi Commander. There is a "send midi file" menu option slightly hidden in the app where you can select a syx file from your device's filesystem and send it to your device.
Midi Commander