iMaschine App Review - Groove Sketchpad for iOS
A Unique Mobile Music Creation Tool: iMaschine
From time to time, MakeUseOf highlights applications that represent genuine value for both our readers and ourselves. These applications typically fill a niche, lacking comparable free options. iMaschine, in our assessment, fits this description perfectly.
Introducing iMaschine and Native Instruments
iMaschine is a recently released application designed for the iPhone. It originates from Native Instruments, a company renowned for its high-quality, professional-grade music software and hardware.
Native Instruments is well-known for products such as Traktor and Maschine, establishing a strong reputation within the music production community.
Expectations and Potential
Given the pedigree of its developers, a high level of performance from this app is reasonably anticipated.
If you enjoy creating music while mobile, continue reading to determine whether iMaschine is poised to become your next acquisition from the App Store.
The app offers a unique approach to mobile music production, catering to users who desire a portable and intuitive workflow.
It’s designed to empower musicians to capture ideas and develop tracks regardless of their location.
Creating Music on the Move
iMaschine is an accessible application that’s easy to learn, offering a platform for crafting diverse beats and loops. Users are given four tracks for rhythm creation, each of which can be configured to utilize a pad, keyboard, or direct microphone input.
Track Input Options
By tapping and holding the A, B, C, or D buttons, you can modify a track’s input source. This allows for layering various sounds, such as vocals, guitar accompaniment, and percussive handclaps. You can select multiple microphone inputs to build a completely acoustic loop.
Pad Customization and Sampling
Alternatively, utilizing the four pads presents an opportunity to develop intricate drum patterns. These pads come equipped with pre-loaded kits and samples. Each of the 16 buttons on a pad is fully customizable.
These buttons can be altered, re-recorded, and employed in one-shot mode. One-shot mode ensures the entire sample plays upon a single press, rather than requiring the button to be held down.
Value and Content
The $5 investment provides substantial value in terms of included sounds, kits, and pre-made projects. Ten projects are included, serving as demonstrations of the app’s capabilities.
Furthermore, 25 distinct kits are available. These kits encompass not only drum samples but also chord progressions and electronic sound effects, totaling over 400 individual sounds.
Constructing Rhythms with EaseThe application boasts a user-friendly interface, although some initial exploration is required to fully grasp its functionality. After selecting a sound source, five buttons at the screen's base become active. The first button facilitates simple note repetition, enabling sustained sample playback with seamless looping.
The second button manages the dynamic range, while the third provides options for sample manipulation – removal, duplication, and pattern alteration. It’s important to understand that patterns automatically loop.
The duration of the loop is determined by the length of the pattern you create. This is a straightforward concept to implement. The fourth button activates individual sample recording and editing capabilities. Finally, the button on the lower right allows for complete kit or keyboard sound changes.
While this may initially appear complicated, the system is remarkably intuitive and quickly mastered. The top row features a save/load function. BPM adjustments are made by tapping the displayed numerical value.
Effective loop creation relies on layering and gradual sound development. Should an error occur, the pattern can be cleared and re-recorded without disrupting existing tracks. Experiment with recording complex patterns at slower tempos.
Subsequently, increase the BPM significantly to achieve high-energy results. This can be quite rewarding!
Effects, Live Application, Personalization and User Experience
The mixer functionality within the application enables adjustment of individual input volumes. It also grants access to a selection of built-in effects. A maximum of two effects can be assigned and utilized on each track.
While the range of available effects is somewhat limited, basic tools like low-pass filters and delays are present. These can be effectively employed to refine your sound. Considering this is an iPhone application, the quality of the results is remarkably good.
Live Performance and Sample Management
iMaschine lends itself well to live performance scenarios. It can be used during DJ sets for triggering single samples or function as a completely adaptable mobile sampler.
Users can expand the sample library by connecting their iPhone to a computer. iTunes file sharing allows for the transfer of 16-bit WAV samples. These samples can then be imported into kits and stored for rapid recall.
Usability and Stability
During testing, occasional instances were observed where a sound input was not registered, leading to a missed beat. Similar reports have been noted within the App Store reviews. However, this issue is not consistently present.
Application crashes did occur, but were infrequent. Importantly, the app consistently resumed operation at the exact point of interruption. Beyond these minor occurrences, iMaschine proved stable and reliable during extended use. Its engaging nature is undeniable.
Final Thoughts
Given its price point of just $5, iMaschine delivers exceptional value for money. Numerous sample packs are available for download, and users also have the flexibility to create their own custom kits.
An export function is included for experienced Maschine users, allowing project continuation on a desktop platform.
iMaschine functions effectively as both an enjoyable pastime and a productive instrument for music creation, making it a worthy addition to any music production setup. It has rightfully received a MakeUseOf recommendation.
Get it: iMaschine at the App Store ($5)
Learn more: iMaschine on NativeInstruments.com
Have you experimented with iMaschine? If you utilize other products from Native Instruments, please share your experiences and opinions in the comments section below.
