Let me start by saying that I really love drum synths. I think that the first drum machine I ever owned was actually four drum synth modules and a sequencer running them. It was hand made too. Ever since then I’ve loved drum synths and iOS has its fair share of them. However, there are a few that really keep me coming back time after time.
The first of these was tweakybeat (App Store link), and I still think it’s a brilliant little drum synth. I’m patiently waited for the MIDI clock update which will make it even better, and I really hope that it won’t be too long now. The next, and in fact the app that is my current favourite for making drum sounds is SeekBeats (app store link). Seekbeats is incredible. What you can do with it in terms of sound design is brilliant.
So, enter Elastic Drums. I have to say that I’ve been completely impressed by this iPhone drum machine. In terms of sound, in terms of design, and in terms of functionality. It is amazing.
What’s so good about it? Well, for starters the range of sounds you can get from it. It is superb. Basically there are 6 drum sounds. Each one can be a different synth engine ranging from kick, hat, snare, clap, square, fm, fm4op, wobble, grain, or tom. Enough to be going on with? Then on top of that each engine has specific parameters for tweaking. Each drum sound can be panned where you want it, and send to two FX. But it gets even better, each parameter for each drum sound can be automated individually. This gives amazing possibilities for creating some really great synth drum tracks.
There’s more too, a good mixer and export options etc. It’s audiobus ready too.
I can’t praise this drum synth enough. All it needs next is MIDI clock sync, which is apparently coming in the next release and it’ll be perfect in my view.
If you don’t know it, then I urge you to take a look. It’s a great app.
PalmSounds 