Thursday, December 21, 2017

SynthScaper 1.3 has been released

The new version 1.3 of SynthScaper - Soundscapes synthesizer has been released. In this update added a new tool Designer (only for iPad, for iPhone in the next update) that is intended to automatically generate and tweaking new presets and scenes.

With using neural network the Designer generates new presets based on already existing by adding some random variations and checking the result so that the new preset remains similar to the selected pattern.

Therefore new presets and scenes always will be different but remain similar to existing ones and in most cases are ready to use, possibly with a small adjustment of some parameters. Even if the result is not entirely suitable for your purposes, the designer is the great tool for creating a starting point that can easily be finalized as you would like.




[ More about the Designer tool ]

Also in this update - New scenes, presets and samples, Audiobus SDK updated, Built-in description updated, Minor bugs were fixed.






Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Thursday, December 14, 2017

The new tool Designer in SynthScaper 1.3

Designer is a tool intended to automatically generate and tweaking new presets and scenes.

With using neural network algorithms the designer generates new presets based on already existing by adding some random variations and checking the result so that the new preset remains similar to the selected pattern.

Therefore new presets and scenes always will be different but remain similar to existing ones and in most cases are ready to use, possibly with a small adjustment of some parameters. Even if the result is not entirely suitable for your purposes, the designer is the great tool for creating a starting point that can easily be finalized as you would like.


The panel "Designer" contains all needed controls for selecting pattern of the new presets and for tweaking them after generating. The left part of this panel contains controls for generating presets.

At the top there is selector of the samples that will be used in new presets. It could be any samples from built-in or user libraries or from defined group or you can select a specific sample. Tap to the dashed area to select specific group or sample.

Below there are four controls for selecting pattern of the new preset. Two controls select pattern of oscillator section and two for filters. So you can use different patterns for oscillator and filters in new preset.

Control "Complexity" selects the pattern based on complexity of existing presets. The complexity increases from the bottom up.

Control "Variety" sets a level of variations from the base pattern. The higher this level the more diverse presets will be creating.

The basic idea behind these controls, as well as the entire application, is the experiment. Just try different combinations and listen to the result.








See also useful information about SynthScaper app:

[ SynthScaper - How to assign "LFO" to parameters (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - How to use "Effect" parameters (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Two-Voiced Drone (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Start with your own samples (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Automate pitch shifting (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper - One shot sample demo (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper modules connection diagram (big picture) ]

[ Complete description of SynthScaper 1.3 in one PDF file ]








Sunday, December 10, 2017

The best new iOS apps and hardware of 2017

SynthScaper in the list of the best new iOS apps and hardware of 2017 by MusicRadar

SynthScaper - Synthesizer for iPad and iPhone specially designed for creating and experiments with ambient soundscapes in wide range from noises to melodic instruments and everything in between.


We said: “SynthScaper is a powerful soundscape- generator that blends melodic and inharmonic sounds via multi-layered sample-based oscillators. Its interface can be a little confusing, since there’s a lot going on, but when it comes to the creation of ambient sounds, this is one of the most powerful tools we’ve tried on any platform.” -- MusicRadar

[ More about SynthScaper ]
















Friday, November 24, 2017

Black Friday Sale!


Limited time sale all apps of
Exciting Noise and
Audio Mastering series
Exciting Noise series

SynthScaper - Synthesizer for iPad and iPhone specially designed for creating and experiments with ambient soundscapes in wide range from noises to melodic instruments and everything in between. Buy on App Store >>>

SynthScaper nominated for "The Best new iOS app of 2017" by MusicRadar.

SynthScaper nominated for "The TabMuse Top iOS Music Apps of 2017".



Buy this app now! Next free update will add advanced feature called Designer that lets you easy create and tune an infinite number of new presets. With using technology of neural network the Designer generates new presets and scenes based on existing and gives you several simple controls to select complexity and variety of the new sounds and also lets you tune generated presets.



FieldScaper - Advanced field recorder combined with a sound warp engine and a collection of ready to use dynamic presets for iPad and iPhone. Discover new ways to create and construct unusual and exciting sounds from any environmental audio recordings or samples recorded from other apps through Inter-App audio or Audiobus. Buy on App Store >>>




SoundScaper - An experimental sound mini lab for creating unusual soundscapes, atmospheric textures, drones, glitches and noises based on circuit bending principles. Buy on App Store >>>




Audio Mastering series

Audio Mastering - The first fully functional audio mastering application with professional quality delivers an unprecedented level of clarity, punch and warmth to your mix. Buy on App Store >>>




AltiSpace - Convolution Reverb. The realistic sound of famous reverb gears for your iPad and iPhone! Buy on App Store >>>




Master FX - Multipurpose effect processor for guitar, synthesizer and voice, providing a wide range of high-quality and creative effects options for audio processing. Buy on App Store >>>




Master Record - Tape simulation recorder, player and effect for Inter-App Audio and Audiobus. Buy on App Store >>>



More demos

















Monday, November 13, 2017

Tangled Up In Blue

NEM SUBMISSIONS (Oct 2017) Blue 

“Like it was written in my soul from me to you Tangled up in blue” (- Bob Dylan)

A Companion Collection of Imagery

Curator: Jane Schultz

Artworks by: Eleni Gemeni, Lorenka Campos, Tuba Korhan, Jo Sullivan, Roger Guetta, Leor Levine, Leon Williams, Clint Cline.

Music “Blue Movement 02”. Composed and performed by Andrea Bigiarini on SynthScaper and SoundScaper apps for iPad.

A New Era Museum Gallery - http://neweramuseum.org/words/subblue




Apps on iPad:

SynthScaper - Synthesizer specially designed for creating and experiments with ambient soundscapes in wide range from noises to melodic instruments and everything in between.

SoundScaper - An experimental sound mini lab for creating unusual soundscapes, atmospheric textures, drones, glitches and noises based on circuit bending principles.



Monday, October 23, 2017

FieldScaper ver. 1.8 has been released!

FieldScaper - Sound warp field recorder and scapes constructor ver. 1.8 has been released.

Advanced field recorder combined with a sound warp engine and a collection of ready to use dynamic presets for iPad and iPhone. Discover new ways to create and construct unusual and exciting sounds from any environmental audio recordings or samples recorded from other apps through Inter-App audio or Audiobus.

The main advantage is that you can record and modify samples along the way within the single app. You can record sounds and noises, delete unwanted parts and then use presets to give a whole new sounding or create spectacular soundscapes and textures to use them as loops in this app. And even use FieldScaper as effect in real time with other apps or external input.




What's new in version 1.8:

  • Added support of Ableton Link.
  • Added support of Audiobus 3.
  • Added support of Audiobus MIDI.
  • New mode "Manual" in the looper.
  • Additional LFO ranges.
  • Sync start with Ableton Link.
  • Several new presets added.
  • Updated Dropbox support.
  • Improvements of user interface.
  • Built-in description updated.
  • Minor bug fixes.

[ FieldScaper - description, screenshots and demos ]


FieldScaper demos:

















Studio Kit Practice 1 (with SynthScaper)

QuarkspaceHed - Studio Kit Practice 1

The minute ambient intro to the piece features SynthScaper. Makes me think of Lake Erie right after sunset. Release early next year.


[ More videos of QuarkspaceHed ]

Friday, October 6, 2017

Audio Mastering series apps

Audio Mastering series
professional quality audio processing apps



Audio Mastering - Fully functional audio mastering application with professional quality delivers an unprecedented level of clarity, punch and warmth to your mix. Precise control of all parameters and highest quality audio processing, the most important part of any mastering, is the base of this application. App Store >>>

[ Demo ]

AltiSpace - Convolution Reverb. The realistic sound of famous reverb gears in your iPad and iPhone. Includes a large built-in library of the highest quality reverb impulses taken from actual devices and possibility to upload your own impulses of reverb spaces. App Store >>>

[ Demo ]

Master Record - Tape simulation recorder, player and effect for Inter-App Audio and Audiobus. Easy to use application with convenient control brings the richness and warmth of analog tape machines to your instrument, voice or final tracks. App Store >>>

[ Demo ]

Master FX - Classic effects. Contains set of classic sound effects which you can use for guitar, synth or voice at live performance or for processing tracks in DAW and other mixing apps thru Inter-App Audio or with Audiobus. App Store >>>

[ Demo ]

All apps in this series are 64-bit and completely compatible with the latest iOS 11

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Electric shadow - Live with SynthScaper and SoundScaper

Live performance with only two iPad apps recorded on Tascam Portastudio 424 mk III


High quality track from this video:



What in this setup (devices and connections):


Apps on iPad:

SoundScaper - An experimental sound mini lab. Control from Korg nanoKontrol2. Used for intro and effect sounds.

SynthScaper - Soundscapes synthesizer. Control from Akai MPK49 for all oscillators (main MIDI source in app). Sequences send from Doepfer Dark Time for third oscillator (alter MIDI source in app). First oscillator configured for noise in the final part. Pad playing on second oscillator.

Two stereo outputs recorded on Tascam Portastudio 424 Mk III, mixed and added to video and as separate track.

All devices (except Korg nanoKontrol2) have own power supplies and connected to iPad thru non-powered USB hub.



Useful information about SynthScaper app:

[ SynthScaper - Wide and deep sound with the single preset (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Natural chorus and Spatial effects (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - How to assign "LFO" to parameters (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - How to use "Effect" parameters (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Two-Voiced Drone (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Start with your own samples (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - The Designer tool (short description) ]

[ SynthScaper - Arpeggiator / Sequencer overview (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper - Automate pitch shifting (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper - One shot sample demo (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper modules connection diagram (big picture) ]

[ Complete description of SynthScaper 1.6 in one PDF file ]



See also:

FieldScaper live improvisation (FieldScaper app on iPad with MIDI controller, hardware synths and also with description of setup).

FieldScaper - Advanced field recorder combined with a sound warp engine and a collection of ready to use dynamic presets for iPad and iPhone. Discover new ways to create and construct unusual and exciting sounds from any environmental audio recordings or samples recorded from other apps.



SynthScaper ver. 1.2 has been released

SynthScaper - Soundscapes synthesizer ver. 1.2 has been released!



Synthesizer specially designed for creating and experiments with ambient soundscapes in wide range from noises to melodic instruments and everything in between.

[ More about SynthScaper app ]



This version supports loop points and note / pitch info in wav files that gives you possibility to use a lot of ready loops from third-party samples libraries.

Also in this update:

  • New scenes, presets and samples.
  • Supports loop points and note info in wav files.
  • Added low pass ladder filter.
  • Added low pass distortion filter.
  • Mode 12/24 db for LP, HP, BP filters.
  • New parameter "Smooth" for Low / High pass filters.
  • New parameter "Drive" for Band pass / stop filters.
  • Addition working mode for envelope generator.
  • MIDI control for sustain pedal.
  • MIDI controls for changing scenes.
  • Improved pitch / modifier on screen keyboard.
  • Built-in description updated.
  • Minor bugs were fixed.

Live performance with SynthScaper and SoundScaper apps on iPad


[ More about this setup ]







Tuesday, August 22, 2017

SynthScaper Vs ISymphonic 22 Août 2017 Master

ERT aka Eric TROCHU - 710ème composition "Live improvisé" at home par temps clément et bonne humeur, on SynthScaper et iSymphonic, plus Arturia, ThumbJam, Seaboard 5D et Live 9.3 ! :)





Friday, August 18, 2017

SynthScaper - How to use "Effect" parameters

SynthScaper has special parameters "Effect" that are intended for changing several other parameters at once. This feature gives you possibility to create complex sound effects which controlled by single parameter.



SynthScaper - Soundscapes synthesizer specially designed for creating and experiments with ambient soundscapes in wide range from noises to melodic instruments and everything in between.



The parameter "Effect" itself does not change anything, but you can assign it to control other parameters in different ranges. Each oscillator has two effect parameters - "Effect 1" and "Effect 2". Each of it can change one or several parameters of oscillator and filters.

By default vertical moving on the screen keyboard change operating (not current) value of parameter "Effect 1" for all oscillators.

You can click on any image to enlarge it


Effect shifts the operating value of assigned parameters relative of their current value. The range of shift defined by the parameter "Amount" which is in the panels "LFO" and "Envelope". In these panels you can assign effect on specific parameter.

The operating value of oscillator or filter parameters can differ from the current value and indicated by a green marker next to the current value. But other than the effect this value also can be changed by LFO and Envelope generator.


In the panel "LFO" you can assign effect to the parameter value or to the value of range in which LFO will change this parameter or to the value of phase of LFO for this parameter. Also in this panel you can assign effect to change the value of depth or rate of selected LFO.


Destination parameter selects by button above the knob "Amount". To assign effect to this parameter just set the "Amount" value differ from "0%".

The default value of effect is "0%" and effect does not change the operation value of destination parameter. When the effect is positive, this increases operating value of assigned parameter. When negative - decreases.

Direction can be inverted by parameter "Amount". When amount value is "+100%" and effect value is "+100%" the assigned parameter will set to the maximum value. When effect value is "-100%" the assigned parameter will set to the minimum.

In the panel "Envelope" you can assign effect to change one of envelope parameters - Attack, Decay, Sustain or Release.


Please note: Effect knobs on all LFO and Envelope tabs (tabs 1 - 6 at the top of panel) have the same value. This is the same knob but only placed on each tab for checking how the effect changes specific parameter. Also this knob is identical to the elements "Effect" on the ring controls in spatial mixer (on the main screen).



There is an easy way to start use effect for changing one or several parameters when you sliding vertically on the screen keyboard.

  • Choice the parameter on oscillator or filter panel that you want to change.
  • Tap button "LFO" below this parameter (or button below the title of this parameter).
  • Make sure that knob "Effect 1" is set to "0%".
  • Make sure that button above "Effect 1" has name "Value" (otherwise tap to this button to change destination parameter).
  • Then set the knob "Amount" to value differ from "0%". At first to the "+100%".
  • Move vertically on the screen keyboard. See and listen how this change the parameter and sound. 

You can repeat these steps for other parameters. In this case you can change several parameters at the same time.



See also:

[ SynthScaper - Wide and deep sound with the single preset (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Natural chorus and Spatial effects (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - How to assign "LFO" to parameters (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - How to use "Effect" parameters (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Two-Voiced Drone (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Start with your own samples (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - The Designer tool (short description) ]

[ SynthScaper - Arpeggiator / Sequencer overview (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper - Automate pitch shifting (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper - One shot sample demo (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper modules connection diagram (big picture) ]

[ Complete description of SynthScaper 1.6 in one PDF file ]







Thursday, August 10, 2017

SynthScaper ver. 1.1 has been released

SynthScaper - Soundscapes synthesizer app for iPad and iPhone version 1.1 has been released!

This update contains several big changes such as support of Audiobus 3 and Ableton Link. Also added new features of using one shot samples and automate pitch shifting, and very convenient option for packing scenes and its samples to single file that you can send to another device or share it with others. Of course that is not a final changes, SynthScaper continues to develop and improve.



SynthScaper is a synthesizer specially designed for creating and experiments with ambient soundscapes in wide range from noises to melodic instruments and everything in between.






All changes in this update:

  • Supports Ableton Link.
  • Supports Audiobus 3 (Audiobus MIDI).
  • Added new scenes and presets.
  • Added new samples to build-in library.
  • Packing scenes and samples to single file.
  • New mode for using one shot samples.
  • Automated pitch shifting by LFO and Envelope.
  • Buttons "Mute" for each oscillator on filters panel.
  • All delay effects can sync with BPM.
  • Small improvements of sound engine.
  • Small improvements of user interface.
  • Built-in description updated.
  • Minor bug fixes.

[ Demo of new features - Automate pitch shifting ]

[ Demo of new features - Use one shot samples ]


More demo:

Red Sky Lullaby - SynthScaper Sound Design Demo (video demo)

Colin Powell - Enceladus, Live Jam with LayR and SynthScaper in AUM (live)

Colin Powell - Live Jam with SynthScaper, Bloxwave and Jamup Pro (live)

FROZEN LONESOME - FrozenSynthScaper One (video art)

James Dyson - Space ambient with SynthScaper (video art)






Sunday, August 6, 2017

SynthScaper review by SmiteMatter iOS Music

Great review of SynthScaper app!

"To sum it up, SynthScaper is a jaw dropping, innovative effort by a developer who clearly understands what people didn’t even know they needed. It fits in any iOS workflow. Full Audiobus (state saving) , Inter-App Audio and midi support. Dropbox, Audio Copy Paste, and web access for transporting user samples are supported. With excellent audio quality, intricate and intuitive yet highly complex audio designing options, and a very stable engine I highly recommend this to anybody who likes synths."

[ More on SmiteMatter iOS Music ]







Monday, July 24, 2017

Red Sky Lullaby - SynthScaper Sound Design Demo

Demo showing sound design possibilities of SynthScaper iPad app. Making a synth patch from some tree breezes, an old piano, a bowl of water and a wine glass.

Excellent demo of sound design with SynthScaper app!

See more from [ Red Sky Lullaby ]





Friday, July 21, 2017

SynthScaper - Two-Voiced Drone

This example demonstrates how to create new scene from predefined presets with two oscillators and use split keyboard to control each oscillator separately.



SynthScaper - Soundscapes synthesizer specially designed for creating and experiments with ambient soundscapes in wide range from noises to melodic instruments and everything in between.



This is one of possible configuration for controlling oscillators from screen keyboards that is differ from default when one keyboard controls all oscillators.

Also you can use the same way for MIDI keyboards and even configure control for different oscillators from screen and MIDI keyboards. For example in this case screen keyboard can works in "Hold" mode for one oscillator and you can use MIDI keyboard for another.

When you start to create new scene the best to start from "Empty scene". When the all parameters are default and main screen look like this.

You can click on any image to enlarge it


To set empty scene tap to the panel with scene name at the top of main screen. Then from scenes list select "Empty scene" and set it as current by button "Set". Empty scene is always in the begin of list.


On the empty scene in the spatial mixer area set the positions of sound sources "1" and "2" at the top and near to center. Sound source it is the output signal of each oscillators (after filters and effects). Position of sound sources defines distance and side from sound source to listener. In the simple explanation this is reverberation depth and stereo balance but inside a bit more complicated.

Also do not forget unmute these oscillators. For this use button "M" at the top right corner of the sound source control element. In the empty scene only second sound source is active.

Next set the knobs "Space" and "Reflects" which control parameters of spatial mixer to get more ambient effect. Also set the reverb mode to "Narrow".


For the screen keyboard set the maximum range and the start octave.

For our example the best to use "Continuous" mode for the keyboard. This mode sets by button "C". In this mode when moving across the keyboard the oscillators will smoothly change frequency instead of changing notes.

Button "Split" divides the keyboard into two - "Main" at right and "Additional" at the left. Tap to this button to split the keyboard.


For additional keyboard at left set octave "3" and also "Continuous" mode by button "C". You can back to single keyboard by using button "Merge". This will need when you would to set the double or full screen keyboard.


Next we need to assign these keyboards to different oscillators. Left keyboard ("Additional") will control the first oscillator. Right keyboard ("Main") will control the second.

Tap the button that looks like "Kb V:6 C0 B9" at the left panel for the first oscillator to open the panel "Keyboard settings". In this panel tap the tab "Keyboards". In this tab there are four buttons for assign each keyboards to the current oscillator.

Enable "Screen add" keyboard and disable "Screen main" for the first oscillator. So all events from additional keyboard will pass only to first oscillator. 


At the title of this panel at right there are three buttons to select current oscillator. Select second oscillator and enable "Screen main" keyboard and disable "Screen add". All events from main screen keyboard will pass only to the second oscillator.


When you not use all oscillators in the scene it is recommended to disable unused oscillators. The disabled oscillator is not used in the audio processing. And it saves CPU resources. Mode "Mute" only mute the output of oscillator but continue processing even when events do not pass to this oscillator or samples not assigned.

To disable the oscillator tap the button "Off" in tab "Voice / Range". Below this button there are six buttons to set number of voices for oscillator. Close this panel by the button "Close" at the top left.


At the next step set the presets for these oscillators. Tap on the dashed area that displays the name of preset for the first oscillator to open the panel with list of presets. By default in the empty scene preset set to "Init".

In the list of presets tap to the group "Drones", scroll the list to preset with name "Holistic sign", tap to this preset to select it and then tap button "Set" to set this preset for the first oscillator.

If you want to select preset from another group tap the button "Back" at right and below the title to go to the main list. Then you can select another group.

Select oscillator "2" by button in the title of panel, scroll the list of group "Drones" and select preset with name "Floating 300" for this oscillator. Name of this preset will appears in the dashed area on the panel of oscillator on the main screen. Close panel "Presets" by button "Close".


Next set the positions of the sound source "1" and "2" about as on this screenshot. The control element at the top of each sound sources sets the output level of this source. Set these elements to the values about as on this screenshot. Less level for first oscillator and more for second. Set the range and octave for screen keyboards as on this screenshot.

Other elements of the sound source set the value of "Effect 1" (at the left side) and "Effect 2" (at the right). More about these controls you can learn from the application description that available in this application (use button "?" on the main screen) and also available as [ single PDF file ].


If all done correctly you can play with new scene by control two oscillators independently with main and additional keyboards.

When you touch specific keyboard this starts voice of first or second oscillator. The active voices are indicate by LED markers in the oscillators panels at the main screen. With these markers you can make sure that events from keyboards (screen and MIDI) pass to oscillators.


You can expand keyboard area by using double full screen keyboard. Use button "Merge" to hide additional keyboard and then button "Height" to open keyboard on full screen.


On the full screen keyboard use button "Double" to open second keyboard. Keyboard at top will be additional and at bottom will be main.


Double full screen keyboards give more space for control the sound but hide other controls. Use button "Height" to switch between full screen and mode when more controls are available on the screen.




Use this example as basis you can easily construct any other scenes from predefined presets with using one or several oscillators. Also you can choose different ways to control oscillators from single or double keyboards.

Please note if you want to use this scene in future you need save this scene as new. In the panel "Scenes" tap the button "New" to create new scene and save the current state of all parameters.



See also:

[ SynthScaper - Wide and deep sound with the single preset (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Natural chorus and Spatial effects (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - How to assign "LFO" to parameters (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - How to use "Effect" parameters (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Two-Voiced Drone (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Start with your own samples (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - The Designer tool (short description) ]

[ SynthScaper - Arpeggiator / Sequencer overview (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper - Automate pitch shifting (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper - One shot sample demo (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper modules connection diagram (big picture) ]

[ Complete description of SynthScaper 1.6 in one PDF file ]







Wednesday, July 19, 2017

SynthScaper - Start with your own samples

It is not so difficult to create new scene with your own samples in SynthScaper. This app has many ways for downloading new samples from other apps or from  desktop Mac / PC.



SynthScaper - Soundscapes synthesizer specially designed for creating and experiments with ambient soundscapes in wide range from noises to melodic instruments and everything in between.



Please note there are some limitations on format of audio files which can be used as samples for oscillators in SynthScaper. See more details at the end of this guide.

Many apps support copying samples through General Pasteboard. You can copy sample to the pasteboard in certain app and then paste this sample in SynthScaper. In the AudioShare app it can be done easily.

You can click on any image to enlarge it


Also many apps that work with audio files support operation "Open file in other app". This operation will copy file to another app and next starts this app. In AudioShare it is also easy.


Almost all audio editors and DAWs support operation "Open file in other app". This example shows main steps in Cubasis app to done this operation.

In other apps there will be other steps but almost all apps which work with audio files support operations with General Pasteboard and "Open file in ...".


After the operation "Open in ..." is completed and SynthScaper started you can found your sample in "User files library". Tap the button "Files" on the main screen to open panel of the file manager.


If you copied audio file to General Pasteboard you can paste this file in SynthScaper by use button "Paste" in the panel "User files library". Pasted files will be stored in the group "Pasted".

In the panel of file manager you can access all your downloaded and recorded files which contain in SynthScaper.


You can exchange audio files with other devices or desktop Mac / PC through Dropbox service. SynthScaper supports upload and download files by using Dropbox service.

In the file manager panel tap the button "Dropbox" to access files in your Dropbox account. Before use Dropbox you need have an account in this service and best to have app Dropbox installed on your device.

Tap to file which you want download to SynthScaper in the list of Dropbox files. Then tap button "Download". Also you can select several files to download at one time. All downloaded files will be stored in the main list or current group.


You can upload and download files to this app through any Web browser on your desktop Mac / PC in your local (home) network. For this in the panel of file manager tap on the button "Web" at the title of panel. In the center of panel will show the IP address that you need completely specify in the Web browser to access files in SynthScaper app.

This service works only when "Web" mode active. When you close file manager panel or app switches to the background this service will stop. You can not access this service through the Internet or with public WiFi access point.


The best way to learn SynthScaper is start from empty scene with using your own samples or samples from built-in library. The scene contains settings of all parameters of oscillators, filters, arpeggiators, keyboards, etc. Besides scenes there are oscillators presets that contain settings of parameters only for one oscillator and its filters.

At first you need set the empty scene and next set the sample in one of oscillator. Best to start from oscillator "2" when you set empty scene and initial preset because this oscillator is ready to produce the sound (tap to keyboard to hear the default sine sample).


To select the scene tap on the panel with current scene name at the top of screen. The panel "Scenes" contains all available scenes organized by groups. At the top of list there is "Empty scene" with which you best to start. Tap to this scene to select it then tap the button "Set" to set this scene. Tap button "Close" to close panel.


On the next step make the simple sound of oscillator with your sample. Tap the button "Osc" at middle left on the main screen to open panel with parameters of second oscillator. Also you can select the current oscillator by buttons at the title of this panel.

Each oscillator consist of three layers. Each layer can have own sample but for begin select the first layer ("Layer 1"). The dashed area below shows the sample assigned for this layer. Tap to this area to open the sample library panel in which you can select sample for current layer of current oscillator.


In the panel "Samples library" you can select your own sample or sample form the built-in library and then set this sample for current layer. Also in this panel you can tune the base frequency (note and offset in cents) for the samples.

Tap the button "User" at the title to switch on list of user samples. Then select the sample and tap the button "Set sample" to set this sample for current layer. To close panel tap the button "Close" at the left of title.


If the sample was loaded completely its name will display in the dashed area. Marker "(!)" before the name indicates that sample not loaded (for example if the sample was deleted).

Tap on the keyboard to play this sample. On the next steps you can set the envelope for level of this layer and then add filters and effects.




SynthScaper can use a wide range of samples format: wav, aiff, mp3, mp4, m4a, aac, caf, au, snd. Sample rate of source file can be from 11025 to 96000 Hz. Bit depth can be: 8, 16, 24, 32 bits. Mono (one channel) or stereo sample in file. 

SynthScaper completely supports stereo (two channel) samples. When you use stereo sample both channels will be used in oscillator. Please note: When you use two channel sample it requires in two times more operations in oscillator than for one channel sample. 

Minimum time of sample is 0.010 sec. Maximum time of sample 30 sec. When on some reason sample cannot be loaded to the oscillator or its time out of range this sample will marked as "Unsupport" in the file manager. 

Please note: When you use too long samples for several layers and oscillators this can requires a large amount of memory which can lead to a shortage of resources for another applications working together with this.



See also:

[ SynthScaper - Wide and deep sound with the single preset (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Natural chorus and Spatial effects (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - How to assign "LFO" to parameters (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - How to use "Effect" parameters (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Two-Voiced Drone (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - Start with your own samples (guide with pictures) ]

[ SynthScaper - The Designer tool (short description) ]

[ SynthScaper - Arpeggiator / Sequencer overview (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper - Automate pitch shifting (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper - One shot sample demo (video demo) ]

[ SynthScaper modules connection diagram (big picture) ]

[ Complete description of SynthScaper 1.6 in one PDF file ]