This is the place to catch up on all the biggest product announcements, hardware, apps, synths, Logic/GarageBand instruments and so much more in the world of iOS/Mac music production. This week, one of our favorite plug-in makers has released a massive new FM synth for Mac, IK takes its analog emulations to iOS, apps that turn your Trackpad into a MIDI controller, and, as usual, more free instruments…

Sugar Bytes releases new FM Aparillo synth for Mac

One of our favorite third-party plug-in makers out there, Sugar Bytes has now released the Aparillo Textural FM Synthesizer for Mac. The 16-voice FM synth is described as a “Cinematic Machine” with loads of modulation possibilities. There are a pair of “interdependent” FM synthesizers here with what sound like some very interesting tonal options right from the oscillator module including “Jitter, Brightness and Formant/Waveshaping”.

It also looks/sounds as though SugarBytes is taking the filtering and environmental effects to the next level with “a free-signal flow Filter/Spacial Comb device”, polyphonic auto panning and the usual delays/reverbs. Needless to say, we will be taking a much closer look at this one for Logic Pros. Check out the demo video below:

Features:

  • FM Synthesizer with 16 Voices
  • Formant Shifting, Wave Folding & Shifting
  • Multi-Mode Filter with Spacializer
  • 2 interdependent LFOs with S+H and Gravitation
  • Orbiter for one-touch Sound Morphing
  • 500 handpicked Presets
  • Wide Modulation Options from 10 sources
  • Melody Generator

Aparillo for Mac (Audio Unit, VST2, AAX, Standalone) is available now for $99 via Sugar Bytes.

Aparillo is an advanced 16-voice FM synthesizer, tailored for majestic sonic motions. A clever arrangement of synthesis, wave shaping, filtering, FX and modulation unfolds to a serious sound design tool for epicness. Make sure to check out the Orbiter, a mass-controller for immediate, instant Blockbuster themes.

We also had a chance to go hands-on with SB’s Looperator effects unit and the iOS version of the company’s polyphonic dual-oscillator Unique synth.

AudioSwift transforms your Apple Trackpad into a MIDI controller

An interesting new Mac app released this past week known as AudioSwift enables you to turn your Apple Trackpad into a fully functioning MIDI controller, drum pad, X/Y modulation surface, and even more. You can turn faders up and down, draw modulation paths and even play notes in Scale mode.

Check out our full release coverage on AudioSwift right here and you can see it in action above.

Syntronik comes to iOS

We already had a chance to review IK’s beast analog synth emulator when it released for Mac. But now it is coming to iOS in full force. The free to download version of the app includes a good chunk of content (25 sounds from 17 of the 38 total synths). So you can try it out before you drop the $79.99 for the full version as an in-app purchase.

Check out more in our release coverage right here.

The sub $200 Trueno analog synth for Mac

Trueno for Mac is the “world’s smallest analog synthesizer” according to the developers. The tiny adapter-sized analog synth essentially runs on your Mac while processing the actual audio in the hardware itself. At under $200, it’s also a pretty tempting purchase. You can get the full details right here and more below:

  • Three highly stable digitally controlled VCOs with automatic tuning: saw, pulse, triangle, and noise
  • Oscillator AM, PWM as well as filter FM
  • Edit or create new digital wavetables with the built-in additive editor.
  • 256 included digital wavetables; ranging from Steinways to TB303s.
  • Filter is based on Soviet Russian design: unmatched harsh, aggressive sound.
  • Fully integrated 44.1 KHz 24 bit analogue to digital converter
  • 4 LFOs and 4 Envelope generators

You’ll find a load of audio demos on the Trueno site. 

More:

  • Phasis: Here’s a free Phaser Effect courtesy of Native Instruments
  • Modartt releases physical modeled Organteq Alpha pipe organ for free
  • Akai has now released iMPC 2 for iOS
  • DesignByPaul releases the new vintage-analog PolySynth + sound demo video
  • DRONAR is a new atmosphere creation tool for Kontakt users

Best Lightning Interfaces for iPhone & iPad

Best MIDI keyboards for Mac and Logic Pro 2017 Edition

Best wireless Bluetooth MIDI keyboards for iOS & Mac

See anything cool in the world of music production we missed? Let us know in the comments below.

The Logic Pros are: Justin Kahn and Jordan Kahn, who also front Toronto-based electronic/hip-hop group Makamachine.

Want more Logic Pros? Check out the archives here and stay tuned for a new installment each week in 2017.