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Splash out on a subscription and you can take things further, with insights into listening habits, a release feed, and powerful sort and filter options. But the app has nuance too – the Search tab lists recent additions and releases tapping a band name lists what’s in your collection – and other relevant albums on Apple Music.
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In its free incarnation, the main view randomly lists your albums – and you simply prod one to play it. Albums wants to counter this trend, helping you to appreciate albums and rediscover your music library.
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Streaming media has marginalised the album, transforming tens of millions of tracks into a colossal virtual jukebox. IAP unlocks pro-grade features, but for free you can still twiddle some knobs, burn through a slew of presets, and save custom sounds – all while aiming to become the next Brian Eno. As you play the tactile scale-locked keyboard, tiny neon comets dart about in a 3D visualiser. We mean that literally – sounds now exist across three axes. Animoog Z adds a new dimension to proceedings.
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The original Animoog was a pioneering iPad synth, combining classic Moog sounds, eye-popping visuals, and a touchscreen interface that let anyone make an amazing noise without knowing the first thing about playing a keyboard. For free, it’s unmissable, unless you absolutely hate the idea of making music on your iPhone or iPad. For 20 quid, GarageBand would be a bargain. GarageBand can also act as a hub for a range of other iOS music apps, given that it supports Audiobus, Inter-App Audio and Audio Units. Within an hour or two, it’s genuinely possible to end up with something approximating a chart hit.įor pros, there’s a ton of added depth awaiting discovery: multi-track and multi-take recording, a slew of effects, and the mightily impressive Alchemy synth. Newcomers can tap out tunes on a loops grid, experiment with a drum machine, and always play in tune with smart piano strips. It was already hugely ambitious when first released, but GarageBand has since grown to become a hugely capable app.
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