13 Must-Have Music-Making Apps for iOS and Android
In this post, we will explore some of the top-notch mobile music making apps divided into three categories: apps that enhance your workflow within your preferred digital audio workstation (DAW), mobile DAWs, and instruments/effects.
The availability of fantastic music-making apps for iOS and Android is constantly growing. In this post, we will explore some of the top-notch apps divided into three categories: apps that enhance your workflow within your preferred digital audio workstation (DAW), mobile DAWs, and instruments/effects. Join us as we provide detailed information and demonstrations for each app, and find the download links for the ones that pique your interest below.
Workflows enhancing music production apps:
1. Suggester ($13.99 / free lite version, available on iOS / Android)
For both music theory beginners and experts, Suggester by Matheiu Routhier is an excellent companion for generating creative chord progressions on the go. The app suggests a wide range of chords within your chosen key, from basic triads to intricate extended chords and voicings. Construct complete progressions directly within the app and export the MIDI for further work in your DAW.
2. Logic Remote (free, available on iOS)
Logic Remote is a must-have app for Logic Pro and GarageBand users. With it, you can control arrangement playback, mix tracks, and perform various other functions right from your iPhone or iPad.
3. Image-Line Remote / ILRemote (free, available on iOS / Android)
If you use FL Studio, Image-Line Remote (or ILRemote) is the perfect companion app. It offers similar functionality to Logic Remote but tailored specifically for FL Studio users.
4. Avid Control (free, available on iOS / Android)
For Pro Tools users, Avid Control is the go-to app. It provides seamless control over your Pro Tools sessions on your mobile device.
5. TouchOSC ($9.99, available on iOS / Android)
If Logic Pro, GarageBand, FL Studio, or Pro Tools is not your primary DAW, TouchOSC is a valuable alternative for remote control. It utilizes an open format and receives regular updates from its developers.
Mobile DAWs:
1. FL Studio Mobile ($13.99, available on iOS / Android)
If you're familiar with FL Studio's workflow or have been interested in trying it out, FL Studio Mobile is a natural choice. Its step sequencing and piano roll functionalities are unmatched on mobile, and it offers advanced features like key locking.
2. BandLab (free, available on iOS / Android)
BandLab is the go-to app for those whose workflow revolves around sampling. It simplifies recording and importing samples and makes adding effects to your tracks a breeze. The best part is, it's completely free.
3. Caustic ($9.99, available on iOS / Android)
Although less known than FL Studio or BandLab, Caustic has standout features that make it an excellent choice for music production. Its skeuomorphic workflow allows for immersive exploration of various controls and connections.
4. Flip Sampler ($9.99, available on iOS)
Flip Sampler, available exclusively on iOS, offers an easy-to-navigate user interface and a streamlined sampling process, making it a worthy inclusion on this list.
Instruments and effects:
1. Synth One Synthesizer (free, available on iOS)
AudioKit's Synth One is an open-source instrument perfect for learning the ins and outs of synthesis. Despite its educational focus, the app is surprisingly robust and capable of creating complex sounds.
2. DRC (free, available on Android)
Exclusive to Android, DRC is a two-oscillator synth that strikes a balance between user-friendliness and depth. It also comes with high-quality presets to jumpstart your sound design journey.
3. KORG Module (free, available on iOS)
While KORG Module offers both free and paid versions, the grand piano available in the free version stands out with its stellar sound quality, matching the standards set by their renowned software instruments.
4. Audiobus ($9.99, available on iOS)
Audiobus is a powerful utility app that allows you to connect multiple music-making apps together, enabling seamless audio processing across different apps and expanding the possibilities for mobile music production.
5. FabFilter Pro-Q 3 ($29.99, available on iOS)
No list would be complete without mentioning the iconic FabFilter Pro-Q 3. Renowned for their mixing and mastering plugins, FabFilter delivers the same quality on mobile, making Pro-Q 3 essential for precise audio manipulation.
In conclusion, with rapid technological advancements, creating entire tracks on your phone is no longer a pipe dream. Music-making apps have become increasingly powerful, constantly evolving to meet the demands of musicians. We hope this list has introduced you to new apps that excite your creativity.