Hello again
It’s been a while since I posted, as I have been a bit busy doing all the usual stuff (delivering sessions, going to the studio, parenting etc). Thanks to everyone who responded with a suggestion of an iPad app for accessible singing. Here is my top 6 of accessible singing apps (feel free to disagree with my reviews or to suggest any gems that I have missed!):
Soundslate (£5.49) has been designed for use in radio or theatre and has 16 cells that you can fill with sounds.
For: It enables you to import sounds from your itunes library or to sample oon the fly. Has a simple interface.
Against: You have to have 16 cells on a page, no more no less. The full version is more expensive than many apps.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/soundslate/id368323490?mt=8
Mad Pad (69p) enables you to record or import up to 12 short video clips (with sound) and play them back.
For: Good interface and only 69p!
Against: Has to be 12 cells on a page. Video element could be a distraction for some users
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/madpad-remix-your-life/id456072329?mt=8
Cam Box (69p) – much the same as Mad Pad but only 8 cells (less can be more in this instance), but perhaps the interface is a little harder tio use..
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cambox/id430357708?mt=8
iMaschine (£2.99) is a drum machine app made by Native Instruments.
For – It is really powerful. You have 16 pads to hit and can apply effects to them, import sounds from your device or record on the fly.
Cons – No bluetooth audio. It is pricier than some apps.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/imaschine/id400432594?mt=8
Answers HD (£2.49.) is a communication app which allows you to record sounds in and add pictures.
For: you can have just two cells on a page and swipe to the next two. Interface is easy to use.
Against: No flashy effects or owt, but it does what it does well.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/answers-yesno-hd/id393762442?mt=8
Slightly off topic is Thumbjam (£5.99), which is my favourite music app at the mo. It is not suitable for accessible singing really, but it’s amazing for accompanying the singing.
For – choose from lots of great sounding sampled instruments like cello, flute, electric guitar and synths. Play expressively by wiggling (technical term) finger for vibrato or shaking iPad for pitch bend. Record on the fly and create an instrument with your sample, put into ay key and any scale, cerate your own scale. It’s ace
Against – £5.99. But it’s worth it.
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/thumbjam/id338977566?mt=8
Summary – For users who need a simple screen, Answers HD gets my vote, but for potential and for effects etc iMaschine is amazing. Thumbjam wins the best acoompaniment app by a country mile! There is stilol no app that I know of which enables you to create your own interafce ie choose the number, size or shape of cells (like Touch OSC does) but hopefully this will come in time. Also, developments with iOS 6 and the accessiblility options contains therein may add more possibilities for accessible singing using these devices. If anyone has any info or opinion to add, please do so!
Thanks
Alex
