What's New
This version fixes an issue where connecting a MIDI keyboard through the USB camera kit would cause a crash.
App Description
"The visual interface will draw people in initially, but the wildly diverse sounds you can tease from Photophore will undoubtedly keep you coming back for more." FACT Magazine -- The Ten Best Synths for iPad | factmag.com
Photophore is a unique instrument that uses flocks of up to 100 sound generators to create rich, organic synthesizer sounds. By controlling the behavior of the flocks you can make Photophore sound like a choir of synthesizers or, at more extreme settings, a swarm of angry insects.
Unlike other digital synthesizers, Photophore creates warmth and character in a completely new way. Instead of modeling analog circuits, it models animal behavior. Photophore’s sound engine is made up of flocks of oscillators that move through a virtual three-dimensional environment. Their motion is controlled by a special behavioral algorithm and physics simulation that keeps the oscillators in tune with each other, but allows for a certain amount of natural drifting and detuning. This creates rich timbres that are perfect for crafting massive bass sounds, complex pads and searing leads.
You can interact with the oscillator flocks by controlling their behavior – how much they try to flock together, how much they avoid each other, their speed, and how much turbulence is in their environment. Oscillators will flee from your touch, so you can create extreme pitch modulation and more chaotic effects by simply swiping across the screen.
Key Features:
• Unique flock synthesis engine
• Up to 100 oscillators per patch
• Polyphonic operation (up to 6 voices)
• Monophonic mode with glide and legato
• 12 oscillator waveforms (saw, square, pulse, sine and more)
• Low pass/High pass filter with resonance
• Dedicated amplitude and filter envelopes
• Stereo echo effect
• Arpeggiator
Connectivity:
• Connect any iPad-compatible MIDI keyboard to play notes and perform pitch bends
• Use a MIDI controller's modulation wheel to control the flock
• AudioBus and Inter-App Audio support for streaming audio to other apps
• Control Photophore from other apps via CoreMIDI
Tech Requirements:
• iOS7 or later required
• iPad 2 or later required
What Reviewers say:
"The sounds in Photophore are big. There is a surprising range, as well. My first impression was that it was going to be very ambient-based, but you can get gritty and dirty here as well. From the beautifully minimal look to the impressive sounds, Photophore is a winner." - iOS Mars | iosmars.com
"There is a lot to like about Photophore. The synth engine is clearly ‘different’ from anything else out there but it is presented in away that is both accessible and visually appealing. In terms of both features and sound, Photophore punches well above its price point." - Music App Blog | musicappblog.com
iPad Screenshots
(click to enlarge)
App Changes
- December 11, 2014 Initial release
- January 17, 2015 Price increase: $4.99 -> $7.99
- February 13, 2015 New version 1.0.1
- March 01, 2015 Price decrease: $7.99 -> $4.99
- March 02, 2015 Price increase: $4.99 -> $7.99
- March 24, 2015 New version 1.0.2
- May 30, 2015 Price decrease: $7.99 -> $3.99
- June 02, 2015 Price increase: $3.99 -> $7.99
- November 24, 2015 Price decrease: $7.99 -> $3.99
- November 30, 2015 Price increase: $3.99 -> $7.99
- December 24, 2015 Price decrease: $7.99 -> $3.99
- January 31, 2016 Price increase: $3.99 -> $4.99
- March 02, 2016 Price increase: $4.99 -> $7.99
- November 26, 2016 Price decrease: $7.99 -> $3.99
- December 31, 2016 Price increase: $3.99 -> $7.99
- June 14, 2019 Price decrease: $7.99 -> $4.99
- June 16, 2019 Price decrease: $7.99 -> $4.99
- December 02, 2019 Price decrease: $4.99 -> $1.99
- January 06, 2020 Price increase: $1.99 -> $4.99
- July 14, 2020 New version 1.0.3
- October 22, 2020 New version 1.0.4
- February 13, 2023 Price decrease: $4.99 -> $0.99