Yamaha Releases New Synth Arp & Drum Pad App for iPad and Motif

—Half Off on Other Yamaha Apps Through July 31; New App Includes Built-In Software Synthesizer—

BUENA PARK, Calif.—Adding to the growing list of iPad apps available for the Motif XF music production workstation, Yamaha Corporation of America announces the release of the Synth Arp & Drum Pad iOS application for iPads with iOS 5 or later. Though the regular price is $7.99, through July 31 this application can be downloaded from the App Store for the special price of $3.99.

            Other Yamaha Apps are also available from the App Store at half price through July 31. MIDI compatible apps include Faders & XY Pad, Keyboard Arp & Drum Pad and Set List Organizer. The MIDI-compatible TNR-i and Synth Arp & Drum Pad apps come with built-in sounds. Apps compatible with Yamaha synthesizers include Performance Editor Essential, Multi Editor Essential and Voice Editor Essential. The Cloud Audio Recorder for Motif XF only works with that keyboard, but the Cloud Audio Recorder is compatible with any instrument or accessory, as is the Metronome App.

            The new Synth Arp & Drum Pad app lets users play and produce phrases from a variety of musical genres, including dance music, hip-hop, rock and pop. The app features an arpeggiator with recorded patterns from 342 different types of instruments, which lets users play a variety of phrases with ease, drum pads that let the user play multiple chords and percussion sounds with just one finger and 61 different software synthesizer timbres. The app’s MIDI loop sequencer/recorder allows performers to record and store sounds and then conduct timbre processing on the recorded sounds, enabling a number of music production applications. The app supports Core MIDI, enabling it to play instruments and sound sources that are connected to the iPad via MIDI.

            The Synth Arp & Drum Pad app includes a built-in software synthesizer that can  call up 61 different high-sound-quality timbres, including seven drum kits, without having to connect the iPad to any other device via cable. Control the timbres using the Cut-off, Resonance, Attack, Release and Portamento knobs and dial in other effects as well, including reverb and chorus. An on-screen ribbon controller changes the timbre.

            The app also features an arpeggiator that can automatically generate and play patterns formed by breaking down chords into their constituent notes for individual playback. You can select from 342 different arpeggios, which have been recorded using a variety of instruments. For each arpeggio, the settings for the length of the notes in the phrase, the octave range and the swing can be adjusted in real time. To play arpeggios based on a variety of scales, simply specify the scale type and root note on the keyboard. Users can vary the timbre and the way in which the notes are played by touching the scale keys on the screen and varying the strength with which the keys are tapped.

            The app additionally includes 16 drum pads that are easy to play. For each of these drum pads, the velocity and up to five notes (pitches) can be set. This allows for playing multiple chords and percussion sounds using only one finger. It is simple to create rhythm tracks using the step sequencer that is built into each pad. The drum pads also include a learning function. Using either the keyboard displayed in the lower part of the screen or the keyboard on an external MIDI instrument, you can easily record to a pad. The settings for a drum pad can be saved to one of 64 different templates.

            A MIDI loop sequencer/recorder allows for serious music production on the go. Playback information for the arpeggiator and drum pads can be recorded in advance. This can be an ordinary recording, a loop recording of arbitrary length, or an “overdub,” which involves playing back a previously recorded performance and adding new sound by recording over the top of it. In short, this application enables you to indulge in serious music production. The quantization and recording speed can be adjusted, and there are also Redo and Undo functions.

            Connecting the iPad to a MIDI instrument or sound source using the i-MX1 interface (sold separately) allows for playback with the Synth Arp & Drum Pad application. It is also possible to connect your iPad to a Yamaha MOTIF XF synthesizer wirelessly via WiFi (MOTIF XF firmware must be upgraded to v1.20 or later, and the WiFi connectivity settings must be activated).

For information about the app, please visit http://4wrd.it/SYNTHARPUSA. To visit the App Store, please click http://4wrd.it/SYNTHARPITUNES.

For more information, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622, telephone (714) 522-9011, email infostation@yamaha.com or visit http://4wrd.it/YAMAHAUSA.

About Yamaha

Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is one of the largest subsidiaries of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments, sound reinforcement and home entertainment products to the U.S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and Nexo commercial audio products, as well as AV receivers, amplifiers, Blu-ray/CD players, iPod docking systems, home-theater-in-a-box systems and its exclusive line of Digital Sound Projectors. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology and entertainment products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, professional music, installation and consumer markets.