Moog's new app brings the iconic Model 15 synth to your iPad
Putting a modular analog instrument on your tablet will cost you $30.
Moog may be known for its analog synthesizers, but the company has also crammed those sounds inside iOS apps for making noise on the go. With its latest app for the iPhone and iPad, the company created a digital version of its iconic Model 15 instrument. In fact, Moog says the new app is the first modular synth and learning tool created for Apple's mobile devices. Thanks to Apple's Metal technology, you can pan and zoom around the app to situate those patch cables and tweak nobs in a way that feels natural. Without Metal, the company says this level of detail and smooth movement wouldn't have been possible.
As far as recreating the Model 15 synth goes, the new app offers monophonic and 4-voice polyphonic operation with 160 built-in presets, a traditional Moog keyboard, 1150 ribbon controller and 8-step sequencing arpeggiator. What's more, the Animoog keyboard brings 22 built-in scales and polyphonic modulation to the mobile software, too. With the iPad's extra screen real estate, you can view two controllers at the same time, and yes, the app features 3D Touch support. There's full MIDI integration as well, so you can use those external controllers, even ones that connect via Bluetooth, to control the virtual Model 15 synth.
Because the Model 15 app uses Apple Metal, you'll need a 64-bit device that runs iOS 9.3.1 or higher to run it. This means owners of the iPhone 5s (and newer), iPod touch 6, iPad Air and iPad Pro can get in on the synth action. You'll also have to shell out $30 to download the app from iTunes. That may sound like a lot, but it's actually comparable to apps from other instrument makers. For example, Korg's take on the M1 synth for the iPad is priced at $20.
