Android Music Creation Tools

Started by Elantric, October 30, 2014, 03:52:36 PM

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Elantric

http://www.musicalandroid.com/reviews


Android L -Lolipop = finally Low Latency Audio on latest hardware
Android Music and sound recording
http://www.musicalandroid.com/blog/android-lollipop-and-new-nexus-models
Ahh, what is there to say...
So to read about the new Android version in a general way go here;
http://www.android.com/versions/lollipop-5-0/

QuoteMedia

Bolder graphics and improved audio, video, and camera capabilities

Lower latency audio input ensuring that music and communication applications that have strict delay requirements provide an amazing realtime experience
Multi-channel audio stream mixing means professional audio applications can now mix up to eight channels including 5.1 and 7.1 channels
USB Audio support means you can plug USB microphones, speakers, and a myriad of other USB audio devices like amplifiers and mixers into your Android device
The idea is that this is going to be a game changer in regards to latency and there will soon be a judment out on that I am sure.
What is said is 30 ms and maybe the other important part is that now it will be able to hook up USB soundcards / keyboards etc directly without special solutions.
Other news is that there will be new Nexus devices coming which is to be expected but think that the greatest news is that Nexus 4 will be Lollipopped!
This is of course great news for people that do have a Nexus 4 but as there will be a Nexus 6 out it will be possible to get a Nexus 4 and Lollipop for not too much money or for free with some harassment of your mobile service provider... the tablet Nexus 7 will also be possible to upgrade.
In either case there is more information about the new Nexuses on the same page as above.




http://www.musicalandroid.com/blog/mikrowave-sequenced-synthesizer-version-21





Published on Oct 20, 2014
Mikrowave version 2.1 (all ready for Android Lollipop!) being put through its paces showing how all the processors work to subtly sculpt the sound, or how to quickly slide into complete and utter aural mayhem.

Mikrowave is also available for free (no ads!) and fully functional, apart form being able to save your songs and export them to MIDI.

You can get it here on Google Play :

https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

Or visit the project page:

http://www.igorski.nl/mikrowave

Developers interested in creating their own audio mangling app for Android can follow the project page to find the source code for the audio engine on Github.
Category
Musi


http://www.igorski.nl/mikrowave/dev-blog

https://github.com/igorski/MWEngine

MWEngine is..
...an audio engine for Android written in C++, using OpenSL for low latency performance. The engine has been written for the MikroWave synthesis/sequencing-application and works from API level 9 (Android 2.3/Gingerbread) and up.

The engine provides an architecture that allows you to work with audio within a musical context. It is easy to build upon the base classes and create your own noise generating mayhem. A few keywords describing the out-of-the-box possibilities are:

tempo-based sequencing
support for alternate time signatures
multi-channel audio output
effect chains operating on individual channels
(live) synthesized audio
sample-based playback (e.g. drum machines)
bouncing output to WAV files, either live or "offline"
SWIG / What about Java ?

Though the library is written in C++ (and can be used solely within this context), the library is built using JNI (Java Native Interface) allowing its methods to be called from Java while still operating in a native layer outside of the Dalvik VM. In other words : high performance of the engine is ensured by the native layer, but ease of development is ensured by keeping application logic / UI within the realm of the Android Java SDK.

It is however important to note that when a Java object finalizes (i.e. goes out of scope and is garbage collected), the destructors of the native objects are invoked, which can lead to unpredictable results if you happen to overlook this! As such, audio engine objects such as effects processors or events that are created on the Java side, must also hold strong references during their lifecycle.

Build instructions

The makefile (/jni/Android.mk) has been written to build the library using the Android NDK (Native Development Kit) in conjunction with SWIG.

Those of a Unix-bent can immediately run the build.sh-file in the /src-folder, just make sure ANDROID_NDK_ROOT points to the correct installation directory on your system!

For the unfortunate on Windows, adjusting the shell script to a .BAT-file shouldn't be too troublesome.

Documentation

This repository is constantly being updated and as such so is the documentation. You can view the Wiki (which will document the basic engine architecture) here:

https://github.com/igorski/MWEngine/wiki

Note you can always view the contents of the header files to get more details about the inner workings of each class.

Demo

The repository contains an example Activity that is ready to deploy onto any Android device/emulator supporting ARMv7 architecture and running Android 2.3 or higher. The example will demonstrate how to quickly get a musical sequence going using the library.

For installing the demo first build the library as described above, and then run the ant build script to deploy the .APK unto an attached device/emulator.. This requires both the Android NDK and the Android SDK. Be sure to point towards the installation locations of these in both the build.sh-file and the local.properties-file.


http://pocketnow.com/2014/10/29/android-lollipop-updates

QuoteSamsung is usually hit or miss with software updates. It usually manages to keep its newest devices pretty current, but the rate at which older devices are updates is dismal.

So far, Samsung has kept mum on the issue, with no official word on dates or which devices will actually see the update.

That said, it's a safe bet the Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S5 (and its several variants), the Galaxy S4, and most devices under 18-months-old will all receive the update. When the might see it is another matter entirely. Again, rumors claim the S5 will see its update before the end of the year. That particular rumor comes from SamMobile, which has a very solid track record for accurate Samsung rumors and news.

Others predict the Note 4 could also be upgraded in the same timeframe, but that still isn't taking into consideration the update approval process by the controlling wireless providers stateside.

The Android Soul created a time table on expected arrival dates for the Android 5.0 updates for various Samsung devices, based on its existing history with updates. It expects the Note 4 to be updated in January or February, February or March for Sprint, and March or April for the the AT&T and T-Mobile variants. It should come as no surprise that the Verizon version of the Galaxy Note 4 comes in last with an expected arrival date of May or June. The Galaxy S5 and Note Edge update predictions are virtually identical, while last year's models of the same devices are expected to lag about three months behind.




Interesting reading on Real World Android Audio Music Creation
http://www.musicalandroid.com/interviews


SLICK

It's good to see android finally getting some audio love from Google.
As an iOS user it won't have a direct influence but the competition and growth it will provide can only be a good thing.
Parker fly deluxe,
Roland GR-55,
Laney LC30II

Spider

#3
During next week I will have iRig HD-A and only I will I receive Android 5 OTA upgrade for my Nexus 7 2013 and IKM finally put  Amplitube for S5 I let you know how it works :)

Elantric

http://www.ikmultimedia.com/news/?item_id=5235

Breaking news: Zero Latency on Android shown at NAMM 2015!
IK to show the universal solution for real time audio processing on Android 4.0 or later
30 December 2014

Having pioneered low-latency digital audio interfacing and processing on select Android Samsung Professional Audio devices with iRig HD-A, AmpliTube, iRig MIC HD-A and EZ Voice, IK Multimedia will present a breakthrough universal solution that provides near zero latency and real-time audio processing on a wide assortment of Android devices (running Android 4.0 or higher and compatible with USB host mode/OTG mode) at NAMM 2015.

Despite representing over 80% market share of mobile devices in circulation, Android smartphones and tablets have not established themselves as a reliable music creation platform. This is due to factors like the OS's performance, which is not suitable for real-time processing, and the fragmentation of the platform across dozens of manufacturers and carriers.

Even with the addition of standard USB Audio I/O in the recent release of Android 5.0, the platform still lacks the ability to perform rock solid real time ultra low latency audio processing.

IK Multimedia has solved this problem with a paradigm shift of a universal solution that delivers astonishing near zero latency performance (down to 2 ms round-trip total latency) on every Android device running Android 4.0 or higher and that supports USB host mode/OTG mode independently from the device manufacturer.


This solution will be made available to the hundreds of millions of devices in circulation from manufacturers like Samsung, Google, Motorola, LG, HTC, Xiaomi and more. Finally, the capability for using the Android platform for serious music making and performance has arrived.

Try it for yourself and visit IK Booth #6520 at the 2015 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California during January 22-25, or visit our site and social channels for more information released during the show.

whippinpost91850

Interesting about this Android development, What is the roundtrip latency on an iPad/iPhone

Elantric

#6
Quote
IK wrote>

IK Multimedia has solved this problem with a paradigm shift of a universal solution that delivers astonishing near zero latency performance (down to 2 ms round-trip total latency

I highly doubt that can occur on Android 4.0 in the real world anytime in 2015

http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigua/
Well - they change things up a bit - by skipping Android altogether and by employing a dedicated A/D>DSP>D/A  inside the new 2015  iRig-UA Android Interface box - they have accomplished 2ms latency !
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigua/

But you will need Android 5.0 minimum to use the iRig UA as an Audio Interface for use with other Android apps
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=13413.msg98410#msg98410


Quote
What is the roundtrip latency on an iPad/iPhone



https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=12278.msg96668#msg96668
Real World Measurement  - Using my iPhone 6 Plus, and the IOS app "AUD-1" ( which measures Audio latency on IOS devices )
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=8929.msg96742#msg96742


with buffer set to 64 - Sonic Port VX reports a round-trip total latency delay of 519 Sample and 11.8ms Latency Delay Time  - I attribute the lower 11.8ms latency to the processing power of the iPhone 6 Plus (compared to member "Cell's 12.5 ms round-trip total latency measurements with iPhone 5S)

Elantric

uFX Loops for Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.ufxmedia.ufxloops

https://lh5.ggpht.com/JQ2MKBc4qayiAud4Bd8Av0jX1H3dB9xapvGatYyuq-BsOG3bxOybXz8G0WbPoJbnL8A=h900-rw


Description
*Notice* uFX loops is not a toy - it is a fully fledged new conception DAW, which takes some time to learn. Tutorials, Videos and a Forum will help you.
uFX loops Music Studio is DAW for Song Sketching, Writing and production, based on samples and with an integrated community with over 2000 sounds supporting your ideas, directly downloadable within the App. uFX loops has new unique features you won't find elsewhere. uFX loops is unique in the way you can play your compositions. Nothing is fix, everything can be combined and exchanged on the Pads in the Soundboard, following a non-linear approach to build up your songs.
Create your own Songs easily based on samples with the new uFX loops Music Studio. Import or Record your own Samples and edit them with the Wave Editor to define Loops, Melodic, Percussive Voice and Effect Samples. Use the integrated soundboard sequencer/mixer to loop, play and mix them all as you like, and adjust beat tempo realtime. Just load your sounds into the Pads of the Soundboard, define your Song parts and mix everything live. uFX loops Music Studio is more than a samples Beatmaker: Cool DAW studio features like drums, percussive and melodic instruments and patterns let you create individual rhythms and melodies / chords parts with ease, and projects, instruments, loops and samples can be shared with the uFXloops Community 24 hours a day, where you can find a growing number of samples, instruments and projects for downloading. Our DAW supports high Audio quality and any Music Style via its community, e.g. Electro, Hip Hop, Dubstep, Trance, Techno, Rock, R&B, Pop, Heavy Metal. Compose your Grooves and produce your mixes. 99 Tracks, 64 voices polyphonie.
Try it, uFX loops Music Studio DAW offers unique new ways for create loops, patterns, instruments, part and songs, giving you tons of possibilites for your own ideas.
NEW Features:
Automation, Effects, Shuffle Mode
Features:
Samples Import: WAV, OGG, AIF, MP3, 11 / 22 / 44,1 / 48 KHZ, Mono/Stereo
Samples Editor with Click Track, Loop Flag and Audio Recorder
Instrument Editor for Melodic and Percussive Instruments
Pattern Editor for Melodic and Percussive / Drums Patterns
Pitch Shifters on several Layers
Live Tempo Shifting while Maintaining Pitch
Automatic Loop Point Finder with Cross Fade
Volume Mixer on Four Layers
Community Based Sound Library with fast search functions
Easy-To-Learn Soundboard Sequencer and Arranger
Projects, Parts and Recording Variants
Share Your Projects, Work Together on New Songs
Song Export to OGG
..and last but not least: Our Community on https://www.ufxloops.com
We are actively developing new features, so stay tuned...

Elantric

http://www.ikmultimedia.com/news/?item_id=5276

GrooveMaker 2 is now available for Android devices
Make non-stop remixes in real-time like a pro DJ on your Android device!
13 January 2015

IK is pleased to announce that GrooveMaker 2, its revolutionary remixing app, is now available for Android devices. With a full spread of features and an intuitive interface, GrooveMaker 2 lets Android smartphone and tablet users make non-stop electronic dance mixes in real-time and sound like a professional DJ.

Remixing reinvented on Android
IK Multimedia's history as pioneers of the computer music industry dates back for 19 years when it released its first music software, GrooveMaker. History was made again when GrooveMaker made its debut on the App Store as one of the first real-time audio apps for iPhone and iPad. Now with nearly 3 million downloads on iOS, GrooveMaker will help music fans make music with their Android devices anywhere in the world, regardless of skill level.

Now available for smartphones and tablets running Android 4.1 and above, GrooveMaker 2 lets users manipulate pre-arranged sets of loops in real time — just like a DJ or live electronic music performer — thanks to its patented "groove generator" technology. These loops have been created to always sound good together, and they encompass virtually every style and sound imaginable.


A sound for every dance floor
GrooveMaker 2 gives users packs of loops organized as song packs. These song packs comprise a huge amount of musical styles: House, Dubstep, Hip-Hop, Techno, Trance, Electro, Drum and Bass, Reggae, Reggaeton, Rock and more — there are even signature song packs from artists like Ace from Skunk Anansie, Chris Domingo and Cool & Dre. Each song contains over 60 loops that cover essential categories like kick drums, basslines, pads, effects, percussion and more. GrooveMaker 2 also lets users import their own sounds and loops directly from their music library; its editing and auto-sync features allow for endless and effortless creative exploration.

Professional DJ results made easy
With GrooveMaker 2, getting great sounding results is easy as touching a button. Users can draw in grooves on its grid interface or use its Randomix feature to have the app automatically mix and match on its own. GrooveMaker 2's intuitive controls make it easy to lock, solo and mute loops, change volume and panning and save favorite sequences for future use. Its groove length control and advanced time-stretch features allow for even further creative applications, allows GrooveMaker 2 to sync up with and be used as a performance tool in even the most sophisticated of DJ setups. When used with IK Multimedia's mobile mixer, iRig MIX, GrooveMaker 2's X-Sync feature detects the BPM from an external audio source and automatically syncs to the groove.

Killer special FX
In addition to its streamlined sequencing, Groovemaker 2 also sports a suite of powerful effects that can be used for live performance. These include classics like Filter, Delay, Stutter, Flanger, Crush and Noise as well as more creative effects like Twist, Brake, Spin and Tail.

Pricing and availability
GrooveMaker 2 is available now for Android on the Google Play Store for $9.99/€8.99. A free version is also available.

To learn more about or purchase GrooveMaker 2 for Android click here

Elantric

#9


Low latency android Lollipop test.
Requirements:
Nexus 7 with updated with android Lollipop 5.0.2 (waiting for 5.1...)
USB OTG cable for fews euros...
1 external midi keyboard in this case Studiologic WMK 61 organ plus

Application tested:

Music Synthesizer for Android (Raph Levien)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.levien.synthesizer

Caustic
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.singlecellsoftware.caustic


n-Track Studio Pro DAW (n-Track Software)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ntrack.studio.pro


Chumly

Interesting, and I have a Nexus 7 (well it was a present to my wife, but she does not use it very often).
I think it's much more interesting to live not knowing than to have answers which might be wrong. - Richard P. Feynman

admin

#12
http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/11/13/android-audio-latency-in-depth-its-getting-better-especially-with-the-nexus-5x-and-6p/

The short answer — unlike almost every other spec companies like to fight over — is no. At least for just about every application you can come up with, the goal is not to reach 0 ms latency: that simply does not exist.

The fact of the matter is that sound (along with everything else we know of in the Universe) travels at a finite speed. In regular conditions, a sound wave propagates at around 340 meters (or 1100 feet) through the air in a single second. This means that even for plain old physical instruments, there exists an audio delay between the moment the instrument is played and the instant the sound reaches the musician's ear. This isn't due to some flaw in the instrument's design; it's just a simple consequence of the laws of physics for a mechanical wave.

For a violin — which is held just a few inches away from the player's ear — this delay translates to around 0.5 ms, and for larger instruments which are played farther away (like a piano, guitar, or drum set), this can easily reach 3 ms or more. This means that for someone like a pianist, playing a digital piano directly into their headphones at zero audio latency would effectively feel like listening to themselves play the piano in the future.

On top of that, there's a limit beyond which humans can no longer detect latency, and that threshold is actually much higher. As a rule, we begin to perceive a sound as separate (or in a sense, to hear an echo) for latencies of over 20 ms, and we start to "feel" some sort of lag or artifact at around 12 ms. Even for professional musicians, the boundary below which latency becomes completely irrelevant is not much lower.

In a study published by the Audio Engineering Society, researchers attempted to determine the lowest latency detectable by different kinds of musicians. Basically, their goal was to perform a sort of round-trip latency test on humans: a musician would sing or play one of several electric instruments and the sound would be played back into their headphones with different levels of audio delay.

What they found was a set of values below which absolutely no kind of delay or artifact was detected at all. With an 80% confidence level, this value was at least 28 ms for keyboards, whereas for drums, guitars, and bass, it was 9 ms, 5 ms, and 5 ms, respectively. Predictably, the lowest value found was for vocals, where singers only began to notice some slight artifacts at around 2 ms. (The study also found that the threshold for saxophones was at about 1 ms, but since the sample size was small and given that sound takes at least 2 ms to travel from the end of a 25 inch saxophone to the ear of the saxophone player, researchers concluded that more data would be needed to obtain an accurate result.)

Elantric


Elantric

Android update -the latest Android 6.0.1 (Marshmellow) running on my Nvidia Shield K1 tablet finally achieves usable USB audio  - with audio latency in the 20ms range (compared to typical Android 120ms audio latency last year.


http://www.musicalandroid.com/

Elantric

#15
More iOS music creation apps are getting ported to Android

http://www.musicalandroid.com/reviews

http://www.musicalandroid.com



Elantric


Elantric




Elantric




gumtown

Nice one !!,
running a USB floppy was unexpected for Android.

I used to have that "Commander Keen" DOS game on 5 1/4" floppy (back in the day),
and recently found a download copy and installed it on DOSBox.
Free "GR-55 FloorBoard" editor software from https://sourceforge.net/projects/grfloorboard/