Remixing Via iPhone: 5 Tools for the Pocket DJ

Written by Dana Oshiro / November 6, 2009 11:00 AM / 7 Comments

This post is part of our ReadWriteStart channel, which is a resource and guide for first-time entrepreneurs and startups. The channel is sponsored by Microsoft BizSpark. To sign up for BizSpark, click here.

In 1906 John Philip Sousa criticized the gramophone saying, "These talking machines will ruin the artistic development of music in this country." Nevertheless, because Sousa did not forsee user-generated culture proliferating alongside "mechanical music" he could not have been further from the truth. Not only have machine technologies aided in musical development, but there are a variety of mediums to choose from. While audio engineers may scoff at the idea of making music on the iPhone, there's no denying that a number of options exist for the pocket DJ. Below are a few tools to get you started:

1. Melodica: Melodica is like Yamaha's Tenori-On instrument for the iPhone only it doesn't cost $1000 to play with it. This tool interface consists of rows of buttons. Users touch specific buttons on the app surface to create ambient loops. From here the loops can be layered and combined to make fuller sounding music.

2. Sonifi: Sonifi allows users to remix, record and control visualizations via the iPhone. Created by electronic DJ BT, the service allows for real-time collaborations and users can control beats, bass, melody and harmony via the iPhone's accelerometer.

3. ZOOZBeat: Similar to Sonifi, Zoozbeat allows you to remix and make music via gestural motions from the iPhone. Users shake and tap to change song tempo and tone. You can also record your voice directly to the App.

4. Looptastic: With this service users can import loops, share them between sets and combine them with others. You can also download pre-existing loops to experiment. Users rave about this app, but for many the $9.99 price tag will be a deterrent.

5. Thounds:Thounds is a music platform that allows you to create music and share it with friends and family. The service lets you to create one portion of a musical track and share that link with other musicians for additions. Users can contribute a basic baseline, vocals or guitar riffs. An iPhone app is expected shortly.

If you've got more tools to add to this list or examples of music you've made using any of the above products, link to them in the comments below.

Microsoft BizSpark is a startup program that gives you three-year access to the latest Microsoft development tools, as well as connecting you to a nationwide network of investors and incubators. Click here to apply.

Comments

Subscribe to comments for this post OR Subscribe to comments for all ReadWriteStart posts

You should add Beatmaker and iBone!

Posted by: dj snack | November 6, 2009 12:02 PM

Thanx for the valuable information. This was just the thing I was looking for, keep posting. Will be visiting back soon.

@dj snack
is there any good software for desktop u recommend?....

Posted by: r4i | November 6, 2009 9:43 PM

While I think this is a very cool application, I can't see anyone doing serious work using it. I would imagine that serious DJs would prefer using a much larger and comfortable platform.

Posted by: Lawrence @ CRB | November 7, 2009 12:34 AM

Sounds great! pardon the pun lol Thanks for the heads up Dana.

Posted by: Tony | November 7, 2009 4:27 PM

Sounds and looks good but tbh, I would never use the ap. Thanks for the information though :D

Posted by: Free iPod | November 8, 2009 4:04 PM

Don't you mean "music producers"? DJ's generally mix and play music, unless you're talking about live mixing a la Ableton (which these apps don't seem to do).

Posted by: Dave | November 9, 2009 6:14 AM