GCS Model 8 is a free, pocket-sized 8-track tape DAW for iPhone. It has a full blown physics engine which runs in the background and models classic reel-to-reel machines and various formats ranging from LoFi cassette to HiFi 1" tape. The engine is the exact same as the one used in the professional desktop recording version, but still runs very nicely on iPhone.
GCS Model 8 for iPhone is completely free, with no in-app purchases, subscriptions, or ads.
I really want people to have the engine as a fun tool for mobile settings without any sort of catch.
Features:
• 8-track recording with a real tape transport (play, record, rewind, fast-forward, punch, scrub)
• Analog tape physics: adjustable wow, flutter, stickiness, head gap, hiss, and age
• Built-in effects and tape techniques: reverse, SOS, punch, click track, loop
• Built-in instruments: A-1 Mono Synth, A-10 Poly Synth, Glissandio (Ondes Martenot style slide synth), Stage Keyboard
• Voxtone Drum Machine: synthesized analog drums with a dedicated step-sequencer (MATRIX) and live-trigger (PADS) view, plus two sample-based kits (808, Acetone)
• 8-pad MPC-style Pad Sampler: load your own samples or mic them in directly, with pitch, trim, and gate controls
• Reels: save, load, and share your sessions
• Bluetooth MIDI keyboard support
• Importing recordings to hit them to tape
• Sound of Sound looping (Fripp style)
• Formats: cassette, 1/4", 1/2" and 1" - along with various presets
•Most of the features found on the desktop version
Reels you create on iPhone move over to GCS Model 8 for iPad and GCS Model 8 for Mac/Windows, which add more tracks, more effects, and full export/mixdown for when you're ready to take a session further.
This app unlocks things creatively. Being able to stick to the old ways of just getting it right on tape but with the convenience of just using your phone is a very big deal for songwriters. Also the artifacts are spot on and sound just like tape, I’ve used tape for years and having the ability to dial your ideal lofi settings is incredible
Developer Response
Awesome, so glad you like it!
Amazing and useful
Narr8r
I’ve got to say when it comes to vsts coming close to an actual tape machine this one is by far the best one I have come across! Instantly got to routing different stems I have to the tracks for mixing and the insert effects are amazing.
Developer Response
Awesome, appreciate it! I hope you have a lot of fun with it!
Love this app!
Joylovepeacehappiness
I figured out the click once I received a response from the developer (You have to go to the menu button to set the click tempo and to upload a track). So thank you! I will definitely be using the app more. Could be a bit more simplistic to use, but overall II get the concept and like what this app can produce once you learn how to use it
Developer Response
Hi there! To turn on the click you just hit the click button on the main deck page. To change the settings like bpm you go to the settings tab under Metronome. You can also long press the click button to change volume. The pad sampler bpm is not connected to the main daw click, its meant to be more like using a drum machine and a tape machine together which inherently aren't connected. I'll be releasing an update with more simplistic controls though since it can be confusing for people who aren't used to to three head reel to reels.
good?
Nick->name
Sorta nit-picky, sorta not : gonna go out on a limb and say the reel title does not need to be bigger than the transport buttons.. because you know.. you actually need to interact with the transport buttons. But if that's the worst thing i've got to say (which it currently is) then it's a pretty good app.A means to make custom ui skins would be cool..
Developer Response
Hey! I’m working on some new ui layout options, If you have time I’d love for you to email me any feedback you have. Thanks!-Will
Fixed app store rating bug where button didn't work correctly.
Version 1.0.1
The developer, will patterson, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
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The developer does not collect any data from this app.
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