Strokes - Audio Workstation 4+
Sequencer/Sampler/Synthesizer
John Howes
Designed for iPad
-
- $19.99
iPad Screenshots
Description
Share your jams on Discord -> https://discord.gg/p4K8VFQm
Sound On Sound (Jan 2023): ""Huge fun, and musically potent. A dedicated pattern sequencer for your DAW that opens up all sorts of polyrhythmic, pseudo-random, non-linear possibilities."
Tom Rowlands [Chemical Brothers] : "Strokes is an amazing device for rhythmic inspiration. Its a lot of fun to play with and can lead to some very cool unexpected patterns and combinations"
CDM : "Its just really elegant... a semi-modular powerhouse for exploring polyrhythms, both in musical note/percussion patterns and modulation. So, uh… whoa."
DJ Mag: "DJs and producers wanting to create intricate sequencer patterns should look at Strokes"
MusicRadar: "An instant inspiration generator"
International Orange: "An elevated groovebox"
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Welcome to Strokes.
An all-in-one, cross-platform workstation for sequencing, sampling and synthesis.
The idea of this device is to encourage free-flow experimentation and exploration of rhythm and modulation. The architecture behind Strokes is complex, but on the surface it’s designed to be intuitive no matter what your experience level is. By setting up some sounds and turning the dials, anyone can create interesting and unique results. The sequencing and modulation are cross-patched, meaning the actions of one part impact on another - in this way, the patterns all form part of the greater whole, moving in symbiosis to create cohesive results.
The first four sequencer channels can be set according to your wishes, while the other four behave in various ways according to those settings. Each channel can be assigned one of 16 oscillators from Mutable Instruments’ celebrated Plaits module. Alternatively, they can each be assigned to samples of your choice with various sound design options. There are probability options to add semi-random changes to the sequencers, and on-board reverb and delay add effects processing to the sounds being generated. Various modulation options allow these sounds and effects to be changed in subtle or significant ways, always in response to the other rhythmic behaviour taking place in the project.
Rather than relying on methodical programming of patterns or computer-defined ‘randomness’, Strokes offers a way to create surprising music with an emphasis on fun. Nothing happens by accident, but you never quite know where a jam will take you. With the means to store patterns and melodic information within a project, one set up can produce different results every time.
Strokes can run as a VST3 or AU plug-in within all major DAW environments, meaning the MIDI information generated can also be assigned to your own software and hardware instruments. On iOS, Strokes can run as a standalone application or from within a host such as AUM.
Desktop VST3 & AU are a separate purchase, available at congburn.co.uk/strokes
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Synth/iOS demo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9IXqFBCa24
Sampler/iOS demo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvLasl_wois
Video Tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b0UtgdOQ1g
PDF Manual - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hViEDttYSAIFygN1Y4kWXByMXfX5r3K4
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Strokes contains DSP code provided under the MIT open source license by Mutable Instruments.
Plaits © 2016 Emilie Gillet
https://github.com/pichenettes/eurorack
What’s New
Version 3.11.2
- Improved the quality of the amplitude envelopes. They now function as an AD rather than ADSR. What this means is that the entire attack & decay stages will play on each note event. If another note trigger occurs during the attack stage, it won't reset to the beginning of the attack. If a note trigger occurs during the decay phase, it'll reset to the start of the decay stage. This results in better sound quality and less clicks.
- Load a sample button now asks for confirmation if you have a sample already loaded
- When changing from euclidean to step mode, copy the euclidean rhythm to step mode if steps are blank.
- Fixed an issue where setting decay high and adding modulation would destroy all the synth voices.
- Tutorial overlay play button displays at correct resolution.
- Keyboard modals display current note / root note.
- Change naming of voice modulation params for Matrix.
Ratings and Reviews
At first a bit daunting, don’t let that dissuade you though.
I’ve explored a lot of sequencers and grooveboxes over the years and have come to the conclusion that this one is quite exceptional. The combination of inter-connected modulation routing with its unique probability/chance schemes make mechanical sequences seem to breath and evolve. Also don’t forget to find that little “swing” slider button and use it . Lastly, the internal sounds are great and useable as well as flexible and varied. However, if that is not enough or not to your liking , you can always load your own samples. I found myself engrossed with it for hours (even bothering to read the very clearly written manual). I can’t believe it is an multi instance AU app that I can use in AUM to trigger other instruments which I’ve still yet to try . Deep and worth every penny.
Incredibly Powerful
This software is seriously impressive. My knowledge and navigation around it so far is just the tip of the iceberg but I’m already having results of sound sculpting I wouldn’t have been able to come up with anywhere near as easily in other programs.
The fact that this is often updated with more and more options + the stability easily makes this a no-brainer purchase. Can’t recommend it enough. Thank you for all the hard work into this and for sharing it!
Amazing
This is going to Change things up in ways you can’t imagine. Just a few hours with it and I’ve gotten sounds, rhythms, ect, I couldn’t dream up!😀👌
App Privacy
The developer, John Howes, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- John Howes
- Size
- 19.5 MB
- Category
- Music
- Compatibility
-
- iPad
- Requires iPadOS 11.0 or later.
- Mac
- Requires macOS 11.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.
- Languages
- Age Rating
- 4+
- Copyright
- © 2023 John Howes
- Price
- $19.99
Supports
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Family Sharing
Up to six family members can use this app with Family Sharing enabled.