My most used Synth Apps are 5 years old | haQ attaQ

It's been 5 years since these two Synth apps came out for iPad and I am still using them. They're simply my most favourite ones when it come to iOS synth apps. But what is it that makes so good? What is it about them that I like so much? Well, In this haQ attaQ episode I am attempting to explain what it is that keeps me coming back to these two synths and also why you might want to get them yourself.
#Synthesizer #MusicApps #iPad
▼ CONNECT WITH ME ▼
PATREON ► / jakobhaq
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FACEBOOK ► / haqattaq
PAYPAL DONATE ► www.paypal.me/...
DEVIANTART ► jakobhaq.devia...
▼ APP LINKS ▼
WALDORF NAVE ► apps.apple.com...
PROPELLERHEAD THOR ► apps.apple.com...
CUBASIS 2 ► apps.apple.com...
▼ VIDEO LINKS ▼
I AM THOR PRESET EXPLAINED ► • I am Thor preset Expla...
64 BELL PRESETS FOR THOR ► • Propellerhead Thor for...
64 NAVE PRESETS ► • Waldorf Nave for iPad ...
▼ SOURCE LINKS ▼
RESONISTAS INTERVIEW WITH MATS ► www.reasonista...
▼iOS MUSIC KZbinRS▼
THESOUNDTESTROOM ► / thesoundtestroom
ELECTRONISOUNDS ► / @electronisoundsaudio
THEAUDIODABBLER ► / @theaudiodabbler
BRANDONRICO SIMPSON ► / brandonrico1
NU-TRIX THE SYNTH GUY ► / @nu-trix
THEGARAGEBANDGUIDE ► / thegaragebandguide
DAVEYPOO ► / @daveypoommm
REDSKYLULLABY ► / redskylullaby
PETE JOHNS ► / @petejohnsmusic
DJ PUZZLE IPADLOOPS ► / ipadloops
▼ IOS MUSICIAN RESOURCE SITES ▼
Want even more information on how to create music with your iOS device?
►discchord.com
►www.palmsounds.net
►www.synthanatom...
►forum.audiob.us
►apptronica.us
►iosmusicandyou....
►apps4idevices.com
►smitematter.com

[@JakobHaq]

👊🏼 DO YOU WANT THESE SOUNDS?! ▼ The sounds that I’m playing in this video are sounds I’ve made for both synths (apart from 1 sound). All those sounds are available as free downloads (dropbox links) if you CHECK the DESCRIPTION boxes of the following two videos! And hey, drop a like on those vids if you do go and get those presets. 😉 ▼ 64 NAVE PRESETS ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKjQe5KKjbljnqM ▼ 64 BELL PRESETS FOR THOR ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/foTGlIKZnNh2nK8

[@user-bh5po8fd7o]

Nave installed via Audioshare perfectly, but Thor doesn't' I selected patches individually after zipping as instructed and hit copy to Thor in Audioshare, but nothing shows up there... Thoughts? The Nave patches are BRILLIANT.

[@3rdPersonProductions]

We think someone should start a petition to get Nave upgraded to AUV3… it literally is one of the most impressive synths that we have heard in general - not just iOS.

[@MrKKmusic]

I’m happy you mentioned Thor. It was amazing when it was first introduced in Reason and it’s no less so today! The sheer amount and quality of the Oscillators and Filters imbue it with limitless sonic potential!

[@robertlouis5109]

Your channel is becoming one of my favourites.And your accent is awesome!🙏🙏

[@JakobHaq]

Aw, thank you very much! 👊🏼

[@russ8889]

If a synth is good it doesn't matter how old it is....there is some great new stuff out there to keep us interested ......I still love to break out ReBirth every couple of months to get my acid fix🙂

[@alanwilton6806]

I’ve been using Nave for some time and I have the desktop version of Thor. I’ve been using Reason for years and I found out today that Reason 11 is due in September, so more expense when I upgrade again. I’ve never thought about buying the iOS version of Thor but your video was helpful so maybe I’ll take the plunge. As always your content is also very entertaining and you and Doug Woods make the best iOS related videos as far as I’m concerned. I actually watch them right the way through as opposed to some other reviewers who bore me to tears. Thanks for another great video.

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you very much. It really means a lot to me that you enjoy my content so much! ❤️

[@tarqu1no39]

I've paused this at 2:28 to go and play with Nave! It was one of the first I bought about 2 and a half years ago (partly because of your videos on it), and it was too difficult for my beginner status. It's been languishing in my 'iaa synths' box for a while as like most others I've been spoilt with all the AU synths. Now I know what i'm doing tonight, AND, I haven't done anything but presets in Thor either! Thanks :)

[@JakobHaq]

I can’t tell you how amazing it feels to read this! 👊🏼😊

[@valdiskrebs566]

My most used apps are fairly old also - Arturia SEM, midiSTEPs, Fugue Machine, AUM and the Moog set (Model D, Model 15, and Animoog).

[@sumchi3690]

💥Qerberus 💥has to be the most ground shaking bass sound I have ever had the pleasure of using or even just playing! I can’t say enough just about that sound alone what to say about your entire Nave sound bank.And yes..you should be very proud of it. If you did another one I’d buy it. ✌️🎶🎵🎶

[@JakobHaq]

I’m happy that you like my sounds! Nave is a killer synth! 👊💋

[@sumchi3690]

@@JakobHaq 👊

[@Max16032]

Thor for iPad is still an impressive, versatile app to this day, but unfortunately I feel that Propellerhead never dared to release more apps of their rack instruments from Reason. Probably they never truly believed that iPad production and AU apps would take the world by storm. Thor is still usable but currently forgotten by the developer, but here's hoping they do something about it.

[@galefraney]

Excellent comparison and demonstration of both synth apps!

[@hArtyTruffle]

That sound around 1min in on Nave, reminds me of a Boards of Canada track about Waco, Texas.

[@chicoaria]

Oh man! Every single video is relevant, every single joke is relevant, every single note is relevant! Thanks for exist and share your knowledge Jakob Haq. We apreciate that a lot in a hard world like this!

[@JakobHaq]

😘💙

[@HOLODECK-MUSIC-PROJECT]

It’s funny that we have this in common. I have made a full test review of almost all important synths on iOS and getting the same resume. Nave and Thor (and Zeeon) are the most flexible and professional sounding synths on iOS! Tx for this “reminder” to work with them again! 🤓

[@Alanoffer]

Try Audiokit Synth One .. it’s free and it’s got brilliant sounds on it

[@JakobHaq]

Yep it’s awesome. It even has a hidden page with my show name in it! 😉 > kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJLMc5KpiteJiNE

[@torstenm.354]

I use nave in every setup. I do all my pads with this great synth. I am a big Waldorf fan since years because of the blofeld and to have a Waldorf synth on the iPad is just amazing. The only two things I miss are AUv3 support and Ableton Link! Hopefully an update will come in future! Thx 4 your videos, always great work 👍🙏

[@hmosc]

I love Nave too. Whenever I need inspiration, it is where I go. I haven’t tried Thor and may pass on it because of the absence of MIDI learn. If I were forced to choose only two, I would include Layr and Animoog. I must have MPE in one. Layr can be forced to be MPE, but it’s tedious. In any case, I’m going to get Thor and give it a go, based solely on you recommendation. I love you videos and schizophrenic running commentary. 😉

[@JakobHaq]

😂😂😂 Thank you! Killed me with that last bit. 😂😂😂

[@obowurx6625]

Well, are you pleased with Thor? Do you have Magellan by chance? I’ve been eyeing LayR, the fact you put it in your top 2 is definitely making me think about it again. So many synths, so little time (my current favorite is probably Aparillo - ask me tomorrow and it may have changed!)

[@markotik75]

Nave is simply pure class. For a synthnof the age, the tech under the hood was way ahead of its time. I love it - it’s definitely in my all time top 5. Thor, yes, `Thor is great but: it feels extremely limited because you are always comparing it to it VST Reason Synth plug in. It did work much better with reason too but I’m guessing that part was because of the routing system prevalent on Reason synths. Thor is prob my no.6 or 7 all time favourite.

[@obowurx6625]

Markotik G what are your top 3?

[@christoroppolo8742]

I totally agree about the drop downs for modulation midi etc. much more sophisticated than ANY plug ins or menus on a hardware synth workstations or sampling hardware. Peace Christo 👽🎶🐕🛸☮️💀

[@lesfuller5984]

Hey Jakob, I’m just getting into iOS music making, thanks to you! Love your videos. By the way, I have your My Mellow Album on repeat. 😁

[@JakobHaq]

Aw, thank you. It makes me happy that you like my music! ❤️❤️❤️

[@markotik75]

Les Fuller Nice one mate.... you are going to have so much fun using iOS for production. The thing that 1st got me into using my 12.9” dedicated iPad Pro for making - and mixing to an extent too - was how cheap, how high quality the apps were back then. Once Apple realised they had a serious concern with iPads being bought solely for use in the studio, the only thing they did was improve it. Ten-fold. With how easy it is to pirate Android apps, you will simply never get high quality audio production apps made by reputable companies with the professional musician in mind - Moog, Korg, Sugar Bytes, Pioneer, Native Instruments, Brambos, Propellerhead, Novation, the list goes on and on and on - the app security on Apple devices is rock solid so companies can spend a lot of time and money releasing synths, DAWS, drum machines, plug-in fx units etc knowing they will get paid for their software - and this is where it’s continuing to lead us today - apps are getting more intricate, more fun, more accurately designed on original hardware, they all work well with each other and now with Ableton Link and easy to route MIDI CC’s I find it hard to actually have a day where I don’t use my iPad for audio hijinks... And Bluetooth solves lack of midi ports, every controller I’ve tried to remap to iOS apps, has been so easy to do it’s crazy. The iPad Pro - the 12.9” screen and the newer model are to me, perfect for messing around at home, knocking out tracks, loops or mixes. Awesome fun. Glad you found how much you can use your device for in a world increasingly taken over by high end equipment and powerful MacBooks. Welcome to the family 😉

[@lesfuller5984]

Markotik G Thanks for the reply! Watching Jakob’s videos really opened my eyes to how much scope there is now with an iPad and iOS apps. Once I’ve sorted out a few bit of hardware, I’ll be good to go😁.

[@markotik75]

Les Fuller Yeah, in the past few years, Jakob has been an inspiration to my iOS production. No matter what, his reviews are always spot on - as he doesn’t get sponsored by any company like many influencers get to bump up how good their stuff is. Jakob tells it as it is and also gives the cons and not just all praise because he likes it. If you’re not long into iOS production, I can post you a link of youtubers - most are also followed by and recommend Jakob. There’s all the usual guys working to promote their own appps but I have a solid list of guys I trust enough that I use them if I need to decide on a type of daw etc. The bonus about Jakob is how down to earth he is and doesn’t claim to be better than yourself. And he’s really really knowledgeable about iOS apps and the best hardware to use. My twitter handle is Markotik75 - if you use twitter, send me a friend request and I’ll dm you a list of the 15 or so people I’ve found to have helped me the most, along with their KZbin and insta channels. Only if you want to of course but I feel for someone relatively new to iOS production, these are guys that w0uld be good to have followed. Cheers buddy. Either just get in touch on twitter or reply here if you want the list of non-influenced, non-biased decent youtube folk. Bye for now mate 👍

[@lesfuller5984]

Markotik G Thanks again, and yes, happy to connect on Twitter.

[@taituts6963]

Very well made, Jakob. Two interesting Apps, but (still?) lacking AUv3 Support. Not acceptable in 2024.

[@clacclackerson3678]

I believe Rolf also made nLog synth, still my fave and much older than Nave!

[@WhySoBroke]

Great video! Gracias Haqmigo!!! 👍🇲🇽

[@JakobHaq]

Thank you!

[@manuelcandelaria8200]

Hey Jakob! Just wanted to let you know that after watching this video I and taking a some time to think about it I purchased Nave. I plan to buy Thor eventually but your passion for Nave and the sounds you made with it were so moving that I had to buy it.

[@Valleedbrume]

They are both power houses after all this time.

[@syneman1]

Thor still sounds amazing. Maybe time to get Reason again.

[@JakeSweeper]

Well damn. The Nave sounds deep. May have to get a copy. With recent changes going on with Propellerhead, I do hope Thor and other apps keep getting some love and support. Oh, I bought your Album, despite Amaxon Music's attempts at preventing me from DLing to my phone. :)

[@JakobHaq]

I’m really happy that you like my music. Ps, I had no idea that Amazon music could be bothersome for phone users. Sorry about that.

[@JakeSweeper]

@@JakobHaq probably the result of Amazon basically having 3 music services that are going through a single app. I don't use Unlimited, occasionally use Prime Music, But use the MP3 store most often. So I supose it gets confused from time to time. :)

[@imagine9033]

Great review

[@Rustik1722]

Agree. Except I sub Animoog for Thor and use Nave as second after all these years.

[@JakobHaq]

Animoog is a real killer too! 👊🏼

[@christoroppolo8742]

I love own and often use both of these as well. Peace Christo 👽🐕🎶🛸☮️💀

[@hArtyTruffle]

Such a shame I can’t get your Thor patches into Thor 😟 I’ll have to go look see if you did another vid on this more recently.

[@styrbjornulfhamr9404]

NAVE!!!!!! I love the sounds it can ceate! The features listed in the video mention AU3 for both synths. Is that the Mac/PC versions? I don’t see either on my iOS list of AUv3. An update adding AUv3 would be worth paying for.

[@JakobHaq]

If you look at the feature splash (1:08) again more closely you can see that I’ve coloured AUv3 in red, meaning it does not support that format. The ones in green means that those are supported. It’s the same with the Thor feature splash (3:04).

[@styrbjornulfhamr9404]

@@JakobHaq Ahhhh....... Got it. Thanks!

[@PAL-MUSIC-1]

hope you had a nice vacation 🙏🙏

[@JakobHaq]

Yes it sure did. Very calm and relaxing. Just what I needed to recharge. ☀️

[@PAL-MUSIC-1]

@@JakobHaq time to get back to normality, more blackhole vocals... i hope? 🎹🎹🎹🙏🙏

[@JakobHaq]

We’ll see! I’m trying out some other ideas for music. Don’t know what’s going to come out of it thought. 😅

[@PAL-MUSIC-1]

@@JakobHaq same here, just go with the flow🙏

[@robertsteinberger5667]

For me its sunrizer xs, the presets are shit but it gives me almost all sounds i need and its pretty old as well.....

[@chebtamer]

Why they rolled out Thor from the App Store? 😢

[@Dogboy73]

Okay, think I need to buy Waldorf Nave.

[@learnsoundd-sine5157]

I really wish Propellerhead/Reason Studios still supported Thor! Recently got pulled. Such a shame because their newer Reason app can’t compare in thE slightest. Extremely lackluster!

[@vivienky]

Exactly. I now have to be super careful with my old cracked-screen iPad that has Thor on it! Once it dies, I guess I no longer have Thor.

[@CarloalbertoRigo]

Love them too. Especially the Waldorf. I hope that the will continue to work on iOS 13... goddamn Apple!

[@JakobHaq]

I’m looking into the whole IAA iOS13 thing so stay tuned. 👍🏼

[@CarloalbertoRigo]

Kegan Snow thank You so much for the infos

[@ItsPBUH]

So sad Thor is no longer available and Nave still isn't Auv3 (it hasn't had an update in 3 years!)

[@LordOfTheThings]

Can you do a dig into the iMaschine 2 app? I make tracks all the time, it’s my little studio... I have like 20 tracks on soundcloud, samples from music, like it’s a fucking god.

[@torstenm.354]

Hi Jacob, thx 4 the video. I am watching your channel since years and your videos helped me a lot. Thank you very much 4 this! 😎I am using nave a lot too and it is really one of the best synths for ios. Do you know if waldorf is planing an update with audio unit support? I also miss this support for animoog.... its really a shame 😔 maybe you asked the dev of nave the same question and have some informations 😎

[@JakobHaq]

Unfortunately I do not have that info. I was mostly asking about the development process and his thoughts around that etc. Really nerdy stuff. 😅😂👍🏼

[@torstenm.354]

Thx for your answer. No problem! Hopefully one day they will release an update with AU support! Thx bro, take care an keep going with your great channel! 😀😎👍🙏

[@Radikaal555]

Hi Jakob, welcome back! I love these too, shame they're still without auv3.. Anyway, how do you route the midi from the apps into Cubasis?

[@JakobHaq]

I basically load the Synth(s) as an IAA input on an audio channel and then I just add a MIDI channel where I set it up to send the MIDI straight into the Synth(s). It’s very straightforward since they show up in the list of ins and outs.

[@Radikaal555]

@@JakobHaq great, thanks!!

[@christophertodman8254]

I love your channel. Just found it a few weeks ago. What made you decide to give up your more traditional studio and go mobile. Do you have a video where you explained or told the story?

[@JakobHaq]

I’ve talked about it in livestreams and in several interviews with various blogs and news sites over the years, but the short answer is >>> I lost my ability to find new inspiration in the studio due to too many options. Too much gear, too much software and too many ways to go. I had everything one could possible need or want in a studio. But without the drive to actually use the stuff, well my creativity stagnated. I also started drinking more heavily and abusing drugs. >>> I sold of the stuff I had but by bit, buying drugs and alcohol until I had almost nothing left. I then got an android phone and started making music with it but it was so limited. I switched from Android to iOS when getting my first iPhone (an 5s) and I also sobered you’re completely at the same time. >>> From there on out I started researching the platform. I suddenly had more time over and also forum and clarity since I wasn’t poisoning myself with “liquid-stimulants”. So I was basically looking for ways of doing stuff on the iOS platform that I was previously able to do with my old desktop studio. >>> Well during that time my creativity woke up and flourished. I started a blog and then later I started making videos for this channel and the inspiration is still going on strong. >>> The biggest strength of the iOS platform is accessibility. I can work wherever I am, whenever I want. Many of my videos and tracks have been made In transit on busses, boats, car and on planes occasionally. In fact all of my content is and has always been produced on iOS. A lot of details lost in this streamlined answer but it’s the way it happened.

[@christophertodman8254]

whoa that's a hellova story...thank you. I read once or twice about this concept called 'The paradox of choice' which is basically as you described - too much choice leading to inaction because our brains can't deal with too many options, basically. You're right, it's the limitations of anything that sparks or helps our creativity. I'm setting up a studio again after about 10 years of it laying dormant because - kids, band, too much work etc and super intrigued with all the Ipad app possibilities - so much great sounding stuff! Thanks for showing the way. Enjoy your holidays.

[@JakobHaq]

No problem! Happy holidays and welcome to the channel! ☃️

[@herontotem1065]

(now i’m always waiting for the moment when you will appear from nowhere, not this time lol...) I’m a noob with IOS but I appreciate good synth apps (specially the Moog ones). The last that i’ve bought is the Arp Odyssey, did you try it?

[@AdamHardymaniOSMM]

This is great (as always!) - makes me want to go..retro...🤔

[@janedoe1787]

Will Thor be obsolete after iOS 13 and no more IAA ?

[@JakobHaq]

I’ve been researching this topic for a video for a while so stay tuned.

[@janedoe1787]

Jakob Haq I will 😄

[@787UrbanApparel]

.... scary 😱😱😱😱 !!! The rumors have been spreading for about three years now , since Apple discontinued the jack port on iPhone. Apparently! Only rumors for now .. Apple is creating a ecosystem only for music production with its unique hardware . Is an Ipad/studio console only for musicians. Not sure when they will break the news ... but is going to be a hit . You will be able to download all your Apps there ...

[@janedoe1787]

787UrbanApparel what?

[@styrbjornulfhamr9404]

I think that the word was Apple stops developing/supporting IAA, but devs seems to think that just means we’ve received notice that we can expect IAA to not work after a few more iOS versions. iOS music producers should NEVER update iOS until at least 6 months have passed so you can research online about the broken funtionalities.

[@valley_robot]

I have apps that no longer work on the latest IOS , I gave up on soft synths a long time ago , I have synths that are over 20 years old that still work just fine and will be repairable \ replaceable if they fail. It’s a shame because there are so many good soft synths on IOS , I just can’t trust them to work indefinitely

[@isaacanthonydj4124]

i purchased thor, but sold the iPad i had it on, original 3. now i can't DL it anywhere. Someone got a .torrent or other locker for thor, i purchased it, legally...

[@billsimpson1085]

Where can I get your presets for Nave?

[@Madmohawkfilms]

Woohoo like #100 :) have you tried the Waldorf Blofeld Desktop Synth? How does the IOS Waldorf Nave app standup against the Waldorf Blofeld? Obviously it CRUSHES the hardware in the price department Thanks man

[@JakobHaq]

It’s been ages ago since I used the Blofeld. I never owned one myself, but I did borrow it for my studio back in 2008 or something (if I remember correctly). I was awesome. But I can’t remember the specs that well. I’d have to use them side by side in order to properly compare them. It would be awesome if I could do that. Maybe I’ll try to eat a hold of one.

[@Madmohawkfilms]

Look forward to your thoughts on it once you get one to do the head to head.

[@williamshaneblyth]

Is the Bloefeild a wave table synth?

[@Madmohawkfilms]

The Blofeld is descended from the Waldorf Q, Micro Q and Microwave II wavetable synthesizers (all of which were themselves descendants of the classic PPG Wave). ... All three oscillators have classic analog modeled waveforms, while Osc1 and Osc2 can also act as wavetable generators.

[@ironTOM1998]

How can I export single loops from novation’s launchpad app so I can use them in ableton? Thanks! Your channel helps a lot

[@IgnisCygnus147]

Either record the audio into ableton as a sample or route it in an audiobus like app to a recording app

[@mixerinc]

Word

[@sumchi3690]

Nave is not Au3😩

[@mark-yj5sg]

13.33 what😱 that patch is insane! Where do I get it?

[@JakobHaq]

I made that preset. Almost all of the sounds in here apart from 1 have all been made by me. This particular sound is part of my free 64 preset pack for Nave. As you can see it’s named “Overslaan” which is Dutch for “to misfire”. You can find a download link (dropbox) in the description of this video >>> kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKjQe5KKjbljnqM

[@Aleksandr-youtube]

Are there any other synthesizers that are suitable for creating music in such styles as dubstep and drum & bass, who knows?

[@JakobHaq]

Apart from Nave (which is my main choice for that) and Thor, I’d highly recommend Cyclop by Sugar Bytes. That one has been made with genres like that in mind. It’s absolutely sick in a very positive way. It’s biggest issue is that it is a port from desktop to iOS. and on smaller iPads, some control elements are incredibly hard to access/use, because they’re too tiny. I have no issues with it here but I’m using a 12,9” Pro. I wouldn’t recommend Cyclop to anyone using an iPad mini. . Now, if you’re using NanoStudio 2 then Obsidian Synth is a given. And if you’re into KORG Gadget then there are several gadgets that can produce sounds for those genres. . I would like to add that, in my opinion, any Synth could be used for any type of EDM genre. It all has to do with the knowledge of synthesis and patch creation in the end. However, for musicians that does not want to get into patch creation, the above mentioned Nave and Cyclops, including Thor, are all very good and straight forward options for any type of “rougher” EDM style music. They all have a lot of really good presets already.

[@Aleksandr-youtube]

@@JakobHaq I know the synthesis well, and do not use the presets. And the computer works with synthesizers as Native Instruments FM8, Massive, Massive X, Reactor.Prumorously selecting suitable synthesizers for the iPad for working out of the studio. Obsidian of Nanostudio is great,but i am Cubase 10 pro and Cubasis 2 user.

[@JakobHaq]

Back when I was using desktop (I’ve been a Cubase user for almost two decades ❤️ so I understand why you’re using Cubasis 😉), Natives Massive was my absolute favorite. When I switched over to iOS I immediately started looking for equivalent synthesizers and so for a long time I found Propellerhead Thor, Waldorf Nave and Z3TA by Cakewalk to be the closest ones so I used them all a lot. Later on Sugar Bytes releases Cyclop and then I also started using that one too. Out of those four synths, Z3TA has now been removed from the AppStore and is not available anymore.

[@dafingaz]

Any of these AUV? I have to be mainly AUV now. LOL.

[@TheChameleon2008]

same here and thats why i love the JB so that i can test the apps before buying them.

[@dafingaz]

Square Breaker yep!

[@Kkidzz]

Hi Jakob, hope you’re doing well my friend.

[@JakobHaq]

I sure am and I’m happy to be posting again. 👊🏼

[@GaryR55]

They still work, right? Who cares about the latest crap!