Android tablet, An SX's best friend?

[mallblimps]

So after a bit of reflection about what I actually use my macbook FOR with my SP workflow, got to thinking about ditching my laptop and getting the cheapest tablet possible without sacrificing what I need to do. wasn't sure it would work though due to unfamiliarity with android and micro SD.

I picked up a Lenova tab 2 7", a 32gb micro SD card and SD adaptor this afternoon (all for just over 100 bucks aus), put the adapted SD in my 404sx, formatted it with crossed fingers, sampled a couple things, then removed the micro SD and chucked it in my tablet.

Success! I can see my roland folder, import/remove/rename etc and get my existing sample library on and off the micro by using an OTG usb drive in the lenova micro usb port, with all the samples I used to keep on my mac, sorted/foldered and ready like always, woot. (your tablet will require OTG compatibility, and you'll need to root your device to require the ability to edit files on the flash storage, but I'm happy as is.)

The fact I can prepare and sort live sets/my sample library with such a cheap off the shelf device (that I can even sit discreetly next to my SP with a setlist written up on it!) is kinda blowing my mind atm, macbook will be getting sold if I'm still this happy in a month. sorry if this is all obvious to you guys, but I'm hoping someone else finds this as handy and dope as I have.

[mallblimps]

ohhh snap, also.....I know this has to be possible....if someone could compile Bankrobber to run on Android this whole thing steps up a notch. it's an AIR app and from what I gather this is totally doable, might require a PC tho. SOMEONE MAKE THIS HAPPEN AND I'LL JOIN A CULT FOR YOU :/

[medearis]

I would not sell your laptop unless you absolutely need to... just so much you can do that an android tablet can't touch! I use my LG tablet as a sketch recorder (w/ Audio Evolution Mobile).

Sometimes I use it as an editor/effects processors for field recordings then sample parts into my SP when on the road or something.

I was originally wanting a lite sample editor so I could pitch on the go, something like that would make my day. If Bankrobber could be ported to a tablet, that'd be dope, fully agree.

[mallblimps]

I hear you on the laptop, I come from working in web/graphics and I started out on cubase and reason with beats.......but I honestly don't have those needs anymore with where I'm at in life now. the macbook's actually gonna most probably be a gift to my old man, dude hates computers but if I set it up right he might change his mind and make some trap bangers on facebook.

still setting up mad stuff on this android so not even 100% sure on this transition but I'm in no rush to make mistakes. all fun and games so far woot.

[medearis]

Well, AudioMobile has pitch and timestretch so keep an eye on it. I got it on sale for like $15. Works with every interface I have tried (Zoom to Audient). Could be worth it for you. Been bouncing stuff in & out like a beast most of the evening. Glad I read the patch notes and saw the pitch and stretch stuff.

[mallblimps]

Cheers I'll check it out mos def, wavepad is best I've found, for me, so far...but still trying all these apps out.

[mallblimps]

Ohhh shit BTW, $3 Bluetooth audio receiver into your 404? Wireless sampler! I got no idea about Bluetooth audio quality tho, off for more caveman research.....

[bloooj]

Hey guys. Just for your info, there's a free sample editor for Volca Sample by Caustic. It seems pretty good.

I have it downloaded and I can load drum wav files, cut them and add effects and/or pitch. I have not used it much, just trying to learn the sp itself before I start adding external shit to my workflow.

edit: also, let me know if you guys know of a cheap, easy way to record stereo audio into Android for editing. Maybe it's a cheap, easy way to bounce to and fro for those without access to a computer (for pattern seq users). Since tablets are getting pretty cheap now, maybe helpful.

[mallblimps]

As far as I've gathered any small USB powered audio interface should work over an otg cable as long as the tablet can do USB host mode, not sure about support on the software side of things I've yet to get to that stuff, will let you know if I get something working. Mono splitter cable arrived yesterday and I'll be trying to record something in this weekend hopefully....

[medearis]

My Steinberg CI-1, Audient iD22 (w/ Saffire 40 as ADAT preamp), Zoom H4 and my Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX all work without a hitch using some OTG cables I ordered off of eBay for $5.

Throw A.E.M. in the mix and you just turned your tablet into a portable multitrack recorder that you can also watch porn on. That's pretty dope.

[dr00py]

This thread seems to be about Android/mobile based DAWs and multitrackers for the most part, but I'm gonna drop some links to some sweet and fun digital/emu synth apps I've come across:

Paid
Paid with Demo
Free

Caustic (duh): Rack sampler/synth powerhouse, midi support.. too much to count.. lots of packs out there for it too.

Common Analog Synthesizer: Solid, simple synth that gets the job done. 2 Oscillators, 1 LFO , 3 Envelopes, LP/HP Filter, OscillatorSync, Cross-Modulation.

Common FM Synthesizer: Very similar look and build to the previous, but FM synthesis. I know fuckall about FM specs but I love that shit to death.

SynprezFM: !!!HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! STRONG FM synth and DX7 emulator. Tonnes of great presets and extremely tweakable

ExSynth: Based off Common Analog Synth, but with a few new features that apparently grant it a pricetag over the code it's forked from (midi support is good I guess lol)

SFX Synthesizer: Novel one-shot SFX creator, a bit like those sfxr and bfxr apps you can find on your browser. Good on the go.

Sonic Synth: Oscillator-based synth, a bit more heavyweight than Common Analog Synth or ExSynth, although personally I find the interface a bit unwieldy

Saucillator: Fun kaospad-type synth, great for experimenting. Built in looper. Trippy spacey type feel you feel me?

OTOONE: Ribbon-type synth with a layout of 4 octaves, unique design that will throw you off your game a bit, but in the process of learning you'll discover some odd and dope sounds.

MikroWave: Sequencer/synth, I don't fuck with the interface a whole lot, but it's worth a look for the name alone

DroidBeat: Bytebeat app, synth 'algorhythms' based off writing code. You can find some ill shit in there by basically making up algebra equations. Recommended.


Honestly the list goes on, there is a lot of dope ishmael out there for free for mobile devices. Don't let any clown knock you for using this shit either, accessibility is empowering and to be honest the whole hardware/software debate is way overstated.

[mallblimps]

^^ DOPE INFO SHARE. thanks

[mallblimps]

anyone had much luck with TRRI splitters? I've tried both OMTP/CTIA with no input registering so far....on either iphone or my android..

[Headphones]

I avoided Droid cellphones and palm tablets, figuring that Apple is THE source for music apps. Now, I guess that's just not the case anymore. I love FM synths, so now that I'm one payment away from paying off my iPad, I might want to look into a Droid to check out some of those synths.

TBH, any iPad/iPhone/Droid device is any SP's best source of samples. You need a headphone jack to RCA cable, and you're set. (And your favorite synth or sequencer apps)

I haven't touched Caustic a whole lot, so I'm going to start giving it another go. All the rest of the list I'm not able to find in my App Store!

[medearis]

...any iPad/iPhone/Droid device is any SP's best source of samples. You need a headphone jack to RCA cable, and you're set.

Feel the exact same way. My first week with my 404 - made some beats at the local watering hole while I was waiting for a friend, sampling Spotify from my phone. I was sold.

Going to be checking out some of these synths you posted dr00p. Thanks for that.