Clef selection is coming soon in Symphonix Evolution 1.80

Here's another "teaser" screen of a much-requested new feature we're bringing to version 1.80 - Clef Selection!

Each track can have its own clef, and notes in other tracks are automatically transposed into the clef used by the "current" track so you can see how the different tracks relate to each other.  The track octave setting can also be used with the treble and bass clefs to indicate "8va, 8vb, 15va or 15vb" so there are a large number of choices available.  Finally it's easy to score music for different instruments and vocal ranges.

Symphonix Evolution 1.80 Sneak Peek

Here's a peek at the next release of Symphonix Evolution, version 1.80 scheduled for the middle of May 2011.  We've added a new "Notation Entry" panel that allows common symbols to be dragged easily into the music notation.  There's also support for new symbols (including pedal, coda and segno) and many of these are output as MIDI messages!

We've still got many more changes planned and we'll reveal more as we get closer to the release date, so stay tuned!

MIDI Breakout Box news

Version 1.5 of the MIDI Breakout Box app has been submitted to iTunes.  Version 1.5 reduces latency and adds some new functions for saving presets and creating custom keyboard splits!  It also fixes a rather annoying bug where the app would hang after receiving a MIDI Program Change event.  We've created a website that describes how to use the app for those who haven't seen it yet.  Check it out here (this web page applies to Version 1.0 but we'll update it for Version 1.5 when it is released).

Symphonix Evolution 1.70 coming soon

Symphonix Evolution 1.70 has been submitted to iTunes for review so you should see it on the App Store in the next week or so.  In addition to the new lyrics editor we've added a number of other functions to help make it easier than ever to create music on your iPad.  As usual, many of the enhancements have come from feedback we receive in our support mailbox - Keep those suggestions coming, and don't forget to update your App Store reviews with each new version so other people can see what you think!

A glimpse of the new Lyric Entry tool

Here's a sneak peek of the new Lyric Entry tool in the next version of Symphonix Evolution:

We've tried hard to come up with a Lyric entry system that's easy to use and that also fits into the design of the app.  In addition to creating new lyrics, existing lyrics in MIDI files are also displayed and can be edited within the app. Version 1.70 of Symphonix Evolution will be available in the App Store before the end of April!

MIDI Break Out Box

Our latest app has hit the App Store today! The MIDI Break Out Box allows you to route incoming MIDI data to a different channel or instrument. You can also transpose the output and copy it to multiple channels. This is a great way to extend the instrument range of your synth by combining presets into new combinations, eg piano+strings or brass+strings+reed.

Symphonix Evolution "Player" has been released

The Symphonix Evolution "Player" App has been released to the App Store for iPad and iPhone and allows you to play back the songs you create in Symphonix Evolution wherever you go.  Check it out here

Using the Piano Roll in Symphonix Evolution 1.65

We've put together a video to show you how the new Piano Roll function works.

Symphonix Evolution "Player"

We've just submitted a new "Symphonix Evolution Player" app to the App Store, so you'll see it in the next week or so.  It is a basic no-frills MIDI player that uses the GS/GM synth emulation from the full Symphonix Evolution app, and allows you to play back your MIDI or SXE files on an iPhone 4 or iPad.

If you've already purchased Symphonix Evolution then you won't need this app, but it's a great way to share your compositions with friends who don't need to see the notation.  It will be on the App Store soon for US $0.99.

Symphonix Evolution Development Schedule

Now that version 1.65 has been released, it's a great time to talk about what we've got planned in future updates of Symphonix Evolution!

1.70 (April) - Enhancements to notation entry and editing. We're also adding support for lyrics.

1.80 (May) - Enhancing the new Piano Roll screen so that it can be used to enter or edit Controller events such as pitch bend.  The "Controller" button on the main screen will also be extended to support new graphical editing.

1.90 (May/June) - Guitar and Piano/Organ Chord symbols, with support for playback.

2.0 (July) - Guitar "tab" notation and graphical fret board for note entry.

Let us know if you've got any other ideas or functions that you'd like us to add - We're listening!