Yonac brings its all-time classic iOS Synthesizer Magellan as Magellan 2 again on the App Store with many new features (AUv3) and sounds.
Yonac Magellan plays an important part in my love for iOS apps. Mainly because it was one of my first downloaded Synthesizer apps for iOS that I enjoyed from the first minute. After so many years, it’s still one of the best synthesizers for the iPad/iPhone. The big surprise today, Magellan is reborn as Magellan 2, is a new app with major new features while preserving the best-known soul of the original app.
The developer describes the new Magellan 2 in these words: cutting-edge synthesis technology, punchier tones, warmer filters, greater modulation options, AUv3, MPE, brand-new presets: these are just a few of Magellan’s features for a whole new era.
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Virtual Analog Engine
Magellan’s beating heart is its three realtime virtual-analog oscillators: with their pulse width and blend parameters, the first two connect to a unique Timbre module to derive many additional waveforms. A special Oscillator Unison stage activates additional “secret” oscillators to supply up to 24 oscillators per voice — perfect for supersaws, or true chorus/flange effects obtained right at the synthesis stage. A fully configurable Maximizer module helps create even bigger stereophonic sounds by activating up to 120 simultaneous oscillators per voice.
A powerful yet intuitive FM module gives life to Magellan’s unique hybrid design. With its very own ADSR and variable contour generator (with 3 different envelope shapes), it works as an additional sound source and transforms Magellan 2 into a very capable frequency modulation synthesizer. Combined with other oscillators and modulation features, it generates strong multi-layered textures impossible via subtractive synthesis alone.
Filters
Two independent filter banks, 11 different filters, series/parallel selection with variable balance — these newfangled filters incorporate nonlinearities and analog-derived quirks that impart them hefty servings of aural “sugar”. The addition of “FAT” controls helps give added gravitas and harmonic content. Dedicated ADSRs (with extra long maxes) feature A/B/C contour generators for totally different playing characteristics.
Modulation
Twin LFOs, modulation envelope, as well as direct control: the backbone of a powerful and versatile modulation system that can take 16 simultaneous targets, each with its own variable amount. In addition, each LFO/Envelope target can be assigned a secondary control (including via MIDI) to dynamically vary or even “piggyback” its modulating signal. The inbuilt XY-pad can hit any pair of 140 parameters for realtime control, while the “EZ Velocity” module helps quickly dial in the right touch for amplitude, filters & FM.
Spawn2
Second generation Yonac SPAWN unlocks the power of A.I. to help create countless original presets. Powered with an Expert mode, three different algorithms, and configurable machine autonomy down to module level, you can produce anything from subtle variations on a theme to wild new sounds with unrivaled “hit rate” — all at the touch of a button.
AUv3, MIDI & MPE
The ultra-efficient synth engine and flexible user interface are specially designed so that you can run many Magellans simultaneously in your favorite AUv3 DAW or Mixer. Along with massively featured MIDI I/O (complete with MIDI learn/recall, program changes, et al.), Magellan 2 is also MPE compatible with full polyphonic pitch control.
Aftertouch and even CC74 are assignable through the mod matrices — and the new onscreen MagTOUCH MPE controller provides voice-wise expression not only within Magellan, but to other MPE apps/devices and inside compatible DAWs as well.
Sequencer, Chordmaker, FX & More
Analog-inspired 32×4 step/pattern sequencer with gate, velocity and skip; ChordMaker with note matrix that maps one key into a chord; powerful, easy-to-use arp with live & program modes; FX rack featuring 10 stereo units and configurable signal flow; 360+ factory presets, with a bank custom produced by Sunsine Audio; Ableton Link, YPAT3 preset management, patch translator, app recorder are just a few more of Magellan Synthesizer 2 features.
Yonac Magellan 2 is available now for an introductory price of $6.99 USD on the Apple App Store.
More information here: Yonac M2
Ooo!! I thought Kauldron was the Magellan’s sucesor. Magellan 2 is a real great notice!!
wicked
I have been using Magellan for years and have created many amazing sounds with it. I have to say I have not used it much lately because of new iOS synths that have come along recently. Spawn 2 with AI looks very interesting. Good call Yonac reviving this classic it really deserves it.
Having grown up in the first golden age of the synth in the 70s (the second golden age is now!), and followed the evolution of the synthesizer for the last 40 years, I think I can speak with some authority and experience. Although my first true love is the hardware synth with its manually tweakable knobs (pots), sliders and buttons, I have by no means avoided the software synth and see its tremendous usefulness.
In the 90s when DAWs and software plug-in synths took off, we synthesists took to them with relish. Here were synths that could be played and recorded on your computer with relative ease, took up little room, and the very affordable home recording studio was born. A kid who could hardly afford a new guitar was able to produce his/her own music, publish it online and possibly make a living from it, all from the comfort of their own home and without having to pay for recording studio time and sign a contract with a record producer or recording company. It was so exciting. A new era of music production had arrived. By the early 2000s the software music plug-in industry was becoming huge and profitable. Professional musicians and recording engineers were using them as an essential part of their production workflow.
Then along came the iPhone and iPad, and with them a plethora of apps to serve a multitude of functions. And developers found the perfect platform to produce music apps. The code could be written that would perfectly match the capability of the iPad or iPhone. Musicians wanted to be able to make music on their iPads and iPhones, and app developers obliged. As a result we now have literally hundreds, if not thousands, of apps to make music on the iPad and iPhone.
So of course the competition is fierce, with developers (and Apple) vying for consumer interest and dollars.
And amongst the large crowd of synth app developers there are those who stand out, producing true masterpieces. Yonac is one of those. When I first saw and heard demos of Magellan I was immediately impressed. The interface looked like the type of traditional synth I was familiar with and loved so much, the UI was intuitive and easy to learn, and above all the synth sounded awesome. I have heard a lot of hardware synths from the first analogs of the 60s and 70s to the latest digital and analog wonders, and I can say with all honesty that Magellan is a match for them! It is one of my favourite iOS synths of all time, a true classic and an essential part of my music making arsenal. For anyone serious about music production using synths, and also those who just want to have musical fun, I suggest Magellan should be one of your essential instruments.
Magellan 2 is the new version for current and future mobile technologies (iOS 12 and later, AUv3, MPE, etc) and sounds just as good, if not better, than the original version. So the future looks bright for this amazing synth. I use Magellan all the time and it is always a joy to play!
Thank you so much for all your news and test reports, I learn something new every day.
Among the best ones.
The MPE-feature is a reason for me to try this synth …
Magellan was one of the first iOS synths, I‘v used and also as an fx, it was my long time favorite 🙂 EXCITED!
Great sounds, nice all-in-one features and architecture.
I think I need this.
Let’s explore new land (sound) scapes…like Ferdinand Magellan did back then!
Really nice iOS Synth and now with AUv3.. Massive!
Thanks for the news! Please consider me for a promo code if you have one to spare. Cheers!
I always considered the original Magellan to be one of the best iOS synths available. The SPAWN feature was a treat. Glad that Yonac have stuck with it to make it even better!
Kauldron sound was very good.
Is Spawn2’s algorithm evolving?
I am looking forward to it anyway.
Curious what i can get out of a magellan 🙂
Magellan is one of my favourite synths on iPad!
So much implementation without losing the character, well done again Yonac!
I’ve enjoyed using it and woukd like to be considered for the new version
Omg, legends never die.. and Magellan is an ear-tickling legend!
Thank you Tom for such opportunity!
I had no idea this amazing synth was going to have a rebirth and I have to say I’m really excited about it! Magellan has always been one of my favourites and Yonac is one of the very best iOS developers.
A good evolution for Magellan one. Cheers
Interesting article.
Thank you for explaining the
improvements upon Magellan 1.
I also saw the comment concerning
the promo codes from FB.
Have a great day
The original Magellan is one of my “bread and butter” synths that I keep on hand for everything—it’s brilliant! But I had no idea a follow-up was on the way, and not just a point update, but a humongous Bugblatter Beast of Thraal Update! My God! I remember the other day, watching the introductory video, feeling my eyes trying to pop out of my head on stalks! We in Australia say, “Crikey!” When we see things like this! Also, “Bugger me!” And “Bloody hell!”
Excuse my language. I was impressed! I put your beast on my wishlist immediately. It’s gobsmacking! Barely know where to start!
Well done! Very well done! 🙂
Need more MPE synth options on iOS!
The first Magellan produced some great sound. Look forward to what it’s successor will bring.
Thanks for the post, Tom!
Nice to see that it’s universal.
Can’t wait to hear this synth!
Looks awesome ???
looks VERY interesting! Would like to figure it out 😉
Good news. I own Magellan v1, so now it’s time to v2 🙂
Want to get this for my new iPad.
Is this the Last comment? Please send a promo code if you can.
Thanks
I own Magellan1 and auv3 version is most welcome
I’ve been using Magellan for a long time and have made some incredible sounds with it. Because of the new iOS synths that have recently come out, I haven’t used it much lately. Spawn 2 with AI appears to be a lot of fun. Yonac made a great decision by bringing this classic back to life; it truly deserves it.