Audulus 4 is out now and it’s a major step forward for the best-known iOS and macOS modular Synthesizer with new features, multi-touch, and AUv3 support.
Software modular synths are popular, and there are a lot of them. One of the first very impressive releases on iOS was Audulus from developer Taylor Holliday. This came on the market very early before the many Eurorack-inspired modular synths popped up. Audulus was particularly noticeable because of its very minimal but beautiful user interface that dispenses with hardware looks. Exactly the opposite of many current software patchable synths.
Just as beautiful is the engine that contains a huge amount of modules. From classic oscillators, filters, and envelopes to functions that you can create yourself with mathematics. Audulus 4 is here now and it’s a big step forward in terms of features, interaction with the interface, and connectivity.
It represents a massive step forward for Audulus, which required a tremendous re-working of the code. The user interface is now more pro while still being immediate and approachable.
Audulus 4
If you don’t know Audulus yet, it’s a modular software Synthesizer and effects processor that is fully patchable. It allows you to build your own synths and process audio in a single app. It is powered by a low-latency engine that is also suitable for live use.
Advanced Customizability
For the fourth version of Audulus, the developers turned the code upside down and rewrote it in many areas. This includes full multitouch support on iPadOS. With the performance mode, you can now interact with multiple controls at once. The developers say it’s possible to create multitouch performance surfaces. It’s definitely a nice step forward which makes the app much more appealing as a live performance tool.
It has not been left at that. The interface now has other neat additions including custom knob colors and icons, customizable UI for the math expressions, and UI nodes like sliders and X-Y pads. Modules in version 4 can now be recursively exposed. More precisely, you can build front panels out of other front panels. So the user interface is now significantly more flexible and adaptable to the user’s needs.
And if you regularly experiment with programming, you can delve even deeper into personification. With the Canvas node, you can build custom user interfaces using the Lua programming language. And with the GLSL shader node, you can create advanced shadertoy-style graphics.
Another very handy new functionality in Audulus 4 is the ability to pinch to zoom while dragging a connection or moving a module. The function is particularly useful for large patches. Then, it comes with an updated module browser powered by a reworked search engine.
AUv3 Support
I am particularly pleased that the new Audulus version also has AUv3 support on both macOS and iOS (iPad). So you can integrate the synth into your setup, use it in multiple instances and record more easily. Plus combine it with other apps like effects processors and more.
Further, you can benefit from MIDI output support via new MIDI send node.
This is an excellent big step forward for the beautiful modular synth from Taylor Holliday. My highlights are the more customizable interface and the AUv3 support that makes the synth much more versatile.
Audulus is available now as a free download on the AppStore (macOS/iOS). Patch editing can be unlocked via an in-app purchase for $19,99 USD. With a single purchase, you can unlock the iOS and macOS versions.
More information here: AppStore
Been on this since audulus 3, patiently waiting for the new version. Can’t wait to sit down with it