apeSoft iVCS3, the beloved EMS VCS3 emulation for iOS, is now available for macOS AUv3 as a free update for existing users.
Making music on iOS devices has been possible for over 10 years. With the introduction of Audiobus or IAA and later the AUv3 plugin standard, this experience has been taken to a new level.
The apeSoft iVCS3 app, which authentically emulates the legendary EMS VCS3, was an early adopter on the platform.. It’s now 11 years old, and to celebrate, apeSoft is adding macOS support to the iVCS3.
apeSoft iVCS3 macOS
First and foremost, happy birthday, iVCS3. You’ve been a part of the app landscape for 11 years, and thanks to appSoft for your continuous support. Even after 11 years, the app remains a must-have on iOS in my opinion. Even more so with this update.
The new update 3.6 is free for all existing users. To benefit from the new apeSoft iVCS3 app on macOS, you need an Apple Silicon computer, i.e., one with an M chip. If yes, go to the Mac App Store and search for iVCS3 and then click “Buy”.
The store will then recognize that you’ve already purchased the app, and you can download it for free. It can be used as a standalone app or as a macOS AUv3 instrument and FX plugin. This works in Logic Pro, Mainstage 3, Ableton Live, and Drumbo, among others.
Once downloaded, you have an EMS VCS3 Synthesizer emulation in your macOS DAW.
Original Endorsed Feature Set
iVCS3 is a very classic emulation that the original developer, Peter Zinovieff, endorses. It offers a 1:1 feature replication of the original from 1969, used by many artists/bands such as Pink Floyd or Jean Michel Jarre.
It has three oscillators (2 oscillators and LFO), a noise generator, two input amplifiers, a ring modulator, a 18dB/octave (pre-1974) or 24dB/octave (after 1974) voltage controlled low pass filter (VCF), a trapezoid envelope generator, joy-stick controller, voltage controlled spring reverb unit and two stereo output amplifiers.
Of course, it also hosts the distinctive patch board matrix into which pins are inserted to connect its components together. There is also a keyboard controller inspired by the original DK-1 controller and the iconic joystick.
Unlike the original hardware, the apeSoft iVCS3 macOS also offers a built-in sequencer with up to 32 steps and an audio processor/recorder.
The GUI is a bit small for macOS, but this is due to AUv3 plugins on macOS, which still do not support scaling.
First Impression
Thank you a lot for this wonderful gift, Alessandro aka apeSoft. I thought the app would never come to macOS.
In case I have piqued your curiosity about which apps still support the AUv3 plugin on macOS, here is a detailed article with all the Synthesizers apps
apeSoft iVCS3 is available now for $19,99/22,99€ (depending on the country). It runs as a standalone app and AUv3 plugin on iOS (iPad/iPhone) and macOS (Apple Silicon only)
Very cool! Thank you for this! Went and DL’ed through macOS app store, worked immediately as a stand alone, all 11 associated AUv3 failed validation. Reset and Rescan through Logic’s Plug-in Manager, still no go.
I have installed it on my M4 Macbook Air and run it fine in Ableton Live 12. Contact the developer, he will fix it
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not seeing it in the US App Store as a macOS app yet (only as iOS/iPadOS).
It’s just an iOS/iPadOS app. Macs with Apple Silicon can run iOS/iPadOS apps on macOS. Once installed, you have the standalone and the AUv3 plugin on macOS
This and Drambo could be my most used iPad apps. Super fun and sounds great!
Agreed 100% 🙂
BTW; It’s shame that majority of iPad app developers are so reluctant to make their apps macOS compatible as well 🙁