Fingerlab MIDIx is a new MIDI processor app that brings physics-driven MIDI generators to any music production setup.
The French company Fingerlab is currently one of the busiest app developers. They recently released the JYNTH Juno-style Synthesizer with built-in physics modulation. A very exciting take on a Juno emulation.
The inspiring physics engine is coming soon as a dedicated MIDI processor app for iOS and macOS. Fingerlab has released the MIDIx app on the Apple App Store today.
Fingerlab MIDIx
MIDIx is a new physics-driven MIDI processor app for iOS and macOS. MIDIx is based on the physics engine from the Fingerlab JYNTH synthesizer app, but goes even further.
LFOs, envelopes, classic sequencers, and drawable animations are not on board. Instead, physics creates all kinds of modulation for you by bouncing, falling, orbiting, or colliding objects. Every moment becomes an expressive MIDI signal here in real time.
The core of MIDIx consists of two distinct physics engines: one for MIDI CC data and another for MIDI notes.
The CC page gives you eight independent physics scenes, each generating two MIDI CC values – X and Y for up to 16 simultaneous CC streams. Various physics interactions generate MIDI CC signals. When objects collide, when they hit a wall, data is generated everywhere.
Each axis maps directly tc ts CC value, creating smooth, organic modulation that no LFO can replicate. Yes, even the most sophisticated LFO. You get here a motion that is very unique.
Like a traditional MIDI modulation, you can assign each output to any MIDI CC parameter. More complex? No problem! You can also map it to another scene to create even more complex modulation, with one physics engine driving the other.
You can delve very deeply into it. Plus, a freeze function instantly holds the current motion in place, perfect for performances.
Physics-Driven Note Sequencing
MIDI CC data is one of the app’s specialties. Fingerlab MIDIx can also flip MIDI notes into an organic melody. It looks like a sequencer, but it isn’t. It has 10 scenes, each containing a single note and a set of objects.
Each scene can have as many objects as you want, and you can choose from various ones: static, bumper, planet, and repulsor. They bounce freely and trigger at the same time as a MIDI note every time they hit the wall.
These generate MIDI note melodies that you could never create on a traditional sequencer. Because the objects never interact in the same way, the output evolves constantly, and the wide range of objects gives you many tools to create very unpredictable, enjoyable results.
It seems you can’t trigger chords in the first version. Perhaps that will be added in an update.
The note section also includes a scale section, which means the output always has a musical context. Toggle individual notes easily on and off to craft any scale you need. Plus, it has a built-in scale library to instantly load a preset scale.
Fingerlab MIDIx has AUv3 plugin support for iOS and macOS. Note that on macOS, this is currently only supported by Logic Pro. This allows you to use multiple instances of the MIDI processor and control various synthesizers, etc.
Since it uses classic MIDI data, the app can also be used seamlessly with hardware synths and other MIDI devices. If you have a MIDI-to-CV converter that also supports MIDI CC, you can even use it as an exciting modulator in Eurorack modular systems.
You can also save your settings in presets in the browser that offers import and export functionality. A randomizer creates new layouts instantly for you.
First Impression
The built-in physics engine in the JYNTH Synth is super fun. I instantly wished for a dedicated app to use with other apps or even hardware. This wish will be granted very quickly.
I’ve been using the beta for a few days now with other instruments, and so far it’s been a very inspiring and original experience. The app is great for creating subtle, constant evolution, or organic chaos. Neither can be recreated with a regular LFO or sequencer.
Anyone who wants to discover their instruments or effects from a new, unusual perspective shouldn’t miss this app. It’s a lot of fun.
Fingerlab MIDIx is now available on the Apple App Store for $8,99 and runs as a standalone app and AUv3 plugin on iOS (iPhone/iPad) and macOS.
More information here: Fingerlab / Apple App Store
Any chance it might come to Windows?