# The Next Cycle...

- Site: Analog Industries
- Author: Chris Randall
- Date: 2011-02-27
- URL: https://analogindustries.com/2011/02/the-next-cycle/

[![The Next Cycle...](https://analogindustries.com/images/ext/farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5482662341_fde62de554.jpg)](http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisrandall/5482662341/)

I'm currently in the planning stages for the next cycle of Micronaut EPs. If you don't know by now that I'm all about process, and the purity thereof, then you haven't been reading this blog very long.

Setting up the process by which I'll write the next go-round of music is actually the most pleasurable part for me. For the last cycle (what I internally call "the Bandcamp albums," collectively [Resistor](http://micronaut.bandcamp.com/album/resistor), [Capacitor](http://micronaut.bandcamp.com/album/capacitor), and [Transformer](http://micronaut.bandcamp.com/album/transformer)) I didn't really set up a particular workflow to get a specific result; it just kind of worked out that way, for better or worse.

For the next go-round, my intention is to create what I term "state machines," where the entire song can play in real time, composed by a variety of procedural means, without utilizing any piano roll sequencing or DAWs. Essentially like the three "experiment" videos on YouTube that I put up recently, but not using the CMU-800R software for sequencing.)

In general, I will be allowed to _guide_ the tracks, muting and unmuting instruments, diddling with the effects and settings and such, but the actual note choices are going to be left up to Skynet, when it comes down to it. And therein lies the point of this post. I plan to be making most of the states in Pd, since that's the environment I'm most comfortable in, when it isn't searing my eyes with its ugliness or crashing. But I also intend to create some MIDI control and sequencing applications for the iPad.

I'll talk about the whole process as I do it, and film the actual performances, of course. I intend to record everything direct to 8-track tape, and mix from that, which should be entertaining.But my question is thus: if you're an iPad user, would you be interested in these simple sequencers and control apps that I intend to make? Think the Axon sequencer, MIDI only, or the Tattoo sequencer, likewise. Or a functional equivalent of a Kaoss pad, but only MIDI. Simple little apps at simple little prices.

The reason I ask is that if I'm only making it for myself, the app doesn't need a lot of user-friendly features. But it's easier to plan for App Store release down the road if I do it at the beginning of the process, rather than trying to make some private rat's nest of code behave later on.

## Comments (14)

**atlastop** (2011-02-27):

A touch friendly version of the Axon sequencer would be lovely...

**Computer Controlled** (2011-02-27):

I'm all about alternate sequencing. Whenever i end up with an iPad, i would LOVE something along those lines.

**renderful** (2011-02-27):

I'm absolutely into this sort of thing. CoreMidi is great, but under-supported. Alternative sequencing techniques are a great way to create new processes.

**Dewb** (2011-02-28):

I would absolutely use an iPad version of the Tattoo sequencer.

If you had a bunch of little sequencer apps, could you run them all at once? Do background apps have access to CoreMIDI?

**Chris Randall** (2011-02-28):

Background apps can only do a couple things, unless they're VOIP apps, or apps that play audio. And even then, they can only do the things they set out to do. You aren't normally able to actually do anything, programmatically, when an app is in the background.

I really dislike Apple's "implementation" of what they term "multi-tasking" and I could go on a many-paragraphs rant of all the different ways I think it is stupid, but suffice to say that the iPad is not even remotely as powerful as a laptop. It is, for all intents and purposes, a phone that can't make calls, but has a really big screen, and it's got a CPU to match.

-CR

**boobs** (2011-02-28):

i don't have an ipad but i think it'd be a missed opportunity to just make them for yourself. i'm sure there has to be other ipad users who would be into them and pay for them.

**billingslea** (2011-02-28):

My "reasons to buy an ipad" list would get a little longer...

**strata189** (2011-02-28):

I would be very interested in alternative sequencers. I think they're an under-developed part of the app world. I love 'em.

**Funkybot** (2011-02-28):

Is Android any better in terms of it's multi-tasking abilities? The Xoom and the Toshiba Tablet both look pretty bad ass on paper, and unless Apple can really step it's game up with the iPad2, I may just opt for one of those two tablets in the coming weeks. Still, the tablet won't be quite as functional if there aren't any cool apps...decisions, decisions.

**Chris Randall** (2011-02-28):

No idea. I pay no attention whatsoever to that zoo of a market. Plus Android totally blows for audio/MIDI dev (despite what Mr. Kirn may wish.) The nice thing about iOS is that it's essentially identical to OS X dev, at least where this sort of thing is concerned.

-CR

**dyscode** (2011-03-01):

If there is one thing I learned from my setups: NEVER do something with the intention of "just for yourself" programm or whatever. You end up with a bunch of half-assed snippets that lead you to hell if you try to understand/rework them later.

And yes a Axon MIDI app - a Universal app, that is -

I´d like to see from you, too.

**Dave Cake** (2011-03-01):

I would definitely buy those apps.

FWIW, I own an iPad, I've bought previous Naughty Panther apps, and I think I would use these apps quite a bit more.

**beauty pill** (2011-03-01):

I still wish there was a full-res iPad version of DroneStation.

The above sentence should be found in the dictionary in the definition of "passive aggressive."

- c

**Chris Randall** (2011-03-01):

I've tried; in fact I have a more-or-less finished version, but I've not been able to come up with anything more interesting than the free synths already available. Its simplicity makes it feel silly on the iPad, when something like iMS-20 is there as well.

-CR