iMusicAlbum has introduced AltiSpace, a convolution reverb for iOS.
AltiSpace includes a large built-in library of the high quality reverb impulses, based on classic hardware reverbs. It also lets you load your own reverb space impulses
You can use this AltiSpace with Inter-App Audio hosts (like a DAW, Recorders or Audio file managers) or with Audiobus. It also can be used with external audio interfaces for real-time sound processing.
What is convolution reverb?
Convolution reverb is based on a process that digitally ‘captures’ the reverb characteristics of another reverb effects unit or the reverb response of a real acoustic space. It is based on the mathematical convolution operation, and uses a pre-recorded audio sample of the impulse response of the device or space being modeled. The process of convolution multiplies each sample of the audio to be processed (reverberated) with the samples in the impulse response file.
Features:
- More than 200 samples of factory presets from different devices.
- High-quality and fast convolution algorithm with 64 bit operations.
- Wide range of reverberation types such as plates, springs, halls, rooms, etc.
- Preset hotkeys with possibility to save current sample and all its parameters.
- Convenient choice sample by device name, by reverb type or in complete list.
- All processing parameters are stored for each sample.
- Pre/post parametric equalizer with cut-off filters.
- Possibility to construct the envelope (like ADSR) for device sample.
- Adjusting stereo width and modulation for reverb output.
- Additional mode ‘reverb only output’ for use with mixing consoles.
- Upload additional samples in different audio formats through Web access, audio clipboard, from another app and iTunes.
- Detailed application description with an overview of original reverb equipment.
- Different color schemes available for the user interface.
Compatibility:
- Inter-App Audio compatible.
- Supports Audiobus in Effect, Input and Output slots.
Requirements:
Third generation of iPad or fifth generation of iPhone and higher is recommended (especially with Inter-App Audio and Audiobus). Technical details, description and support on the AltiSpace website.
AltiSpace is available now for US $5.99 in the App Store.
How many seconds of decay does it allow?
I’m not affiliated with this developer, and only have my own experience with convolution to inform me.
The first, obvious limiting factor is the length of the Impulse Response (IR) itself. More importantly, longer IRs demand more CPU resources. So the length of the IR you might be able to successfully use might be limited by the speed of your processor and whatever else you might have going on on your rig.
It is possible that the app makes some processing adjustments based on the length of the IR to compensate.
Read somewhere else that the IRs can be up to 4.26 seconds.
MFC-42
Max length of a sample is 4,260 seconds. Samples longer then that will be truncated during the conversion process, according to the manual.
Lots of issues on iPad Air. Crashes abound. I’m sure it’ll be taken cared of in the next update.
Issues aside, it’s a great convolution reverb unit. 3 band EQ w. a low/high pass shelve and a bell with adjustable bandwidth. ADSR style shaping on the IR. Pre-delay and length settings. Stereo image, and a modulation effect (I’m guessing it livens up some IRs by bouncing around the stereo field). Easy to import your own stuff. And it’s universal. Issues on iPad Air aside, thumbs up on this one!
4.26 second is pretty limited. Especially considering that with convolution you can really enjoy nice large spaces. But it is CPU intensive. VirSyn’s AudioReverb is ok for longer verbs.
I can’t imagine going outside my DAW when I already have so many great high quality reverbs.
Live performance, adding effects to soft synths, or just to use as a cheap ass effects unit.
I hear ya. I guess if someone was using their iPad as a live effects rig, having nice reverb in the signal path would be good. Also, since there are many impressive synths for iOS with not-so-impressive reverbs, this is a nice gap filler.
I suppose if you had an ipad and an iphone that were both within spec, one could use the ipad for recording and the iphone as a reverb to help with cpu usage…
Now, since I haven’t done this, can anyone suggest how I could, or more so, if I could? Or is this idea a lost cause?
G
@George – iConnectMIDI4+ with audio passthru between iOS devices (and more) is how I planned to do it. There are some good articles & reviews here, just search iConnect.
Update to AltiSpace that fixes iPad Air crashes is available now 🙂