apeSoft has released iVCS3 1.5, the latest version of their VCS3-inspired software synthesizer.
The update adds new synth features, support for the latest Audiobus, Bluetooth Audio and MIDI support and more.
The VCS3, originally created in 1969 by Peter Zinovieff’s EMS company, is an all-in-one portable synthesizer, housed in a small, wooden case. The electronics were largely designed by David Cockerell and the machine’s distinctive visual appearance was the work of electronic composer Tristram Cary.
iVCS3 is an official software emulation of the original VCS3.
Here’s what’s new in version 1.5:
+ Essential and Recommended EMS Modifications (In-App Purchase) :
+ Oscillators Synchronisation
+ Oscillator 3 Lo/Hi Frequency Switch
+ Oscillators 1 and 2 VC Shape
+ Noise Sample & Hold
+ Envelope Attack/Decay Time Extension
+ Inverted/Controlled Matrix Red Pins
+ Joystick Glide
+ New In-app free for three preset-banks by Red Sky Lullaby
+ Audiobus latest SDK update
+ New 88.2 and 96 kHz Sampling Rate support
+ New ‘Diode’ model of Ring Modulator
+ Bluetooth Audio IO support
+ Bluetooth MIDI LE Support
+ New UI Scroll View Lock
+ Added ATTACK Button in Audiobus
+ Improved Audiobus Remote Compatibility
+ Added Preset Manager ‘Open In…’ Support
+ Added Preset Manager ‘Sends the audio files used from the Bank’
+ Added File Manager ‘Send E-Mail’ Support
+ Bug Fixed
iVCS3 1.5 is available for US $14.99 in the App Store.
Any one have this synth and is this a decent emulation?
It’s more than a decent emulation – it’s a stunning emulation. I had a real VCS3 and the iVCS3 is the closest of all available emulations in my opinion. I did some recordings of the real thing before it was sold and I have compared the iVCS3 closely against them.
I don’t know how he was able to get so close to the subtle character. For example the soft overdrive and the filter qualities that are very unique to the real VCS3.
I don’t know how it compares to the hardware but it does have a character all of its own and make some weird and wonderful sounds. For the money, its worth it.
I was literally coming in here just to say “when are IOS developers going to let us run their synths at 96kHz” and it’s in the update! This is the first synth to natively support higher sample rates as far as I know. Goodbye aliasing!
Animoog was the first synth to support 96K, updated in November. Hopefully more will follow but I can’t see it being very high up on the list of priorities.
Yes – excellent emulation Marc. Endorsed by VCS 3 creator Peter Zinovieff too! 🙂
All the better with the EMS additions too!
And for those who want extra , someone has made a hardware interface just for this program
Was that hardware interface commercially available? Or was it just a hack someone did?
I thought those 10-turn pots were very cool. I did a quick search and saw them for around 10 USD each.
I don’t know much about this synth, but of all the emulations that I have for iOS, this one is the most mysterious and interesting. Seems like the investment to learn it will pay off.
Gotta support these developers who know how to strike a balance between preserving what is great, and adding features that a modern emulation can add– like switchable mods!!
And $15.00 compared to $15,000. Well, I know that the second hand price of the real thing is not quite that high. But close!
It’s one of the few iOS apps that I use. Sounds fab.
Thanks for feedback guys gonna get it
Omg I knew I never would probably own one but was always interested. I see many hours being devoted to this baby. Wow
But, it is the app with the worst user interface of all.
It’s a very deep app, and only after a year with some decent patches by the dedicated iOS community that I made a track with the ivcs3…..but for me the modular sounds are fantastic in my Darkpsy genre. For those who want a listen, here is the link below..
https://soundcloud.com/psysword-rizvi/magneto-0-scape