New Modular Groovebox Synthesizer For iOS, Drambo

BeepStreet has introduced Drambo,  a new modular groovebox and audio processing environment for iOS.

With Drambo, you can use modular components to create instruments and effects. Then you can create beats and sequences, using a built-in step sequencer.

Drambo can be used as:

  • A complete music production and performance environment.
  • A modular playground that allows you to build, modify and store custom instruments and effects. For instance:build a custom synth, sample and resample, build a Theremin using a gyroscope module, or turn your table into a playable surface, by processing microphone input with physical modelling modules. Get weird or make functional instruments and tools.
  • A MIDI sequencer that works with hardware and AUv3 instruments (e.g. Drambo sequences other instruments in an AU host app). Moreover Drambo can generate custom MIDI CC messages or modulation signals to control modular synths via DC coupled interfaces.
  • An AUv3 synthesizer, effect or sequencer in other DAWs.

Here’s what they have to say about Drambo:

At the heart of Drambo lies an entirely new concept that makes modularity easy, fun and affordable. Modules are connected automatically, with no cables as you add or rearrange them. A dynamic interface creates modulation knobs when you need them. Modules may house other modules, so you can keep your patch well organized.

Of course, automatic connections can be overridden. In Drambo you can focus on playing with sound and signal structure without getting lost in wires.

Use a deep and innovative sequencer to compose patterns and whole tracks, for production or live performance. Go beyond simple looping sequences with parameter locking, conditional step components, and powerful scene morphing.

Drambo works equally well as a self-contained standalone app or audio unit plugin with audio and MIDI connectivity as an AUV3 instrument, audio effect, and midi effect. No modular experience necessary to get started playing with preset sounds and effects.

Features:

  • Unique modular concept: cable-less, drag’n’drop, color coding dynamic interface, automatic connections, and customizable compact, rack views.
  • Directional flow (helps in better overview). There are no instant feedback routings in Drambo. Delayed feedback is possible using certain modules.
  • Simple and clean interface, that scales to every size and device orientation
  • Custom modular racks, presets on different levels.
  • Polyphonic, stereo processing. Audio-rate modulation. All signals are equal.
  • Multiple modulators per parameter without additional mixer modules.
  • Polyphonic step sequencer with parameter locks and step components. Up to 64 beats and 256 steps per pattern.
  • Over 120 modules available, such as: oscillators, samplers, physical modelling modules, LFOs, envelope generators, filters, audio effects mixers, MIDI processors, sequencers and math functions.
  • Morph groups: you can morph many parameters using a single slider.
  • Available as a standalone app, AUv3 instrument, effect and midi effect.
  • MIDI support

Here’s a short demo of Drambo in action:

Here’s a quick look at building a synth patch:

Here’s a series of video tutorials by Ben Richards:

Pricing and Availability

Drambo is available now for $19.99 USD.

22 thoughts on “New Modular Groovebox Synthesizer For iOS, Drambo”

    1. what apps are keeping you on mac? i’d like apple to discontinue mac and focus on ios. if apple needed a higher horsepower cpu they could go the many cores route and release a 100 or even more cores arm desktop formfactor ios computer. the tricky bit would be bringing in discrete videocards to arm. but there is a company basically already doing that, so, apple, buy them! their name is Ampere Computing.

      1. does iOS have a user file system yet where users can see and manage their own files? Last time I used iOS, it was so locked down it was unusable to me. Whereas I like macOS which exposes its unix origins. But it’s been a while since I tried iOS so it’s a genuine question.

        1. Yes it does have a filing system. You can download zip files from safari and unzip and view that file in your downloads, or move that item to your preferred file destination.

    2. my comment disappeared. wanted to say apple should snap up Ampere Computing, which makes a many core arm cpu that has advanced gpu support. then transition desktops to ios (transparently, the user experience would remain identical).

    1. Agreed, Will!
      I played with Drambo today for few hours and I’m very impressed. In terms of features, usability & quality of sound engine, IMHO this is one of the best musical tools in whole history of iOS platform.

      1. Really weird reply i must say. Where does he say that he can, cant or maybe even has an ipad? He just says he wants it as standalone.
        Btw a used ipad is cheaper than a good plugin btw. its not as exclusive as you present it. I literally have 1 older ipads 2 newer ones and 2 macbook pro. And still i wish for things to be crossplatform in order to use it further in ableton . So windows or mac doesnt matter. Its a different environment. I dont always enjoy working on the ipad. I have the Sunrizer synth in ios and mac os. Same goes for Syntronik.

      2. I have an iPad Pro and an iPhone 11 pro max both running Drambo 😉 It is so good however I woudl also like to have it to run in my studio in my main DAW witout having to take the tracks off the iPAD. The iPAD is great for beats on the move, but this will be even better on my 40inch monitor!

  8. DL’d and I can honestly say that it is DOPE! Definitely stands out as being one of the best groove box apps on iOS. I’m going to explore it further this weekend.

  9. is it possible to get audio feedback? a special module? or is “no feedback” a drambo thing? my guess is i need to read the docs, but still, lazy.

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