ThumbJam 2.0 Adds Full CoreMIDI Support, Custom Scales, SoundCloud Support & More

Developer Sonosaurus has introduced ThumbJam 2.0 – a major update, with many new features, including full CoreMidi support, new import and export options, custom scales, mic input control, SoundCloud support and more.

Here’s what’s new:

MIDI Support Updates:

  • Supports CoreMidi via wifi and wired with the iPad camera connection kit and USB midi interfaces (in/out).
  • Line6 MidiMobilizer support for midi in/out
  • Akai SynthStation support for in/out.
  • There is midi input support for all of the above so you can play the ThumbJam instruments with external controllers.
  • Virtual midi port support for communicating directly between apps running on the same device. You can use other controller apps to play TJ running in the background, or use TJ as a controller to play other synths. Full poly bends and note tie support for smooth continuous bending with compatible controller apps.
  • Cool new feature for midi input, Scale Lock. When enabled all note input is mapped to the currently selected scale. For instance, if you play up the keyboard on adjacent white keys you get the next note of the selected scale for each white key pressed. It’s surprisingly playable, like the ThumbJam equivalent for keyboard controllers.
  • The mod wheel controls parameters selected as an x-axis control or v.tilt volume, using whatever ranges are configured in the patch.
  • Recorded audio loops now save a corresponding midi file alongside for later import into sequencers, etc.

Instruments:

  • Support for instruments based on stereo samples
  • Several new synth instruments built-in
  • More on the way via free in-app download

Loop Mixdown:

  • New options for mixing down the current active audible loops to a single WAV file.
  • A similar feature in the loop mixer to let you bounce the active loops down into a new loop, while muting the originals.

Scales:

  • Make your own custom scales in the app.
  • Quick-change scale/key user preset buttons now available.
  • Split screen now supports different scales on each side, as well as key.
  • New set of Indian scales to more accurately represent common usage.

Effects updates:

  • Reverb now has separate sends for each loop.
  • Resonant low-pass filter now available, with X-axis or tilt controls for cutoff and resonance.

Import/Export/Copy/Paste:

  • SoundCloud audio sharing support added. Easy sharing of loop mix-down, session or arbitrary audio file to SoundCloud, with integrated optional posting to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr (via soundcloud mechanism).
  • The Copy/Paste (now Export/Import) page lets you choose to mixdown the current active loops and copy that to the clipboard, or do the usual browse thing.
  • Added option for Paste, to immediately make a pasted loop the actively playing loop.
  • ThumbJam can now import Instruments, LoopSets (in ZIP files) and audio files from Mail attachments, Safari web browsing, or other apps that handle documents.
  • iTunes Document Sharing support for direct import or export from your computer.

Miscellaneous:

  • New visual look.
  • Ability to load two instruments simultaneously for quick switching, or play using split screen.
  • New additional sidebar for access to more controls quickly
  • New mic input control mode, play the ThumbJam instruments by singing, humming or from playing anything that produces pitch into the mic! Very responsive pitch tracking, a really fun alternative input method. MIDI output from it is also produced, so you can use it as a realtime audio to MIDI setup.
  • Bluetooth audio output now works when available.
  • Improved tuner during sample recording and instrument creation.
  • Sustain bar available to make it easier to sustain notes
  • Pitch sidebar can more precisely set the note range on screen, not restricted to octave boundaries.
ThumbJam is $6.99 in the App Store.

One thought on “ThumbJam 2.0 Adds Full CoreMIDI Support, Custom Scales, SoundCloud Support & More

  1. I’ve wanted quick-change key/scale presets from one of these apps for a long time, and this one was the first to deliver. Thanks Sonasaurus!

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