Moforte GeoShred Studio moves Jordan Rudes’ expressive MPE app for iOS into a desktop DAW with full iPad control.
iPhone and iPad are powerful music tools. They can be used as expressive touch synthesizers, powerful virtual instrument hosts, multi-FX processors, and even as mobile music production studios. For example, Logic Pro for iPad enables the latter.
iDevices are also expressive devices because they have very high-resolution touch displays. Jordan Rudes (Dream Theater) demonstrated this in 2015 with his MPE app GeoShred. Many musicians use it in live settings (Diego Tejeida ex-Haken, currently Themic). Almost 10 years after its introduction, you can now explore GeoShred on macOS with a new Studio version.
Moforte GeoShred Studio
GeoShred Studio is the desktop version and uses the same physical modeling engine as the one on your iPhone or iPad. While iOS/iPadOS is focused on live performance, the studio version is designed for desktop scoring and composition using multiple AUv3 instances.
However, after installing for free from the Apple Appstore, you must purchase the Essential Core to unlock the synth engine with 200 presets and 21 modeled effects.
Unfortunately, you will have to purchase the app and instrument again. Already purchased instrument libraries cannot be synced with the desktop version. If this is not possible, the iPad/iPhone will still interact with the macOS app using the free GeoShred Control app and USB connection.
The GeoShred Control app allows you to create a MIDI/MPE connection between GeoShred and Moforte GeoShred Studio on your iOS device. This connection lets you unleash the expressive power of your iPad to play and control macOS versions.
Jams on the GS keyboard are sent to your DAW as MIDI/MPE data. Alternatively, you can control GeoShred Studio in your DAW using traditional or expressive MIDI controllers.
This could be a MIDI device such as a ROLI Seaboard, Ableton Push 3, or Linnstrument that can send MPE data. You can also control it using a breath controller.
In addition, iCloud preset sync is also supported, allowing you to share presets between iOS and macOS versions.
first impression
Since macOS and iOS are built on each other, we expected GeoShred to take this step sooner. It’s great to see this powerful expressive tool now on macOS.
However, it’s a shame that the iOS version doesn’t allow you to unlock apps and you have to buy everything again. I also miss one demo sound from the macOS version. This is an especially useful option for musicians who don’t have the app on iOS, as it allows them to test before they buy.
And GeoShred for iPad can now be heard on the Dream Theater 40th Anniversary Tour.
Moforte GeoShred Studio is now available for free download from the Apple AppStore. The Essentials core, which includes a physical modeling engine and effects processor, is available as an in-app purchase for $50. Additional instruments are also available for purchase starting at $50. Requires macOS 10.5 or later.
Learn more: Apple AppStore
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