If you’re looking for a music-based iPhone app that’s more than just a novelty or a toy, you should definitely take a look at 8Bitone, an audio sequencer application for the platform. More than a casual tool, it’s a fully-functional instrument that capably mimics a real 8-bit synthesizer from yesteryears.
The iPhone has been especially noteworthy for the variety of apps available from its download storefront and this particular tool showcases the great variety and depth that can be accomplished with such a small machine. With 8Bitone, it manages to fit in an entire 80s-style synthesizer, allowing you to roll out compositions fit for Nintendo gaming systems from those times.
Instead of a dumbed-down toy app, 8Bitone realistically mimics a real portable synthesizer, bundling in a piano roll screen, a sequencer and a full synthesizer. It’s got controls for plenty of aspects of the sound, including oscillator, envelope and arpeggio. While it only does four tracks, this is as close as you can get to a real-deal 80s-style electronic music box in a freaking cell phone.
Being a realistic musical instrument, the app is primarily targeted to real musicians, who know how to work with synthesizers. Casual iPhone users will likely encounter a steep learning curve, which is why Yudo offers plenty of tutorials for it.
Composing an entire song on 8Bitone should take a couple of hours, just like in a real box. You’re allowed to save and load your creations, but you can’t export it in an MP3 format directly from the iPhone. Instead, you’ll likely have to connect your handset to a PC and record it from there.
Developed by Japanese company Yudo, the 8Bitone is one seriously good app and worth every penny of the premium $8.99 price.
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