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Hi all, been a long time since I posted on a vibraphone forum (used to post on thevibe.net).

Anyway, I'm considering getting a xylosynth (don't fancy a Malletkat because I can't deal with the black coloured notes), and want to use it in conjunction with an Ipad. Anyone come across a good vibraphone app? I have Sampletank, which has some vibraphone samples (and you can change the tremolo speed on them for example, which is good), but a search on the app store didn't bring up anything really good.

Alternatively, if I have to go the module way, is the Yamaha Motif rack the best option?

Any advice etc appreciated.

Thanks. Oli

Comments

K_Dua Thu, 07/05/2018 - 12:08

Hi Oli,

I actually have the same question.
i've been looking for a good hardware module alternative .. and iPad options.
And i use the MalletKAt_ no problems with the all-black notes/pads.

Did you end up getting the Yamaha ?
What apps & sounds are you using on the iPad ?

thanks

cheers

omvibes Fri, 07/06/2018 - 17:26

In reply to by K_Dua

Well, I ended up getting a four-octave malletkat grand because of the onboard sounds - they're not the best but okay. Use an ipad with the kat but mainly for synth sounds. Still have sampletank and also got some deagan samples but can't find a soundfont player that will allow me to adjust the modulation speed (ie tremolo), so still a bit limited. So going with the kat for the time being, may invest in a mac with mainstage/ relevant vibes vsts in the future, we will see.

GARYsParries Mon, 09/16/2019 - 02:51

Oli, sorry it took me so long to reply.

Due to my allergies, I am unable to play a MalletKAT, so I have invented the Pedal Steel Vibes. It is an iPad/iPhone app that enables any MIDI keyboard to be transformed into a vibraphone that can be played with the full functionality of a pedal steel guitar (think portamento).

The app is still in beta; however, if you have a MIDI keyboard and are interested, I can send you a link to my beta test site.

In the meantime, I was hoping that you could check out two videos that demonstrate these capabilities, and let me know what you think.

http://pedalsteelkeytar.com
(this link takes you directly to the videos)

Once at the site, click on the Pedal Steel Keytar (Electric) video first to hear Sleepwalk played on my pedal steel guitar emulation, and then click on the Pedal Steel Keytar (Vibes) video to hear it played on my pedal steel vibes emulation. Both videos were made using a stock $200 Casio keyboard controlled by my app.

Enjoy. Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated.

GARY

campb3ll Thu, 05/07/2020 - 14:42

Vibramaster is free it has a nice vibraphone sound and response. you can dowload it as an Audio Unit here.
http://www.alanvista.com/vibromaster/
you'll need to use within garage band or some app that is similar. but you might want to try it out. BTW while your on alan vista's sight you might want to pick Marimbaphonic also free I use thm both as VSTs within my windows environment with mallet station

I've been playing for a couple hours with My new Malletech LN2R mallets and to say they're incredible is no exaggeration. They are quiet yet responsive. You can actually play dynamically with them. I thought maybe they wouldn't be articulate enough but that is not the case. they produce a pleasing sound to me and few people in the house can hear me. extremely well made mallets. I highly recommend these. Every player should have a set of these in his bag especially if you live in a house with other people. My wife hasn't heard them yet but I'm sure she will be pleased :)

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