Phase Monkey — Poly Synth 4+
Digital synthesis made fun
Sketch Audio, LLC
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- $7.99
Screenshots
Description
Phase Monkey is a polyphonic synthesizer inspired by the classic phase distortion synthesizers of the mid-1980s. However, instead of being a direct copy, Phase Monkey presents a fresh take on the classic sound engine, including the rare eight-stage envelopes. The result is a surprisingly versatile digital instrument that can produce anything from warm pads to shimmering leads to snarling basses.
Whatever you do, don’t have fun with it!
Features:
- Focused, fun, and characterful synth engine
- Touch-first design, almost the entire screen is part of a control
- Runs standalone or as AUv3 plug-in (in compatible host)
- Universal purchase on Apple platforms: runs on iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Presets synced across your devices via iCloud
- Hook up a MIDI controller to play with a keyboard (optional)
Details:
- Eight classic phase distortion waveforms
- Dedicated modulation oscillator for ring or noise modulation
- Three rare eight-stage envelopes
- Complex modulation of pitch and timbre possible via envelopes
- LFO with five waveforms for classic modulation sounds
- Master controls: portamento, random voice pan, onboard chorus, gain
- Key behavior modes: poly, monophonic retrig, monophonic legato
- Additional MIDI modulation sources: mod wheel, pitch bend, velocity, aftertouch (channel), key follow
- Includes 40 highly usable factory presets to get you started making music
Known compatible DAWS:
- Ableton Live (11.2+)
- Logic Pro
- Reaper
Check out our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sketchaudio
Read the manuals: https://sketchaudio.com/manuals/
What’s New
Version 1.0.2
New in version 1.0.2:
- Add a document picker to the preset manager for importing presets directly from Phase Monkey.
- Enable opening presets from the Files app.
- Add a latch mode to the in-app keyboard.
- Fix a bug where the app would crash when pressing extreme keys on the in-app keyboard.
Ratings and Reviews
Surprise
The envelopes surprised me, because the interface doesn't immediately suggest the eight-parted nature of their function. In fact, this is something I wish the dev would rework. Fully visualizing the envelopes (perhaps tracking the timing visually, as the signal progresses), which are a key feature of the synthesizer, as it turns out, would call user attention to their use while making the synth easier to patch.
All that said, this Monkey sounds really good, with appropriate bite (all monkeys, as we know, bite - in fact, I have an appalling song with that name from some years ago). It is priced right, so everyone should go ahead and get in phase.
Developer Response ,
Thanks for the review! Glad you're liking Phase Monkey.
Yes, the envelope interface is something we have received feedback on and may be able to rework in the future. :)
Amazing … or should I say… “BANANAS”
There aren’t a lot of Phase Distortions synths on IOS…. as of 2023 we only have Shockwave and the vintage yet still excellent Phase84. The newest one, known as Phase Monkey, may be the best of the three.
The sound is excellent, no getting around it. If you’re a preset surfer, there aren’t a lot of built-in presets … but the ones there sound great. Now if you’re a sound designer like me, however, you’re gonna have a lot of fun with this little monkey. Creating patches is a breeze, and this fella is deep, yet set up in a way where it’s deceptively simple to use.
Ooga Booga yourself to the ape store I mean AppStore and grab this synth posthaste… you’ll be glad you did
Developer Response ,
Thanks for the kind words!
Won’t Open, But problem was fixed!!
I bought app and downloaded it but it does not open!?
P.S. Problem was fixed! Developer responded right away and issue of not starting was solved! App works smoothly, is very intuitive, fun to use, and sounds great! Highly recommend!
Developer Response ,
Thanks for taking the time to update your review! So glad everything is working now. Enjoy!
App Privacy
The developer, Sketch Audio, LLC, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- Sketch Audio, LLC
- Size
- 8 MB
- Category
- Music
- Compatibility
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- iPhone
- Requires iOS 15.0 or later.
- iPad
- Requires iPadOS 15.0 or later.
- iPod touch
- Requires iOS 15.0 or later.
- Mac
- Requires macOS 12.0 or later.
- Apple Vision
- Requires visionOS 1.0 or later.
- Languages
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English
- Age Rating
- 4+
- Copyright
- © 2023 Sketch Audio, LLC
- Price
- $7.99
Supports
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Family Sharing
Up to six family members can use this app with Family Sharing enabled.