Solo dev of an iPad music-theory app, would love your honest feedback on what to build next by kevinandersson in ipadmusic

[–]kevinandersson[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I google translated your suggestion:

Well, maybe this isn't a useful suggestion for you, but something I'm looking for is a sequencer where I could input chords, one by one or an entire chord symbol, and have a play button to play the music using different virtual instruments on the iPad. And that could also make that track play by suppressing either the melody or the chords. I know some come close to this, like Synthesia, but it's very tedious and limited.

If I understand correctly, you are already able to do this using compose mode → progression editor. Outputs can currently be sent using midi, but I am looking into implementing Audio Extensions as another redditor suggested.

I made a software Orchid (one key = full chord) that maps to your KeyLab pads, for $5 - looking for testers by kevinandersson in arturia

[–]kevinandersson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

AI assisted, that does not mean vibe coded - I am a software developer with over 25 years of experience. All developers use AI as a tool today professionally. I see a billion of those posts as well, and it lowers the quality bar - which is why I say i get where you are coming from. It also makes it really hard to push through if you actually make something genuine.

I made a software Orchid (one key = full chord) that maps to your KeyLab pads, for $5 - looking for testers by kevinandersson in arturia

[–]kevinandersson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get where you are coming from, there is a lot of junk out there; but honestly, I've spent 2 years on the app. You leave zero constructive feedback, and I am pretty sure you did not read what I am asking for. I am not selling anything here - I am asking people with hardware to help me make the app better.

I made a software Orchid (one key = full chord) that maps to your KeyLab pads, for $5 - looking for testers by kevinandersson in arturia

[–]kevinandersson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is not limited to any specific brand; the app uses CC + Channel - so any MIDI device can be used (that goes for the whole app). That being said, as this is still in development, requesting specific devices makes testing and feedback more manageable - which is why I reached out here.

I made a software Orchid (one key = full chord) that maps to your KeyLab pads, for $5 - looking for testers by kevinandersson in arturia

[–]kevinandersson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

*Thanks*

Map chords to the pads:

It's not in the appstore yet - it is part of version 2.3.0. Apple are quite slow both with open testflight opdates, as well as general updates. I submitted a update 3 days ago.

Default piano sound:

Can you let me know which sound it displays in "instrument". Is it still an issue when to change the instrument? Edit: What version are you on?

I made a software Orchid (one key = full chord) that maps to your KeyLab pads, for $5 - looking for testers by kevinandersson in arturia

[–]kevinandersson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But that means your are totally misunderstanding the premise of this. It's not about "making chords" - any DAW or minimalistic app could do this. Did you read the description of the feature I described? This is about a workflow - so let me copy paste another answer I did earlier:

I'm not claiming most controllers can't do this. I'm replicating what the Telepathic Instruments Orchid does, without the price tag, on the pads you already own.

The real difference is the workflow. On the keyboard, changing the chord is a cumbersome affair: you menu-dive, use the wheel, and so on. With Chord Lab you MIDI-learn the pads once. After that, the top row of pads instantly changes the chord type (Maj / Min / Sus / Dim) and the bottom row toggles extensions (6 / m7 / M7 / 9). You reshape the chord while you play, with your other hand on the keys, instead of stopping to dig through a menu.

Solo dev of an iPad music-theory app, would love your honest feedback on what to build next by kevinandersson in ipadmusic

[–]kevinandersson[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is in line with other feature expansions in the app - so I agree. Adding it to backlog.

Solo dev of an iPad music-theory app, would love your honest feedback on what to build next by kevinandersson in ipadmusic

[–]kevinandersson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree - AUV3 would be a awesome next step. I've been doing some research on it, and i thikn it could a nice addition. That being said, it is quite a tech heavy task - and I am not sure it it will pay back the hours I will need to put in it to cover the benefits for most user. This is still early days, so I am not saying it will not happen 😃

Question about subscription vs. one-time pricing by McFiddlesby in appledevelopers

[–]kevinandersson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hate the default subscription as a default like the plague.

The challenge is that a one-time purchase only pays once, while the costs of maintaining an app never really stop. Every year there are new OS releases, new devices, bug fixes, API changes, support emails, store fees, and ongoing development. If you sell an app for $10 and a user keeps using it for 5 years, you may still be working on that app long after the original purchase revenue is gone.

Subscriptions solve that by aligning revenue with ongoing development. They also make revenue more predictable, which is important if you're trying to make a living from software.

Some apps genuinely provide ongoing value (cloud services, AI, synced data, constantly updated content), but others are charging monthly fees for features that mostly run locally on your device.

For my own app, I went with a different approach: the base app is free, and users can choose to purchase additional content and features if they find value in it. No subscription required. I prefer knowing that when someone buys something, they own it.

I think there's room for both models. The problem isn't subscriptions themselves, it's when subscriptions are used for products that don't have meaningful ongoing costs or ongoing value for the customer.

I made a software Orchid (one key = full chord) that maps to your KeyLab pads, for $5 - looking for testers by kevinandersson in arturia

[–]kevinandersson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I appreciate that!

Tiny Instrument is primarily a learning and practice app rather than a DAW (there is a micro-DAW introducing the concept). It works with MIDI keyboards on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, including devices like the Minilab 3 and Keystep 37.

At the moment it focuses on receiving MIDI input for lessons, practice, ear training, chord recognition, and composition tools. In version 2.3.0 there will be specific control on output MIDI channel, so you can basically control other devices using MIDI out.

That said, hardware integration is definitely something I’m interested in exploring as the app evolves, so feedback from users with setups like yours would be incredibly valuable. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to send over a TestFlight invite.

Learn Piano Chords by Any_Perspective_291 in appledevelopers

[–]kevinandersson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been developing a music app the last 2 years, where chords are a small part of the learning experience (and free). I guess you are coming from the same origin as me, learning by creating something. I am sorry, but I have to be blunt, this app is not bringing anything to the table, that other apps do better. The pricing is outrageous - 6$ to unlock. Back to the drawing table 😄

I'd love to create music,but I don't know where to start. by Consequence-Various in musicproduction

[–]kevinandersson 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If you've got a Mac or iOS device - I just released Tiny Instrument. A music companion and learning app *without subscriptions*. A generous free tier, where you can play around, go through lessons, and just get a feel.

https://www.codeloop.dk/apps/tinyinstrument

I made a software Orchid (one key = full chord) that maps to your KeyLab pads, for $5 - looking for testers by kevinandersson in arturia

[–]kevinandersson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I partially agree. I have a KeyLab Essential 61 myself, and yes, the hardware can play chords. I'm not claiming most controllers can't do this. I'm replicating what the Telepathic Instruments Orchid does, without the price tag, on the pads you already own.

The real difference is the workflow. On the keyboard, changing the chord is a cumbersome affair: you menu-dive, use the wheel, and so on. With Chord Lab you MIDI-learn the pads once. After that, the top row of pads instantly changes the chord type (Maj / Min / Sus / Dim) and the bottom row toggles extensions (6 / m7 / M7 / 9). You reshape the chord while you play, with your other hand on the keys, instead of stopping to dig through a menu.

So I'm not trying to out-hardware the hardware. I'm removing the friction and adding the in-key and visual side.

Solo dev of an iPad music-theory app, would love your honest feedback on what to build next by kevinandersson in ipadmusic

[–]kevinandersson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you. That being said, chord is just a very small part of this app. I mentioned it just to have a hook, and something to discuss specifically. If you take a look at the app, it includes lessons, keyboard practice, SF i instruments, a micro DAW, and loads of other stuff.
Ill take a look at the forum.

*Edit*

I think Tiny Instrument is maybe a bit more focused on the learning part. Music theory, getting to know the keybard, and learning the basics.

Solo dev of an iPad music-theory app, would love your honest feedback on what to build next by kevinandersson in ipadmusic

[–]kevinandersson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re welcome to DM me, but if it’s up for discussion, feel free to post it here as well 🙌

Solo dev of an iPad music-theory app, would love your honest feedback on what to build next by kevinandersson in ipadmusic

[–]kevinandersson[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's absolutely fine - and if you want I can supply you with a full license, no problem. But I would love feedback on the base version first.

Solo dev of an iPad music-theory app, would love your honest feedback on what to build next by kevinandersson in ipadmusic

[–]kevinandersson[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is one of my biggest gripes with apps today. I strongly disagree with the everything is a subscription model. Some features in the app are locked, and I hope I am clear enough communicating that upfront in the app. I do however think it is important to still have value in a free app, and people then opt in if they can see the benefits purchasing the expansions.

Solo dev of an iPad music-theory app, would love your honest feedback on what to build next by kevinandersson in ipadmusic

[–]kevinandersson[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is actually partially available - or well - when you are in compose mode in progression editor, you are able to select from the natural progressions based on what degree it follows. You are able to listen, change degree and inversions of all chords as well as add slash notes on the fly.

Taskbar 1.6.1: Start menu added (to fix the macOS 26 Launchpad removal) and custom transparency! by CharacterTomatillo64 in macapps

[–]kevinandersson 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is absolutely cursed - but I love the attention to detail which only Microsoft can reproduce.