ApeSoftIVCS3 Customer Service
- CompanyApeSoft
- CategoryMusic
- Published2014-03-06
- Current Version3.4.7
- Price$14.99
- Content Rating4+
- CompatibilityMin. IOS 12.0
iVCS3
Official EMS VCS3 emulator
The VCS3 was created in 1969 by Peter Zinovieff's EMS company. The electronics were largely designed by David Cockerell and the machine's distinctive visual appearance was the work of electronic composer Tristram Cary. The VCS3 was more or less the first portable commercially available synthesizer—portable in the sense that the VCS 3 was housed entirely in a small, wooden case.
The VCS3 was quite popular among progressive rock bands and was used on recordings by The Alan Parsons Project, Jean Michel Jarre, Hawkwind, Brian Eno (with Roxy Music), King Crimson, The Who, Gong, and Pink Floyd, among many others. Well-known examples of its use are on The Who track "Won't Get Fooled Again" (as an external sound processor, in this case with Pete Townshend running the signal of a Lowrey Organ through the VCS3's filter and low frequency oscillators) on Who's Next. Pink Floyd's "On the Run" (from The Dark Side of the Moon) made use of its oscillators, filter and noise generator, as well as the sequencer. Their song Welcome to the Machine also used the VCS3. The bassy throb at the beginning of the recording formed the foundation of the song, with the other parts being recorded in response. The VCS3 was also a staple at the BBC’s Radiophonic Workshop, and was a regular (and most frightening) sound generator for the Dr Who TV series. Many fo the monsters and atmoshere;s created for the show came directly from the VCS3.
Description
The VCS3 has three oscillators (in reality, the first 2 oscillators are normal oscillators and the 3rd an LFO or Low Frequency Oscillator), a noise generator, two input amplifiers, a ring modulator, a 18dB/octave (pre-1974) or 24dB/octave (after 1974) voltage controlled low pass filter (VCF), a trapezoid envelope generator, joy-stick controller, voltage controlled spring reverb unit and 2 stereo output amplifiers. Unlike most modular synthesizer systems which use cables to link components together, the VCS3 uses a distinctive patch board matrix into which pins are inserted in order to connect its components together.
Keyboards controller
DK1 keyboard controller
Although the VCS3 is often used for generating sound effects due to lack of built-in keyboard, there were external keyboard controllers for melodic play. The DK1 in 1969 was an early velocity sensitive monophonic keyboard for VCS3 with an extra VCO and VCA. Later it was extended for duophonic play, as DK2, in 1972. Also in 1972, Synthi AKS was released, and its digital sequencer with a touch-sensitive flat keyboard, KS sequencer, and its mechanical keyboard version, DKS, were also released.
(See: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VCS3)
IVCS3 App Comments & Reviews
IVCS3 Positive Reviews
Feels Like Vintage HardwareIVCS3 really provides the sound and experience of playing a real vintage hardware synth. One of the best software emulations of an old analogue synth I have found on any platform. Sound quality is just fantastic and the possibilities of sound manipulation feel almost limitless. It is even unpredictable like old analogue hardware. Would love to see a polyphonic version but understand the adherence to the monophonic gem it emulates. Basses, leads and atmospheres are flat out stellar..Version: 2.3
Great Wayback machineThe thing I love most about this synth is that it takes me back in time, when most “electronic” music was made with a tape recorder and a razor blade for editing. The VCS3 arose about the same time as the original minimoog and the ARP2600. All were out of reach for financial reasons at that time. Now I have two out of three to experiment with sounds as I see fit. The iVCS3 has been the best source for the arcane sounds I like the most..Version: 2.3
Amazing tool and very funI can't believe nobody else has reviewed this app yet. It easily makes the top five best synth apps for iOS. I have most of them. This is easily as interesting as anything moog is putting out if not more so. There is a lot of variety and programmability and its well worth the price in my opinion. I have not yet encountered any bugs but will report if I do..Version: 2.2
Wonderful, with issuesFirst, I love the sound of this synth! It is nostalgic while remaining useful. That said, I have some issues using it as an AUv3 plugin in Cubasis 2. No presets show up and there are no controls beyond a scant few. All I am left with is a never ending tone that can be selected by Cubasis’ keyboard. I hope there is a fix for this or one is in the works. As of now, I cannot use it as an AUv3 which was what I purchased it for. If this gets fixed, instant 5 star synth..Version: 2.3
Favorite synth I own (I own them all...)Truly is my favorite iOS synth, with the exception that the UI is super confusing. I know its a faithful recreation of the synth its modeled after, but I’d still like to see a few “modern” improvements to the UI/UX. Overall tho a 5 star synth for what the amazing sounds it can make. Highly recommend!.Version: 2.3
Every nun needs a SynthiHoly wow. This is a gorgeous emulator of a weird and wonderful synthesizer. I discovered this while browsing through the Trunk Records online catalogue, and now it’s my favorite app by a lot. Made with love by and for music nerds..Version: 3.4.7
Dope A FTitle says it all. Makes wanna mill some nice spruce sides to affix to my iPad. This really,to me, makes any and every reason to own iPads. Really sounds monstrous through some choice plug ins via AUM then into a good P A. Thanks for the killer app and let’s get going on the CS-80 emulator!.Version: 3.2.5
MagicThis app is a showcase of technical sound wizardry. There is so much going on with this synth it can be a bit overwhelming to program at first, but well worth the effort to learn. Welcome to the machine..Version: 2.2
Modern take on a classicHaving grown up and Arps and Moogs this machine is in a class by itself. The add on mods and other modern enhancements takes it to a whole new level. The JEC PF sounds are a blast..Version: 2.3
Thank you!!!This is still one of the best ios music apps. I just had to write a review to give props to Apesoft for adding AUv3 support and pinch zoom in v3. Thank you!.Version: 3
Incredible!!!It’s going on 2 years of use and this is still my favorite synth app..Version: 3.1
Keeps getting better.ApeSoft is keeps giving back to this already get Synth App. Thank You..Version: 3
Love it!Please make available on all Apple Silicon. Would LOVE to use this on a desktop or laptop!.Version: 3.4.7
One of my favoritesI like it .the interface is cool . it has a uniqueness from other apps ..Version: 2.3
Best in my app collection!!It’s been a go to since day one!! Thank you so much!.Version: 2.3
AffordableThe closest you’ll get to a real one for way cheaper ..Version: 2.3
Full AUv3!My favorite iOS synth just got even better - thanks Ape for migrating this to full AUv3! Awesome!!.Version: 3
IncredibleSo much fun and it sounds sooooo good..Version: 2.2
StellarAbsolutely Fantastic..Version: 2.2
Yamaha MD-BT01Still can't imagine, how do i can use it with Yamaha MD-BT01, effortless and with the full support of Core MIDI..Version: 3.3.1
This is a classic app that keeps on giving-growing!From the start I was excited to have access to such an incredibly rare synthesizer experience as the hardware version of this model is next to impossible to find even in a synth Mueseum! But the roster of artist who have used this is as long and thick as an old phone book! The icing on the cake is apesoft and especially James Edward Cosby continuing to support and build upon this synth with updates and presets that customize and help any sound designer and synth musicians from newbie analog programmers to the geniuses that understand the deep complexity of the real wires and patches of CV and modulation “electronic goodies” that make this such a special secret weapon to any kit! Roger Waters was the artist famous for saying “there are lots of electronic goodies made available for us to be bothered with....and we will be bothered!” From the documentary “Pink Floyd - Live at Pompeii” when Roger was positively inspired creatively when he says ‘bothered’ in a most noble way ....with parts of the film showcasing Roger programming and playing this very synth in what would become “The Darkside of the Moon” album of all time! When I saw this strange synth I never realized how rare it was but since technology has made it possible with programming and development by apesoft and James Edward Cosby (Jim Cosby)! This is after many years of surprise and intrigue oh and much joy in sound design playing this instrument that I finally wrote a good review in honor of yet another addition in “captivity” to blow my mind yet again! So this review is well past due and much deserved! Bravo! Bravo! And Bravo, indeed!.Version: 3.4.1
Faithful and BetterI used a VCS-3 for a few years and owned an AKS (more portable version of the VCS-3) for over 30 years. I used the AKS professionally for about 18 of those years. So I have a pretty good handle on what this app should be. I am happy to say, iVCS-3 is stunning in it's faithfulness to the original. The sound quality is 99% identical to the original. (You can even set the spring reverb to "glow" when you rattle your iPad!!) And the ranges and response of the various functions are almost exactly identical to the original. The biggest difference is that while my beloved AKS gradually decayed, iVCS-3 will not be subject to the laws of thermodynamics. It will work just as well 30 years from now as it does today. The added functionality of the dual sampler, additional effects and the editable note values of the sequencer extend well beyond the hardware version. The VCS-3 was both deep and simple at the same time. This software version does not disappoint. My only criticism is that the "back pannel" where the samplers, effects and sequencer reside is somewhat confusing. But it's not impossible to master. VERY well done indeed..Version: 1.1
Great synth, but the matrix...I like this synth but I don’t like the matrix, so I hardly ever use it. You can zoom in on the matrix but still it’s difficult to see where you need to put the pins. I always trace them by hovering with my finger. Basically the farther the hole from the labels, the harder it is to see which two items it connects. Don’t get me wrong, the holes are big enough for the finger, so when you tap on the one you intend to put the pin into, there’s no problem there, it’s precise. But to visually find where you need to put the pin is a challenge and always takes too long. Looking up and left a few times, and ultimately ending up having to hoover my finger over the holes to visualize the signal flow. It’s a bad design, humans need visual queues. Take Factory (by Sugarbytes) for example, it's got about the same overall size of its matrix but it’s so clear to use. I look, and then tap to place the circle, without having to figure out which hole connects what. Glancing at the matrix, to figure out what’s going on in the patch... is not something I’m able to do in iCVS3, and that’s pretty much kills all the joy of using this synth for me. I get that it’s looks were modeled after hardware but that doesn’t change my experience using this app on (10.5”) iPad. Using this matrix is frustrating because there’s too much visual information to process/interpret for my mind, and there are no visual queues to help. Perhaps if a different “skin” for the matrix was available as an option, it would make things clearer. If you look at the screenshot of the matrix, try to visualize the connections. If you find it effortless or not a big deal, then I’m sure you’ll love this app as the rest of it is actually very well made..Version: 3.3.1
A labor of love...and a laboratory of love. I probably won't ever own the real thing, and I've always had GAS for one. Especially watching the likes of Brian Eno play it! Exceptional sound, and yes very odd. If you just want quick electronic dance sounds ermm...this is Not your synth. Surely those sounds can be coaxed, but this is a wild sonic monster that is best used to unleash mayhem and to make grown men cry. iVCS3 has to be one of - if not THE best sounding synths I've heard on iOs. In fact I bought a sonic couture version of this synth and while very nice I much preferred this experience and dare I say sound. ----UPDATE---- The update is outstanding in the most SICK way possible. I don't even use the word SICK as a slang word but it's an appropriate description of the sound. This synth creates other worldly sounds. Use it in the forefront or even in the background to transform your tracks into another dimension. When you hear the real thing and this lovingly made official emulation the sound is more than comparable. Of course I still lust after the real thing, but who is to say this isn't real when sound is the most important result..Version: 1.5
Fantastic recreation of a classicI had the good fortune of using an original vcs3, well actually a synthi, in college and have long since looked for one to add to my studio. I tried other soft synth emulations and none came close to recreating that sound. Within minutes of getting this I was able to start dialing in all of those great sounds from my past uses with the real hardware. It may not be for the faint of heart but nothing else sound anything like it. You can route external audio through the unit just like the hardware which is great. This version also adds many new useful features that I always wanted and some I never knew I needed. I think the essential mods are a must buy. So consider that when you get it. They do seem to continue to support the software. They recently announced a new 2.0 version that is due in the coming months which I am excited about. I am vey rarely impressed with software recreations of analog synths. This may be my my first time to actually be completely content with one. I even bought a new ipad and sound card to go along with it..Version: 1.6.4
Every sound you could ever think of, and many you can't!!What an amazing app. I've had it for I think a year now and it just keeps getting better. There is simply no sound that can't be made with this unique, old school modular synth with the kitchen sink thrown in. Not sure what they are charging, but way back I think I paid $6.99. I purchased all the sound packs and downloaded the free as well, which is quite generous of the factory. The additional presets provide's hours of working out my own. Simply, nothing else is quite like this app. It is very easy to attach via midi adapter and Bluetooth so I appreciate that as well! Great job, no matter what the price is up to now!.Version: 2.1
Very, very goodI suppose I can be a little hyperbolic sometimes, but I do believe this is the absolute best purchase I've made in the synth app realm. As the owner of a modern hardware modular, I have always longed for a selection of the legendary machines of the past, but there aren't many around, and when they do pop up, only people like Trent Reznor can afford them. So to be presented with this app for a whopping $15, and have it be such a loving recreation of the very unique sound of this psychotic instrument, is really a gift. Shockingly legit-sounding. Behaves like I'd expect an original to. So now can you make me a Synthi 100 for the Mac? :).Version: 1.0.1
Not for the feint of heart, but worth it!This is not your typical iOS synth. I cannot testify to its accuracy because I have never used an original VCS. However, what this does is extraordinary and unique on the iPad. It will provide hours, if not days/weeks/months, of sonic exploration. The visual experience is truly exceptional as well. I love the knobs for oscillator pitch! If you're looking for something that seems to have a will of its own, but can be coaxed into something that you like, I believe you will be pleasantly surprised with what this has to offer. It's quite an experience!.Version: 1.0.1
Awesomely Fun and Useful!I've only been using the app for a day, and already I'm finding it an integral addition to my workflow. Well-built and fun to use. I can't speak to the quality of the emulation of the original hardware, since I've never had the opportunity to use one, but this app is spectacular on its own, and I really enjoy working sounds out of it. Visually it looks spot-on. It took me a bit to figure it out, but it comes with a decent manual to help you figure out all the knobs and such..Version: 1.3.1
FantasticThis is a mind-blowingly interesting synth for anyone who loves the magical relationship between controls (knobs, switches, pinboard) and sounds. I've been using this app for more than a year, and it always functions great. The sounds one makes are unusual, surprising and sonically high quality. And I keep discovering new ways all its features can play off each other. Whenever I get bored of all the other music apps, I always come back to this one..Version: 1.4
Makes me happy inside...I am a sucker for emulations of classic synths and this one is quite historical and fun. Plus, it may be one of the more useful recreations I have come across. I really enjoy having it in my arsenal. Just playing around with it for a couple of days has produced some interesting results. Even if I never use it in a song, it will be worth the price just from the fun of exploring this little beast..Version: 1.0.1
...And Now For Something Completely DifferentNo problem with the update here (Air 2). Many make the claim that their synth app is different from the rest, but in this case, it is most assuredly true! This thing is raunchy! I mean that in a good way... It feels and sounds like a vintage hardware synth and makes no apology for the kind of chaos that entails. If you want wild, "out there" sounds, this is the synth app for you..Version: 1.6.4
Worth the cost of an iPad!Wow! I almost don't know where to start. This emulation of the VCS3 is absolutely incredible! The sounds it can make are fantastic, and you really do get the feeling you are controlling a real analogue synthesizer. If you are even remotely interested in synthesis, get this! Buy an iPad if you don't have one, but get this app..Version: 1.0.1
If you like Legendary Synths, get this one.I was born at the dawn of the CMI and digital synths, and also the prices for the real instruments are prohibitive. It is nice that we can get the feel of tweaking and building sounds on these virtual machines. Just in the first couple of minutes, I was able to make some weird sounds that changed along as time progressed. Getting to add a new, or old, palette of sounds is always good for the synth enthusiast..Version: 1.0.1
Having never read the user manual...This is still some of the best sounding, most incredible fun I've had with exploring sound (on iOS or otherwise)! The version 2 features are impressive. As a Brian Eno fan, this app helps me understand much more about how the EMS synths were used in the '70s. Brilliant!.Version: 2
Amazing Modular Synth AppIVCS3 is an amazing modular synth app. Its detailed graphics, the unbelievable power of its sound, and the additional features added with the latest update makes this synth app a incredibly powerful sound generator. You will not believe you are using an iPad. Absolutely recommended to anyone who loves synths..Version: 1.3
Unbelievable!!!Amazing sound quality! I have been programming for hours on this and just listening to the sound. I could live inside this synth! My iPad will only need one synth from now on.... The iVCS3. Thank you guys so much for your labor of love, so that I could finally experience THEE monophonic classic!.Version: 1.3.1
Wonderful VCS 3 port to iPad - out of the ballpark!!!This is a labor of love recreating the VCS3 synth used on many tracks over time. Its sonic possibilities are endless and it provides a wealth of aural soundscapes to be discovered. One of the best vintage synth recreations apps to hit the iPad. Great job! Well worth the cost. Will take some learning if you are used to presets, but the investment in time to do so will pay off. The addition of LFO modulation potential to almost every parameter expands the sound creation possibilities well beyond the orignial hardware. The add-on IAPs are fantastic additions too. Highly recommended!.Version: 1.6.4
Excellent synth with tons of detailYou can tell right off that iVCS3 is a labor of love by people who are passionate about the VCS3. It portrays the original in detail as well as emulates it. This app has depth and usability features far beyond what you would expect from an initial release. Excellent!.Version: 1.0.1
A must have!Have always wanted this since finding out it would be made available. Highly recommended! Thank you so much for bestowing this wonderful app upon our creativity. Kudos to the developers! :).Version: 1.0.1
Best of the bestThis modular synth is amazing. I have all ipad synths and nave from Waldorf was my fav one before i got this :) Like someone said, its worth buying an ipad for this. While i cant get a buchla this will bring me some comfort . Thank you so much for bringing this to the ipad..Version: 1.1.3
The love is evident...In this charming recreation. I would also love for audio to work via Bluetooth, but we will probably have to wait until a new version..Version: 1.1.3
So powerfulThis app is an intense recreation of a truly classic synth. Be prepared to spend some time with the manual and even a few video tutorials though, it's difficult to master. Personally I'm only starting to scratch the surface, but every moment I spent with it is worth it..Version: 1.5
FunI have spent quite some time with this app and it continues to amaze me. Worth the price!.Version: 1.2
Stunningly good appThis app was a long time in the making, but has delivered. This is a synth that can create sounds like no other. While it does include some great presets (think Pink Floyd and the Who), the real joy is in the discovery of your own sounds..Version: 1.0.1
Holy FloydThis emulation nails this vintage synthesizer. If you like early synthesizer work of classic rock bands of the early 70s, you will not be disappointed..Version: 1.0.1
A winner for what it isIf you want to dive deeply into sound making/creation/design/tweaking/obliterating then this guy is for you. You will learn what synth parameters can do. You could say it has a steep learning curve but not because it is badly designed. It's because there is so much that can be controlled..Version: 2.2
CrashEvery time i try to load ivcs3 it crashes immediately…i paid a decent amount of money for this with all the packs. Is there a fix for this? It is an awesome sound generator, but it must work….Version: 3.4.7
DivorceYour wife won't be happy your not paying attention to her anymore..Version: 1.0.1
Best app ever!The interface on this would take a lifetime to master, but with 160 free starting points, it was easy to come up with happy accidents that were every bit as fun as pink floyd riffs, only without having to manually set up every switch, know, etc to geta sound going. My GOD this thing is SO FUN I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!.Version: 1.6.4
BeautifulOne of the very best iOS music apps imo. I have a lot of them. This is one I will be able to appreciate for a long time. Really really great job. Thank you. 5 stars for sure. And....update...keeps getting better.Version: 1.5
Thunderballs9000Beautiful app! Great analogue emulation. Hugely flexible. Highly recommend..Version: 1.0.1
No end to the tweaking spectacularity in this beautiful beast!A stunner, as many predicted. A beautiful looking behemoth, with incredible flexibility, sonic character and depth. You will not come close to realizing this thing's potential in a few minutes. A keeper, like ALL of the other apeSoft Apps, which are the Gold Standard for all sounds organic, occasionally gritty, obscure and wonderfully evolving. PIck one: iDensity, iPulsaret, or Stria. All of them, fantastic applications that you owe it to yourself to get if you want to discover some synth options that should help to finally dispel the widespread notion that iOS synths are a bunch of toys. This iVCS3 ain't no toy....Version: 1.0.1
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