I’ve finally found a setup that works really well for capturing new ideas.
The core is AU|Keys and AU|Pads triggering the instruments and sending midi into Helium. Helium then sends recorded MIDI back to the instruments.
The initial template is purposely simple to ensure you get an idea down, so it starts with a Piano (Upright Pure), Bass Synth (Viking – Free) and Drums (DigiStix 2), but you could use any AUv3s you want. Once you’ve captured the essence of the initial idea you can expand the channels (16 in each instance of Helium) or easily export any MIDI data to anywhere you need it.
The advantages of the set up are:
– The Key and Scale can be set in both AU|Keys and Helium. Helium also has Ghost Tracks
– Full range of AUv3 instruments and effects available – Not tied to a ring fenced ecosystem
– Easily achieve micro timing for early/late drums by adjusting Grid or Quantise in Helium. Swing can also be applied on a Notes level
– AU|Keys and AU|Pads are velocity sensitive
– Helium can easily handle any CC modulation
– The template can work on both iPad and iPhone for whenever you need it
– If you save the project as ‘Default’ in AUM you can use the handy shortcut on the AUM home screen (bottom middle) to instantly load the template
– The Snapshot & Song feature in Helium has Gate, Loop, One Shot and Mutes available which is great for arrangement experimentation
– The MIDI captured can easily be saved and transferred anywhere – Clips (Tracks or sections of Tracks) Songs and even Flatten Song to transfer a Snapshot Song Arrangement to linear MIDI for any DAW
So far it’s been a pleasure to work with and extremely flexible.
I thought I’d share this workflow incase anyone else has been searching for a similar solution.
You need to rename the project ‘Default’ for the handy shortcut on the AUM home screen to instantly load the template. (For some reason Patchstorage have started adding additional characters after file names).
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