iPhone what? There’s big stuff happening in homebrew music development for Nintendo DS and PSP.
NitroTracker 0.4 (Now)
First up, on the uber-popular Nintendo DS, NitroTracker 0.4 adds some big features. Creator Tobias Weyand writes:
I wanted to tell you that I just released NitroTracker v0.4 with lots of new features and improvements, the coolest ones being sample looping and stylus-drawable volume envelopes. You can basically just record a sound, make it loop, draw an envelope, and there you have your instant instrument.
Sample looping is interesting, too – you can loop forward or, as in many video samplers, ping-pong style (back and forth). The envelopes are a nice fit for the stylus, as well.
Other features: multi-samples for instruments, and channel mute/solo.
Why you want it: Intuitive, tracker-style sequencing with a stylus, live sampling, MIDI integration, now with real sampling and envelope features
Site: NitroTracker
PSPSeq 3 (Soon)
I also got an advance look at the next version of PSPSeq when creator Ethan Bordeaux stopped by the CDM/Make/Etsy Handmade Music night I put together. I’ve got video from that event I’ll be editing and posting soon. But before I get into features, I should say this: Ethan wants PSPSeq to be so good, you’ll buy a PSP to get it. Why a PSP? Because the extra CPU power Sony built into the device makes it a formidable handheld synth. And because it’s different. And because it runs PSPSeq.
Ethan’s in bug-stomping mode, so you can’t have PSPSeq just yet. But the upcoming build includes new randomization and interpolation features, more powerful copy and paste, shortcuts, and workflow improvements. (It’s funny – it sounds like we’re talking about a DAW.) I was particularly impressed by the randomization stuff in person. It really turns PSPSeq into a powerful composition environment. Ethan, whose day job is DSP programming, has also included some unusual features like “rotational synthesis” – I’ll let him explain it in the video, once I get that up.
So, CDM readers, would you be interested enough to get a CDM group buy of PSPs, pre-installed with homebrew-ready firmware?
Come on. Humans have two hands. One hand can be on the DS while the other is on the PSP.
Why you want it: Powerful arrangement features, real synthesis that sounds great, all-in-one power
Site: dspmusic.org/psp
New featured spotted via Palm Sounds. See more PSP coverage on Palm Sounds, too.
PSP Rhythm 8.0 (Now)
From comments, I actually missed another big announcement. (Too much going on! Thanks, Louie!)
The popular PSP drum machine/sequencer PSP Rhythm got a new optimized audio engine, yet another interface upgrade (there seems to be one in each version), and an ADSR synth mode. For some reason, I’m not particularly drawn to PSP Rhythm musically – it lacks some of the exotic charm of PSPSeq – but it’s still very much worthy of your attention if you’ve got a PSP, and proof that the DS doesn’t have a monopoly on mobile music.
It’s even got a pro-style music trailer.
Another PSP audio app called PSP Rhythm 8 was released on July 4th.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DulYUbbTrSc
-Louie
awsome, this is like xmas morning, luckily i've got a psp and ds ;P iv'e been waiting for new versions of rhythm and nitro for ages now!
I forgot to put a link in for Rhythm's website.
http://www.psprhythm.com
Thanks Peter for posting this!
-Louie
Whoa, this DS tracker is sounding pretty sweet. Maybe I’ll finally hop aboard the tracker train and give it a shot.
To add to the list, there's been two upgrades of GlitchDS since last time you talked about it. If I'm not mistaken 🙂
http://www.glitchDS.com
Oh man, Call ME Salivating! Hoot for the weekend, its gonna be *all* about Nitrotracker 4.0 at our jam tonight ..
Looks like I'm the only one excited about R8. I just bought a new slim PSP for this app. I've been making music on the go so much I've forgotten all about my hardware gear in the studio. R8 has been a perfect match for me and HIGHLY recommend it.
Also looking forward to PSPseq3!
Actually, I think a whole lot of people are excited about PSP Rhythm R8! I guess what I was indicating is, my own personal preference is toward things with a slightly different take on sequencing, something I can't get on a computer / other hardware. But it looks very nice. Now I just need a PSP to try this stuff out on. 😉
[…] Big Updates for Handheld Homebrew Music: NitroTracker 0.4, PSPSeq 3, PSP Rhythm 8 – Peter Kirn rounds up the latest and greatest for your Nintendo DS and Sony PSP […]
just an update, i've had a play with R8 and its off its tits guys! ive been using it since v1 and this latest update is major. it feels like a matured app now, the control scheme has really been tweaked, the effects sound good and the sequencer is great! i plugged it into a nice set of speakers at work and the sound is crisp and clean. I am highly impressed with this app. Big props to the R8 team, youve given my psp a new lease at life 🙂 Its great when a homebrew developer unlocks the true power of a console/handheld, sony should be paying these guys. Alot of psp are gonna be going offa the shelf for this app..
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[…] and sample playback on Sony’s handheld game console, is now available in version 3.0. (We saw it last week but it’s now actually available for download.) In this […]
[…] Big Updates for Handheld Homebrew Music: NitroTracker 0.4, PSPSeq 3, PSP Rhythm 8 […]