The update train continues to rumble forwards with this solid beat maker
Price: Free
IAP: $5/£5 monthly for extras
Version: 6.0.9
Size: 48.2 MB
Developer: Auxy
Platform: iPhone and iPad
Update! Despite a name change from Auxy Studio to Auxy Pro, this music-making app hasn’t strayed too far since we last reviewed it in October 2017 – despite running from version 4 up to version 6.
So what’s new? Firstly, the key points that struck us originally remain as solid as ever: the free initial download, plenty to do without paying for IAPs, and its gentle easing in. But there’s no overhaul, no design refresh, and nothing dramatic to speak of. Rather, Auxy has shown a dogged workhorse-style approach to adding more tweaking abilities and export options. For a start, the app has added Ableton Live support, increasing the app’s usefulness as part of a wider suite of music tools. Elsewhere, it’s improved its drum programming capabilities, has better effects across all instrumentation, and it’s iPad offering is much improved.
Revised rating: Auxy is still a fantastic app, but its not moved on at quite the same pace as other music apps on the scenes. ★★★★.
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Our original review, written in October 2017, is presented in its entirety below.
iOS has a ton of music, loop and beat makers to its name, but Auxy Studio has quickly become one of the best in class. But what also sets it aside from others is its low barrier to entry. Namely: it’s free.
Like many similar apps, Auxy includes a heap of extra beat packs as IAP to allow users to explore genres, but most other apps charge for the initial download. However, you can install Auxy and get started completely free with more than enough to keep you entertained for days.
Starting a new project is easy, and there are some great demos to show you what’s possible
Even better, Auxy eases you in with aplomb. When you load up the app there are a handful of demo tracks that give you a good idea of how it works. Tracks are generally built via a series of loops, which are easy to build. They can be based on a drum track, a bass line, and a series of lead and synth instruments. Each with their own faux-descriptive names. You’ll have to tap on each to really get an idea of what you’re going to get, though.
Building simple beats is easy – building more complex ones isn’t much harder, either
The demo tracks are a good place to start because you can see the app’s grid system in action. This allows you, in real time, to add and adjust notes, editing individual elements to your heart’s content. All the while the loop keeps playing over so you can hear the changes you’re making on the fly. You can easily just start with a drum beat and continuously add elements.
Not sure how to start? Well, Auxy also has you covered there in its ‘how to’ feed. This is something similar apps often lack, and there are some great intro tutorials that show you how to quickly construct a simple dance beat, or even copy and paste notes to build chords.
There are some great tutorials to help you get started
Getting starting in Auxy is easy – start from the Projects tab and then build up your track or loops using a drum beat, and other lead instruments. You can then trigger these and continuously loop and play around with different elements.
Unlike other apps, you can’t record a track within the app, but you can export loops and projects to work on elsewhere, with various sync and link options.
In this regard, Auxy is definitely focused more on creating interesting loops and ‘scenes’ rather than full songs. But because of this, it’s also a really easy app to play around with and get to grips with. This is why it’s great for advanced music makers that want to granularly edit loops and export to other, fuller projects, while it’s also great for beginners that just want to play around with sounds. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for creating entire songs, though, it might not be for you.
There’s a social element too, with challenges, and additional projects to play around with
Considering it’s already on version 4.0 the app has a whole bunch of stuff newer apps lack – this includes a projects feed which introduces you to sounds made by other users – including professional musicians – while it also houses a whole heap of new sounds in the form of sound packs. These are expensive at $5/£5 a pop, but this is for the more advanced users who won’t necessarily shirk at the price.
Auxy remains one of the easiest music-making apps on the App Store; the grid requiring just a few taps to produce something decent. Meanwhile, it also holds huge value for professional musicians.