In this synthesizer app, you can create and manipulate analog-style sounds using built-in oscillators, filters, and modulation controls. Includes compatibility with AudioUnit v3, Inter-App Audio, AudioBus 3, and CoreMIDI for seamless integration.
AppRecs review analysis
AppRecs rating 4.1. Trustworthiness 79 out of 100. Review manipulation risk 21 out of 100. Based on a review sample analyzed.
★★★★☆
4.1
AppRecs Rating
Ratings breakdown
5 star
63%
4 star
12%
3 star
8%
2 star
8%
1 star
8%
What to know
✓
Low review manipulation risk
21% review manipulation risk
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Credible reviews
79% trustworthiness score from analyzed reviews
✓
High user satisfaction
75% of sampled ratings are 4+ stars (4.1★ average)
About iSEM Synthesizer
Apple’s AudioUnit v3, Inter-App Audio connectivity, AudioBus 3, Korg’s WIST and Apple’s CoreMIDI are all supported.
Furthermore, iSEM is fully compatible with the Audio Unit Extension format. It can be directly launched in any Audio Unit host applications.
DESCRIPTION
iSEM is a recreation of the classic 1974 Oberheim SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module), one of the world's first self-contained synthesizer modules and the first to bear the "Oberheim Electronics" name.
The Oberheim SEM was made famous by artists and bands such as Lyle Mays, Jan Hammer, Joseph Zawinul, Supertramp, 808 State, Vince Clarke and Depeche Mode.
Based on the TAE® technology found in our Oberheim SEM V software, iSEM brings back the sound and special characteristics of this iconic synth in an sonically accurate and expanded touch-based emulation.
What you can do with the iSEM?
The iSEM is a powerful instrument capable of producing a wide range of warm analog sounds.
Reproducing the unique SEM architecture, with its oscillator sync, characteristic filter shape and specific envelope response, the iSEM is able to generate the fat basses that have made the Oberheim brand so popular. Thanks to its simple and clever PW and pitch modulations, it is also very easy to produce moving and lively leads.
Its remarkable 12 dB/oct multimode filter is a real blast from the past, becoming an awesome weapon in the context of current electronic music. This unique module can instantly tailor your sound to fat, crisp, or spectral textures with access to all the nuances in between…
iSEM comes with over 500 sounds that you can browse through and play. You can also easily create your own sounds with the easy to use interface.
Play iSEM's numerous sounds from the iPad keyboard or control iSEM from a MIDI keyboard or other app via CoreMIDI and integrate it into your studio or live performance.
If you are an owner of of the Arturia SEM V software on your Mac or PC, you can even import and export sounds between your laptop or desktop SEM V and iSEM.
FEATURES
All the original parameters of the Oberheim SEM: two oscillators, each offering sawtooth wave and variable-width pulse wave with PWM, sine wave LFO, 12dB/oct multi-mode Filter with low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch, two ADS envelope generators.
Added functionalities: New LFO, Noise, Sub oscillator, Arpeggiator, Portamento.
Polyphonic playability
8 Voice Programmer module allows each voice to have different settings
HOLD and CHORD modes.
Virtual Analog Chorus.
Virtual Analog Delay.
Full user MIDI mapping of panel controls.
Supports WIST sync to other iOS devices.
Support of AudioUnit Extension, AudioBus 3 and Apple’s Inter-App Audio connectivity.
The Oberheim™ name used here is a trademark of the Gibson Guitar Corp. The trademark is used by license to Arturia.
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Reviews for iSEM Synthesizer
GtrGeorgeDC
Fantastic app, but...
This is one of the first synthesizer apps I got for my iPad. I have been an Oberheim fan for decades, and owned several of their hardware instruments. This is an amazing recreation of the Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module. The sound is fantastic, the effects and arpeggiator are very useful additions, and the programming of individual voice variations is fantastic. I LOVE THIS APP. Why only 3 stars? Because Arturia support for this app is practically nonexistent. There is no way to contact or request tech support other than to go to the tech support web page and fill out a form, which includes a “serial number” and an “unlock code”, neither of which exist for iOS apps, which means the form can NOT be filled out. I have had a problem with the iSEM AUv3 in AUM, for years. Once it was fixed by offloading the app and reinstalling it. That no longer works. If I were to be able to make contact with Arturia support and get this problem fixed, I would change this review to 5 stars immediately.
Nitpick Pete
Take it for what it is...awesome
Lots of competition and plenty of haters. This one has the “sound” for me. Thick and creamy.