AudioKit Retro Piano 4+

It’s true, I have hardware synths with decent piano sounds, but I find this a useful addition.

It is effectively three sounds in the same package; piano, synth brass sound and vinyl crackle. Each of which can be shaped to some degree. Sound can be added or removed by balancing the volume of each; right down to zero.

The piano is not bad at all. It can be varied with the ‘dark’ control to dampen or enhance the top end.

The reverb is decent. There’s the option to add some crunch or tremolo.

What’s not to like!

This app was a limited edition free app on its original release, people tend to like free regardless of capabilities in general. The app periodically comes back on sale when AudioKit have a new release, so at the right price it’s no more than a cheap coffee to go. I’m not really sure what the need is for this app., it doesn’t do anything usable, it’s a so so Soundfont style piano sound with a soft synth brass layer and vinyl noise sound, all adjustable. Yes, it’s niche, but you’d never use it for anything in any track you produce so as a paid app I’m not sure you should ever contemplate paying out for it. Their 3 synth apps are another beast entirely, Synth One is free and easily a top 10 iOS synth whether paid or not. My advice, buy their excellent Synth D1 app, and download their free Synth One app as well.

Seems to be a running trend with every instrument I’ve downloaded from audiokit. Even with the volume down to 25, it constantly clicks and pops. No matter what adjustments I make. Have yet to be impressed with any of the instruments.

Update: fixed the clipping issue, but now, since the most recent update of both iOS and GarageBand, everything I’ve recorded with retro piano in it, keeps going back to the original welcome sound. Doesn’t matter what adjustments I make. Which is disappointing because I recorded quite a few songs with this plugin.