Joe Topjian has released Pulseq and Locus, each available for $3.99.
Pulseq
For electronic music producers, electronic sound designers, and iPad live performers, the quest for intuitive, tactile sequencing tools is never-ending. While modern Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) excel at fine-grained, timeline-based MIDI editing, they can sometimes lack the spontaneous, experimental workflow of dedicated hardware sequencers.
Pulseq is a multi-stage MIDI sequencer designed specifically to turn the iPad into a dynamic control hub for hardware gear, iOS synths, and DAW rigs.
At its core, Pulseq is a multi-stage MIDI sequencing app built for iOS and iPadOS. Inspired by classic multi-stage hardware sequencers—where each stage can trigger distinct notes, gates, pitches, and control voltage/MIDI parameters—Pulseq brings flexible, step-driven modulation to a digital interface.
Pulseq offers a lightweight, dedicated utility for musicians who want to step away from traditional piano rolls and engage in structured, evolving sequence design.
Locus
Whether you are a seasoned electronic music producer looking for fresh inspiration or an iPad musician searching for a workflow overhaul, generative audio tools have become one of the most exciting frontiers in modern music creation.
Locus is a generative MIDI sequencer developed by Joe Topjian. Designed to bring algorithmic pattern creation, dynamic sequencing, and expressive composition straight to your iOS devices, Locus offers an inspiring playground for music creators.
At its core, Locus is a specialized iOS app designed to generate and sequence MIDI data rather than generating direct audio itself. This means it acts as the “brain” or steering wheel for your synth plugins, hardware modules, or Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) setups like AUM, GarageBand, or Logic Pro for iPad.
Instead of writing notes manually on a grid step-by-step, Locus leverages generative routines to help you craft evolving melodies, unpredictable polyrhythms, dynamic basslines, and organic musical patterns with ease.
Features include:
- Generative & Probabilistic Pattern Engine: Define musical rules—scales, root notes, octaves, velocity, and timing constraints—to auto-generate evolving melodies, polyrhythms, and basslines.
- Pattern Chaining & Scene Management: Build complex arrangements by chaining sequences or switching saved scene states on the fly during live jams or studio sessions.
- Seamless iOS Ecosystem Integration: Ultra-lightweight (~13 MB) tool that routes MIDI seamlessly to external hardware or iOS software synths (via AUv3, CoreMIDI, and host DAWs like AUM or Logic Pro).
For more information on each app, click here:
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