More of his work can be seen here: https://www.guidoflichman.com
Saturday, December 6, 2025
New Icons, Fresh Identity
The wonderful designer Guido Flichman crafted the new icons for my apps. I find their minimalist style not only highlights the essence of each app but also shapes a consistent visual identity that flows through the applications themselves.
More of his work can be seen here: https://www.guidoflichman.com
More of his work can be seen here: https://www.guidoflichman.com
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
ExoSphere - Endless Ambient Drift
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>>> Get this app on App Store
Universal app for iOS and macOS (AUv3)
It provides an effortless way to create a foundation for ambient tracks or even a complete background piece with minimal adjustments. Designed with slow rhythmic structures in mind, it is especially suited for meditative music and calm soundscapes.
At the heart of ExoSphere are five complementary sound elements, each contributing a distinct dimension to the evolving sonic environment:
- Core - Deep, evolving drones that anchor the listener with resonant low frequencies, creating a grounding presence in the body.
- Flow - A layer reminiscent of an instrument, voice, or choir that forms the harmonic foundation of the composition. Gentle shifts its color and pitch, creating a subtle drifting detune that feels fluid and alive.
- Grain - Layers of stretched environmental fragments - whispers of wind, water, and space - that envelop the listener in a textured, atmospheric sense of place.
- Shard – Fleeting melodic fragments that surface and dissolve unpredictably, like echoes of imagined songs, sparking shifting associations and evoking transient images.
- Glow - High, sparkling tones that flicker like light on water, bringing brightness, clarity, and a gentle radiance to the soundscape.
Together, these layers interweave into a living, breathing composition that never feels static. The result is a continuously shifting atmosphere - equally suitable as a meditative backdrop, a creative foundation for ambient production, or a complete standalone piece.
Each layer in ExoSphere is sample-based, giving the user complete freedom to define the sonic palette. You can load your own samples into any of the five layers, tailoring the sound to your personal style and creating highly individual, versatile compositions. For a quick start, ExoSphere also includes a built‑in library of curated samples, offering ready‑to‑use material that can instantly generate immersive atmospheres.
ExoSphere offers an easy start with a minimal interface: choose a factory preset and quickly refresh it by replacing samples, adjusting presence and tone. You can create new variations with the advanced randomizer, while detailed panels provide full control for those who want deeper customization.
>>> A Story of ExoSphere
ExoSphere is a universal application for iOS and macOS. It can work on iPhone and iPad as well as Mac / MacBook with M1 chip (and later). ExoSphere works on iPhone and iPad standalone, as an Audio Unit or Inter-App Audio module, and supports Audiobus and Ableton Link. On MacOS, ExoSphere can works both as a standalone application and as an Audio unit (AUv3) with DAWs and other hosts that support AUv3 plugins. ExoSphere has a built-in detailed description of all parameters also available as PDF file on the application site.
>>> Complete description of ExoSphere 1.0 (pdf)
Demos and reviews:
Thursday, November 27, 2025
ExoSphere - Coming soon
ExoSphere Presets Demo - Endless evolving ambient drift. From deep drones to fleeting sparks, it shapes infinite ambient horizons that never stand still. For iOS and Mac. Coming soon at a special introductory price!
>> Know more about a Story of ExoSphere
>> Know more about a Story of ExoSphere
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Gavinski’s Tutorials
The purpose of this video is to help you become familiar very quickly with the basic purpose of each Igor Vasiliev plugin. Each is briefly demoed and explained in a nutshell. These plugins, mostly aimed at experimental musicians, are all available for iOS and I think all of them also run on M1 Macs, standalone and as AUv3. In this video, I don’t look at Igor’s older apps which are not AUv3, like Fieldscaper or Soundscaper. That’s not to say they’re not interesting, many regard them as classics, but I rarely use IAA apps these days, and decided for this video to focus just on the AUv3 ones. There was already a lot to cover!
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Black Friday
These applications form a unified collection of experimental audio tools designed for exploring sound beyond traditional boundaries. Each one offers a different approach - whether through recording, glitch sequencing, feedback loops, granular synthesis, or noise generation - yet all share a focus on transformation, unpredictability, and creative discovery.
Together they provide musicians, sound designers, and multimedia artists with versatile ways to craft drones, textures, rhythmic abstractions, and immersive atmospheres. They are especially suited for ambient, experimental, cinematic, and live performance contexts, where evolving soundscapes and unconventional timbres can become central elements.
In essence, this suite is not about reproducing familiar music but about opening doors to new sonic worlds - tools for those who seek inspiration in noise, rhythm, and the unexpected.
Follow these links to learn more about the app, download the PDF description (also built-in the app) and watch the video demos and tutorials.
- NoiseSpace - Noise textures and backgrounds >> App Store
- LoopMangler - Multi-effect glitch sequencer >> App Store
- Stellarvox - Ambient reverb space designer >> App Store
- NoInputMixer - Feedback-based instrument >> App Store
- GlitchScaper - Rhythm & Glitch machine >> App Store
- VintageRack - Easy vintage vibe effects >> App Store
- SpaceFields - Space ambient machine >> App Store
- AltiSpace 2 - Advanced convolution reverb >> App Store
- SoundSaw - The art of sound destruction >> App Store
- BeatCutter - Rhythm slicing & recombining >> App Store
- ClassicFX - Reworked classic audio effects >> App Store
- SynthScaper - Soundscapes synthesizer >> App Store
- SynthScaper LE - Multitimbral atmospheric synth >> App Store
- FieldScaper - Field recorder & scapes constructor >> App Store
- SoundScaper - An experimental sound mini lab >> App Store
>>> Check out the apps features demo on YouTube
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
A Story of ExoSphere
When I began working on ExoSphere, my intention was simple: I wanted a tool that could generate the foundation (or even complete tracks) of long‑form ambient and meditative compositions. I imagined something that could create soundscapes which breathe and evolve, without demanding constant intervention, yet still offering depth for those who wish to shape every detail.
At first, I thought about speed and simplicity. I wanted users to be able to sketch ideas quickly, perhaps with a single press of the randomizer, and hear a draft atmosphere emerge. But I also knew that some would want more: advanced controls to refine each layer, to make the sound truly unique. Balancing these two needs - effortless beginnings and deep customization - became the guiding principle of the design.
One of the core ideas was to divide the generators by their purpose. Each layer: Core, Flow, Grain, Shard, Glow - was given its own role in the sonic architecture. This separation made the system easier to understand and gave better results when parameters were randomized. Another idea was to keep parameters specific to each generator. By limiting controls to what mattered most for each layer, I reduced unnecessary complexity while preserving creative freedom.
Working with ExoSphere is not about following a strict technique. It is about listening, experimenting, and adjusting by ear. The basic process is straightforward - choose a sample, set its tone, presence, density and spatial depth. From there, you refine by adding modulation, letting parameters shift and evolve over time. This is how a simple sketch transforms into a living composition, one that never repeats itself exactly, always unfolding in new ways.
The result is an application with a deep, immersive sound. In headphones, ExoSphere reveals a rich low-frequency foundation and enveloping textures that draw the listener inward. On good speakers, it fills the room with atmosphere, equally suited for meditation, creative work, or quiet reflection. The modulators and sequencer are tied to a shared rhythm, so even a minimal external beat can blend seamlessly into the evolving soundscape.
ExoSphere is a universal app for iOS and Mac and will soon be available in the App Store.
At first, I thought about speed and simplicity. I wanted users to be able to sketch ideas quickly, perhaps with a single press of the randomizer, and hear a draft atmosphere emerge. But I also knew that some would want more: advanced controls to refine each layer, to make the sound truly unique. Balancing these two needs - effortless beginnings and deep customization - became the guiding principle of the design.
One of the core ideas was to divide the generators by their purpose. Each layer: Core, Flow, Grain, Shard, Glow - was given its own role in the sonic architecture. This separation made the system easier to understand and gave better results when parameters were randomized. Another idea was to keep parameters specific to each generator. By limiting controls to what mattered most for each layer, I reduced unnecessary complexity while preserving creative freedom.
Working with ExoSphere is not about following a strict technique. It is about listening, experimenting, and adjusting by ear. The basic process is straightforward - choose a sample, set its tone, presence, density and spatial depth. From there, you refine by adding modulation, letting parameters shift and evolve over time. This is how a simple sketch transforms into a living composition, one that never repeats itself exactly, always unfolding in new ways.
The result is an application with a deep, immersive sound. In headphones, ExoSphere reveals a rich low-frequency foundation and enveloping textures that draw the listener inward. On good speakers, it fills the room with atmosphere, equally suited for meditation, creative work, or quiet reflection. The modulators and sequencer are tied to a shared rhythm, so even a minimal external beat can blend seamlessly into the evolving soundscape.
ExoSphere is a universal app for iOS and Mac and will soon be available in the App Store.
Monday, September 1, 2025
All Apps!
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Follow these links to learn more about the app, download the PDF description (also built-in the app) and watch the video demos and tutorials.
- NoiseSpace - Noise textures and backgrounds >> App Store
- LoopMangler - Multi-effect glitch sequencer >> App Store
- Stellarvox - Ambient reverb space designer >> App Store
- NoInputMixer - Feedback-based instrument >> App Store
- GlitchScaper - Rhythm & Glitch machine >> App Store
- VintageRack - Easy vintage vibe effects >> App Store
- SpaceFields - Space ambient machine >> App Store
- AltiSpace 2 - Advanced convolution reverb >> App Store
- SoundSaw - The art of sound destruction >> App Store
- BeatCutter - Rhythm slicing & recombining >> App Store
- ClassicFX - Reworked classic audio effects >> App Store
- SynthScaper - Soundscapes synthesizer >> App Store
- SynthScaper LE - Multitimbral atmospheric synth >> App Store
- FieldScaper - Field recorder & scapes constructor >> App Store
- SoundScaper - An experimental sound mini lab >> App Store
>>> Check out the apps features demo on YouTube
Friday, August 29, 2025
Sound Design
Sound design is as much about imagination as it is about tools.
In one approach, we step into the world of a seasoned professional - surrounded by high‑end microphones, specialized equipment, and the acoustics of a dedicated studio. Here, real‑world sounds are captured with precision, in the tradition of foley - a technique developed for film and television where everyday noises, like footsteps, rustling clothes, or the clink of objects, are recreated and recorded in sync with the visuals to add realism and depth. These recordings are then shaped and refined with advanced software to create the sonic worlds of major films, often in collaboration with well-known composers.
In another, the setting is far simpler - an iPad (or even iPhone), a microphone, and a curious ear. Everyday noises become raw material for atmospheric soundscapes, textured effects, and experimental tracks, all processed within mobile apps. This method may not offer the same depth and flexibility as a professional studio, but it opens the door to quick, affordable, and surprisingly rich results - perfect for indie games, personal videos, or creative music projects.
Both paths share the same essence: listening closely to the world around us, recording its details, and transforming them into something new. Whether working with a full studio or a portable device, the art of sound design remains an open invitation to explore, experiment, and tell stories through sound.
In one approach, we step into the world of a seasoned professional - surrounded by high‑end microphones, specialized equipment, and the acoustics of a dedicated studio. Here, real‑world sounds are captured with precision, in the tradition of foley - a technique developed for film and television where everyday noises, like footsteps, rustling clothes, or the clink of objects, are recreated and recorded in sync with the visuals to add realism and depth. These recordings are then shaped and refined with advanced software to create the sonic worlds of major films, often in collaboration with well-known composers.
In another, the setting is far simpler - an iPad (or even iPhone), a microphone, and a curious ear. Everyday noises become raw material for atmospheric soundscapes, textured effects, and experimental tracks, all processed within mobile apps. This method may not offer the same depth and flexibility as a professional studio, but it opens the door to quick, affordable, and surprisingly rich results - perfect for indie games, personal videos, or creative music projects.
Both paths share the same essence: listening closely to the world around us, recording its details, and transforming them into something new. Whether working with a full studio or a portable device, the art of sound design remains an open invitation to explore, experiment, and tell stories through sound.
Monday, August 4, 2025
Ambient Tron Soundscaping
In these demos, Jonathan Block takes a hands-on approach to sound design, running a Mellotron M4000 and bass guitar straight through an iPad.
Using both live jams and studio sessions, he shows how today's iOS apps offer a surprisingly full-featured toolbox - from flexible signal routing to fine-tuning effects with precision.
The setup hinges on one key addition: a good external audio interface. With that, the iPad steps up as a lean and portable audio workstation.
It’s a workflow that's both intuitive and affordable, yet capable of delivering studio-quality sound - something that speaks to pros and passionate hobbyists alike.
Here's an ambient Mellotron improv in AUM using the following apps: Stellarvox, VintageRack and Classic FX. The main Mellotron sound is the classic Mk2 3 Violins but I also use sounds from the M400 such as cello, choirs, flute, oboe and saxophones.
This improv is based around Stellarvox, a hybrid reverb app that’s gives you extensive control over reverb tails, including space, tone and time. ClassicFX provides some modulation and delay while Vintage Rack is at the end of the chain for compression and to widen the stereo field with a Dimension D effect.
Here's an ambient bass improv in AUM using Stellarvox and VintageRack apps.
I used a Gibson SG Standard bass with LaBella flatwound strings. This improv is based around Stellarvox, a hybrid reverb app from Igor that’s gives you extensive control over reverb tails, including space, tone and time. I used his VintageRack for compression, modulation and delay at the beginning of the chain. Another instance of VintageRack at the end of the chain for some soft limiting to tame some peaks while using Stellarvox.
Using both live jams and studio sessions, he shows how today's iOS apps offer a surprisingly full-featured toolbox - from flexible signal routing to fine-tuning effects with precision.
The setup hinges on one key addition: a good external audio interface. With that, the iPad steps up as a lean and portable audio workstation.
It’s a workflow that's both intuitive and affordable, yet capable of delivering studio-quality sound - something that speaks to pros and passionate hobbyists alike.
Here's an ambient Mellotron improv in AUM using the following apps: Stellarvox, VintageRack and Classic FX. The main Mellotron sound is the classic Mk2 3 Violins but I also use sounds from the M400 such as cello, choirs, flute, oboe and saxophones.
This improv is based around Stellarvox, a hybrid reverb app that’s gives you extensive control over reverb tails, including space, tone and time. ClassicFX provides some modulation and delay while Vintage Rack is at the end of the chain for compression and to widen the stereo field with a Dimension D effect.
Here's an ambient bass improv in AUM using Stellarvox and VintageRack apps.
I used a Gibson SG Standard bass with LaBella flatwound strings. This improv is based around Stellarvox, a hybrid reverb app from Igor that’s gives you extensive control over reverb tails, including space, tone and time. I used his VintageRack for compression, modulation and delay at the beginning of the chain. Another instance of VintageRack at the end of the chain for some soft limiting to tame some peaks while using Stellarvox.
Friday, July 18, 2025
Ambient Mellotron
A great demonstration of how real musical instruments can be used together with effects on the iPad / iPhone. Many great iOS apps turn these devices into real sound processors that can be used both in live performances and in studio work. Many apps provide professional grade quality of sound processing, and you just need to adding your mobile setup with a good external audio interface.
Jonathan Block - "Here's an ambient Mellotron improv in AUM using the following apps: Stellarvox, VintageRack and Classic FX. The main sound is the classic Mk2 3 Violins but I also use sounds from the M400 such as cello, choirs, flute, oboe and saxophones. This improv is based around Stellarvox, a hybrid reverb app that’s gives you extensive control over reverb tails, including space, tone and time. ClassicFX provides some modulation and delay while Vintage Rack is at the end of the chain for compression and to widen the stereo field with a Dimension D effect."
Stellarvox (iOS/Mac) is a hybrid reverb with an artificial space designer, combining it with algorithmic reflections tail processing, is ideal to creating immersive ambience of deep spaces, lush atmospheric textures or stunning whispering backgrounds in your ambient, electronic, experimental and sound design projects.
>>> More about Stellarvox >>> App Store
VintageRack (iOS/Mac) is a minimalistic and convenient multi-effect application that contains modules realistically modeling notable retro gear from the early digital era with their inherent aesthetics and atmosphere. Most of the effects in this application have been inspired and based on the principles of actual hardware from the 70s and 80s, which is great for giving the sound of any instrument the nostalgic and emotional mood of old recordings.
>>> More about VintageRack >>> App Store
Classic FX (iOS/Mac) is a complete sound effects processor and a mono-to-stereo enhancer with equalizer, effects and reverb, based on specially designed high-quality processing algorithms and suitable for any kind of audio sources. This application will add brightness and expand the sound space of any musical instruments, synthesizers, drums or voice. Unique and diverse effects with unified control parameters provide convenience and ease of customization, while at the same time plenty of room for individual expression and experimentation.
>>> More about Classic FX >>> App Store
Jonathan Block - "Here's an ambient Mellotron improv in AUM using the following apps: Stellarvox, VintageRack and Classic FX. The main sound is the classic Mk2 3 Violins but I also use sounds from the M400 such as cello, choirs, flute, oboe and saxophones. This improv is based around Stellarvox, a hybrid reverb app that’s gives you extensive control over reverb tails, including space, tone and time. ClassicFX provides some modulation and delay while Vintage Rack is at the end of the chain for compression and to widen the stereo field with a Dimension D effect."
Stellarvox (iOS/Mac) is a hybrid reverb with an artificial space designer, combining it with algorithmic reflections tail processing, is ideal to creating immersive ambience of deep spaces, lush atmospheric textures or stunning whispering backgrounds in your ambient, electronic, experimental and sound design projects.
>>> More about Stellarvox >>> App Store
VintageRack (iOS/Mac) is a minimalistic and convenient multi-effect application that contains modules realistically modeling notable retro gear from the early digital era with their inherent aesthetics and atmosphere. Most of the effects in this application have been inspired and based on the principles of actual hardware from the 70s and 80s, which is great for giving the sound of any instrument the nostalgic and emotional mood of old recordings.
>>> More about VintageRack >>> App Store
Classic FX (iOS/Mac) is a complete sound effects processor and a mono-to-stereo enhancer with equalizer, effects and reverb, based on specially designed high-quality processing algorithms and suitable for any kind of audio sources. This application will add brightness and expand the sound space of any musical instruments, synthesizers, drums or voice. Unique and diverse effects with unified control parameters provide convenience and ease of customization, while at the same time plenty of room for individual expression and experimentation.
>>> More about Classic FX >>> App Store
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