FunkBox: A Look at the Drum Machine App for iOS

Funkbox Drum MachineFunkbox Drum Machine is a fantastically done, retro-styled drum machine loaded with some of the most popular drum machine sounds from the 70’s and 80’s. This app has even been used live and in the studio by many artists including Joan Osborne and, most famously, by Gorillaz. If you’re at all familiar with the drum machines of old, then you’ll feel right at home with Funkbox.

Every sound offered on the app was sampled directly from vintage drum machines, like the ever popular 808, and many more.

You can import your own sounds or mix and match existing sounds into a custom box of your own. While loaded with 36 preset rhythms to get you going, the real fun begins when you start constructing your own grooves.

Funkbox Drum Machine screen exampleYou can also export your drum loops as audio or midi via email, audio pasteboard or into iTunes. You can also share your boxes or patterns via email or directly between iOS devices.

For use in a live setting, the app supports CoreMIDI, which allows you to sync up with other midi devices or other apps.

We all know that retro is always “in” and Funkbox nailed it, as is evident by the multitude of fantastic reviews as well as the praise of many respected music makers.

If you’re at all interested in beat creation and have any kind of affinity for the drum machines of the 70’s and 80’s, you will absolutely get a kick out of this app. While I’ve never been much for beat creation myself (although I wish I had a better feel for it), I have had plenty of fun playing with groove ideas while traveling or just doing something different when practicing.

I highly recommend Funkbox if you dig drum machine goodness of any kind!

FunkBox is a universal app, compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. The app requires iOS 4.3 or later and is optimized for iPhone 5. The app is currently available through the App Store for $5.99.

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