App review: Propellerheads ReBirth 1.1 for iPhone
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted May 31st 2010 5:24PM
posted May 31st 2010 5:24PM
As you're no doubt well aware, music geekdom and gadget geekdom go hand in hand. When they combine in a single device or app, however, the results can be magical. That's why we usually end up trying every music making app out there at some point or another. Indeed, we just received word that Rebirth for iPhone version 1.1 has just been released, and decided to take it for a spin. Promising new mods and some bug fixes, it's compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (iPhone OS 3.1 or later). But how does it fare as a music-making tool? And is it worth the whopping $6.99? Read on after the break to find out.
When ReBirth was released in 1997, there really was nothing quite like it. An application that emulates a rack full of classic Roland analog hardware (including two TB-303s, a TR-808, and a TR-909), this software put sounds that were once nearly impossible to find into the hands of an entire generation of musicians -- and put Propellerhead Software on the map in the process. Although official company support ceased in 2005, there is an active community of modders who make and trade songs and custom soundbanks, and the software is now freely available for Mac and PC users at Propellerhead's Rebirth Museum website.
The genius of the original ReBirth was that it not only emulated the sound of actual devices, it also reproduced the interface of the physical hardware it emulated. This accomplished two things: not only did it make it easy for users who were already accustomed to step sequencers on their drum machines and synths, but it put all of the controls right out there, somewhat simplifying things for people with no experience whatsoever. While this approach was pretty revelatory to folks on a standard Mac or PC, the "all out front" approach is somewhat intimidating on an iPhone!
Navigation on the app should be pretty intuitive for anyone who is used to multitouch gestures. While at the main screen you can double-tap on a device to zoom in, pinch to zoom in even further, or drag the screen around using two fingers. A task bar at the bottom of the screen (which can be toggled on or off by clicking on the Propellerheads logo) lets you: open, close, save, and delete song files; browse soundbanks (called mods); edit patterns; and upload your song to the ReBirth forums for sharing with others. To manipulate a sound or effect, just use your finger to punch a button or twist a knob.
While programming ReBirth devices can be complicated by all the zooming and scrolling you'll find yourself doing (hell, the desktop version was no picnic either), we think that you'll find that the sound of the software itself is every bit as good as that of the desktop version. Is it worth $6.99? Probably not for most people -- especially when you can get the original for free. Your best bet is probably to check out the ReBirth Museum, take the software for a spin, and then decide if you absolutely must have the mobile version. And when you do get rocking, drop us a line. We'd love to hear what you come up with!
I used to lose my sleep over this program back in the day. Hope there will be an Android version soon enough so I can tweak some acid everywhere I go.
@Pavelz +1 for an android version!!! pleeeeeeease!!!
Just give me an app that can help me switch Reason 4.0 instruments with my iPhone and I'll be happy.
I currently use the original on my netbook but this is awesome.
Now we just need someone to make a mini DAW for the iPad and...
JIMP.
@richb93
Agreed...StudioTrax is weak...Although I really don't think the iPad has enough horsepower to run a decent DAW, especially with VST support.
After all it only has 256MB of ram...Phones are now shipping with 512+ -- It's kind of disappointing.
@DoctarPeppar It'd be nice if you could drop VSTs in but that won't really happen due to the Apple lockdown anyway. It would be audio FX that you could buy separately from the app store. Not sure how it would work, some kinda coding trickery (remember that VSTs emerged when your average DAW had maybe up to 128MB ram so maybe some light plugins)
That and a dock device which is a mixer and has USB+MIDI for addins and ya really cooking then.
If Digidesign sees this they're going to make an absolute killing. ;)
When I saw the headline I thought the app was for iPhone OS 1.1... >_>
That would've been more interesting. Ha
Hey Engadget, would you mind adding a new tag that would go with all Apple news that is not related to an actual physical product review/preview or announcement? Like these apps and rumors that seem to crop on a daily basis? That would be great
@totaldestroyer What the hell are you talking about?
@Joseph L Flatley Totaldestroyer doesn't take kindly to stories that breach his content filters.
@terabiter I'm just saying that i don't mind apple news, but don't want to know about every frigging app and accessory for Iproducts.
@totaldestroyer Oh. That's probably not going to happen. As it is, I think we're pretty flexible as far as content filtering goes.
How are you reading the site? Are alt. posts coming up in your RSS reader?
@Joseph L Flatley I don't use RSS, i have engadget.com bookmarked in operas speed dial
Id like to see a android version as well. Rebirth seems like a good fit for a mobile DAW. Good way to get some ideas for tunes when you're bored or not at home. I've tried what few mobile DAWs there are on android, and none of them are close to rebirth.
When I left the MOD/XM scene back in the day, I started out with ReBirth. However, I gave it up when Fruity Loops gained a piano roll. ReBirth is fun if all you want to do is 303 and 808 sequences, but far too limiting for any practical use. Neat to see it on the iPhone, and it might make a good performance instrument to go with the rest, but I'll have to pass.
I'll wait for an iPad version, not the scaled iPhone one.
@bigsofty
Hear, Hear... I re-read the article twice looking for mention of iPad native res. I want all those twiddley knobs covering my iPad screen. And then I want the songs you make to interface seamlessly with Reason when I get home.
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I have this, and it rules. They just updated it with 2 new mods for it too! If you are into sequencing beats and melodies with gear, it rules! And, with the fact that you can upload song files from the rebirth community, no matter what they were made on(though you are limited to the mods available thus far for the ipod version) it allows for easy access to thousands of songs(over 3000 I believe) to tap into for making your own remixes.
The Mac version of ReBirth doesn't work in Leopard since Apple doesn't support the Classic environment. But I'll wait until it fits the iPad screen before shelling out $6.99.
Lol. Sounds fun.
NOT.
I'll stick to using my DAW on my PC, thank you. Don't get me wrong, I would love to work on songs on the go. Just give me a machine that will let me choose any DAW and any VST plugin that I want. (Note: not the iPad).
Ohhhh please let them do an andoid version as well :D
Android version please!
I had this on the mac os 8 days. Actually it was a mac clone. I found the interface a little wierd having not used the physical device. Everything was fine except the twisty nobs with a mouse weren't the best... It was fun though.
The touch screen would seem to be a better idea than the mouse if implemented right. I sometimes don't think duplicating the physical interface is the best choice except for those that already know how to use said device.
Considering how much one of those cost "back in the day" the price doesn't seem out of line.