Hands On With Propellerhead’s Figure

nofi 22 Comments

Propellerheads’ Reason is still one of the best music creation kits available, the huge array of machines, synths and patches makes it an invaluable tool. But that’s on desktop computers, and most of us are now experimenting musically on mobile devices like the iPad these days, right?

The Swedish developers know this, of course, and Figure is their entry into the increasingly crowded mobile music development market – promising the same amazing sounds that Thor (synth) and Kong (drum machine) have been outputting for years over on PC.

But does it live up to the same lofty heights? Well, no, not quite.

First up, though, let’s put this into perspective – Figure is a dollar, 69p, and for that what you’re getting is absolutely, 100% worth the money. And, it’s also worth noting, the sounds this thing kicks out are amazing. But is it anything like Reason in terms of flexibility?

As you’ll see from the video, creating sounds is child’s play and it’s almost impossible to make something that sounds bad, the software keeping everything in key and scale flawlessly. It’s a relative joy to use, too – the interface is gorgeous and it’s all very clever.

But here are the problems: you’re limited to an eight-beat loop. You can’t save your created loops, and – crucially – you can’t even export them. And it’s all a tiny bit imprecise – sliding your finger around is fun, but you may wish for a little more accuracy.

In addition, I found the software struggling a bit on an iPhone 4. I know there’s the 4S, but this thing really pushes the hardware and this is one of the first applications I’ve found that does this. It’s much better on the New iPad, for reference.

But, yeah, this is a lovely little toy, if you go into it with realistic expectations. The range of sounds is great, but it’s limited to simple experimentation. Bus rides, though, will be wonderful now.

Figure is available here.

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22 Comments

  1. wait for it……. go figure.

  2. Think I’ll stick to Cubase 5 on my I7, 12gig monster. It’s like a musical Godzilla, firing VST lasers from it’s eyes. RAWR!

    • I’ll stick with Sibelius on my I7, 8gig macbook…..yeah!

      • Mines bigger than yours :)

      • I would join in, but i’ve barely used Logic Studio 9 in the 3 years i’ve had it, and my MacBook Pro gets replaced bi-Anually courtesy of AppeCare and the laptop’s, “sturdy, elegant design”.

    • Cubase 5 is my Favourite. I’m also partial to a bit of Fruity Loops!

    • Cubase = win. End of. However as with everything it’s each to their own. I just wish VST’s wouldn’t cost what seems like the world.

  3. Didn’t realise this was out now. I’m a big fan of Reason so I’ll definitely get this (for 69p!) but it needs a way to export. Preferably with an import to Reason option too.
    Excited now!

    • I never got on with Reason, way too fiddly.

      • I always found Reason to be much more user friendly for someone like me – very casual, not very talented. I could never get too comfortable with Cubase, although I do miss the vast array of VST plug ins that were available.
        Also used to be quite a fan of FruityLoops, years ago.

      • I never really liked Reason, either. Used to like Fruitloops, though, had to use Sibelius for music GCSE/A Level, used Guitar Pro instead then copied everything into Sibelius. Much easier.

      • I taught myself Cubase from scratch, simply by pressing buttons and twiddling things to find out what they did :)

      • Yay! Cubase! I’m running SX1 and have been for about 10 years! See no reason to upgrade as I’m getting some awesome sounds out of it. Question to TC – have you got Native Instruments Massive? It is essential. PM me if you haven’t ;-)

  4. As great as reason is, and understandable given the low price, i dont see the point of this if there’s no export options.

    “But is it anything like Reason in terms of flexibility?” – LOL

  5. Take your hands off their figure, pervert.

    Looks OK, might pick it up @ 69p, disappointing about the lack of exporting though. I know it’s easily recorded but it would have been nice to do it all on one device.

    • Yeah, even an AudioCopy to something would have been fine.

  6. 8-Beat loops only and no export? I was ready to give this a go until I read that. What a shame.

  7. I’ll stick with OctaMed and Protracker. Heresy!

  8. Sounds good, I’ve only ever bought Garage Band and Djay for the Ipod 4G. I love them so much might try this next time I buy stuff.

  9. Bought it. No iPad version though which is a bit naff.
    The idea is great and it’s more than easy to use if you have an ear for a beat, like Al says though 8 beat loops are frustratingly short!
    Worth a buy.

  10. Just got logic and tempted with vcontrol… New imac sings like a sexy slut too :)

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