DroneLab vs DroneLab Pro
Is DroneLab Pro an update to the original version of DroneLab?
DroneLab Pro is a new app with a different sound engine. It is based on concepts from the original DroneLab, but is designed from the beginning to support MIDI and AUv3 compatibility, and to better serve the needs of iPad based producers and composers.
I have already purchased the original DroneLab. Is there a discount/crossgrade to DroneLab Pro?
Unfortunately, no. The App Store doesn't provide a straightforward way to offer this kind of discount. However, in anticipation of the new app, DroneLab was discounted to about half price for several months before the annoucement of DroneLab Pro.
Can I import my presets from the original DroneLab?
Sorry, but no, this is not possible. DroneLab Pro is an all-new app with a completely different sound engine.
Purchasing
Is the app a one-time purchase?
Yes! There is no subscription. There are no in-app purchases. All features are included when you buy the app.
Is Family Sharing supported?
Yes! If you've set up Family Sharing with your Apple Account, you can share the app with your family.
Standalone vs AUv3 plugin
Are all app features available when running as an AUv3 plugin?
All of the audio parameters and sounds are available when running as an AUv3 plugin. The presets are interchangable between the standalone and plugin versions. Some app features are not available when running as a plugin, such as the onscreen keyboard with scale mode, level meter, and audio recording, as these functions would be generally be handled by the host app.
Sounds
How many parts, samples, effects, and presets are included?
- Three parts which can play simultaneously: two independent instrument parts, and one sound effect part.
- Ten looped, multisampled instruments: eight synth sounds and two guitar sounds, each with four velocity layers.
- Five looped environmental sound effects.
- Filter modulation, independent for each part.
- Manually controlled low pass filter per part.
- Global reverb with amount per-part.
- Master compressor with gain reduction meter.
- 9 factory presets.
What gear was used to create the samples?
The VCO synth used for sampling is a Mono Lancet 15 module from Vermona. The DCO synth is a Novation Bass Station II.
The electric guitar is a 1973 Guild S-100 solidbody, recorded direct with an MXR Super Comp pedal, with no amp or amp sim. The hybrid guitar is a Godin Multiac Mundial, a nylon string acoustic/electric, recorded direct with a mix of its piezo pickup and contact microphone, using a Focusrite ISA preamp and Golden Age Comp-3A compressor.
The environmental sounds were recorded at various locations in Oregon with the built-in microphones of a Tascam Portacapture x6 recorder.
What is the difference between a VCO-based synth and a DCO-based synth
In a VCO (voltagle controlled oscillator), the pitch of the notes is controlled varying a voltage supplied to the oscillators. This causes some imprecision, which can make the pitch vary and drift a bit, in a way which many people find desirable and natural-sounding. In a DCO (digitally controlled oscillator) synth, the sound is generated with an analog circuit, but a digitally generated signal tells the oscillator when each cycle should start. This creates very precise and unwavering tuning which some people find to be more sterile and unnatural sounding because with physical instruments, pitches are rarely perfectly precise. People might prefer one sound over the other depending on their taste and the particular circumstances.
Can I publish a song or video that I created using the app?
Yes! You are free to use the app to create and publish your own songs and soundtracks. There is no copyright restriction for use in musical, theatrical, or onscreen works. (This does not include permission to re-sell the sounds in the form of a sound library or construction kit.)
Recording
I just made a recording within the app. Where is the file?
In the top left corner of the app, just to the right of the record button, there is a button with a wave icon. That will take you to a list of all recordings you've made. From there, you can share them to other apps and devices. They will remain there until you delete them.
Presets
Can I use presets I created in standalone mode when running as a plugin (and vice-versa)?
Yes, presets can be interchanged between the standalone and plugin versions of DroneLab Pro. If you save a user preset in the standalone version, it will appear in the user presets list in the plugin version. And vice-versa. Presets that you export as a file from one version can also be imported by the other.
Can I import my presets from the original DroneLab?
Sorry, but no, this is not possible. DroneLab Pro is an all-new app with a completely different sound engine.
Compatibility
What iPads are supported?
DroneLab Pro requires iPadOS 18, and the A12 Bionic chip or later. These iPads are supported:
- iPad Pro 11 inch: all models
- iPad Pro 12.9 inch: 3rd Gen or later
- iPad Air: 3rd Gen or later
- iPad mini: 5th Gen or later
- iPad: 8th Gen or later
Will it run on iPhone?
Sorry, no. However, the
original DroneLab app does run on both iPhone and iPad, although it doesn't have MIDI or AUv3 compatibility.
Will it run on Mac?
Currently DroneLab Pro is iPad-only, but it is possible that a macOS version will be released in the future.
Will it run on Windows computers?
Sorry, but Windows is not supported.
Will it run on Android devices?
Sorry, but Android is not supported.
Privacy
Is any of my data collected?
No. Use of the app is not tracked.
DroneLab Pro
Support page for the original DroneLab →
