Mode Machines has released their xoxbox app, a software version of the popular TB-303 clone! In many respects this is exactly like the 303 clone I would make, but only because I am bad at programming.

My fellow bloggers were quick to dismiss this app, and it is easy to see how with an incessant nag screen to get you to Like them on Facebook, and a little "Mode Machines" sample that plays over your music every 30 seconds. I think most of their objections are unfounded though, and through experimentation discovered that you can stop the nags by hitting the Like Us button.

Be warned however, that the first time I did that it completely locked up my iPad requiring a hard reset. On the second time it launched by browser where I promptly ignored their Facebook page and returned to the app without any further nagging.

Mode Machines xoxbox iTunes Description: XoxBox is now on the ipad! This is a software emulation of the Mode Machines xoxbox- Enjoy!

Despite reports to the contrary on Twitter; the Accent, Cut Off, and Resonance are working, for me at least. I did notice a clicking sound on the Filter Envelope even when the Decay was set high. In addition to crashing when I first tried to Like Us, it also crashed during launch once. Also the app completely lacks Audiobus, MIDI, and will not save your patterns. Perhaps even more annoying than all of those is the fact that it runs in Portrait display mode sideways... and in the opposite direction from where the iPad Smart-cover props up your iPad so you've got to flip it around.

Any one of its faults could be forgiven if it had Audiobus support, because despite all that, it does sound pretty good. Most 303 enthusiasts believe any 303 clone must have some effects to truly sizzle; such as delay, reverb, or at the very least an overdrive. This would be amazing in Echo Pad or Turnado.

As an example of what the app could sound like in either of those Audiobus Effect apps, here is my latest song which features the TT-303 running through the Sunsine Audio's Vanishing Point and dripping with reverb. This isn't really relevant, but it amuses me to abuse my control over the media, and I spent a week on the video effects so this needs to get more views to justify that. There is an actual demo video for the app, but it is boring and uses the camera mic.