The Reactable is a virtual modular synthesizer that allows you to create music by interacting with a touch-based tangible tabletop. You basically touch this surface and place block on it to create music. The instrument has been used by many musicians at many conferences and festival, and especially by Icelandic musician Björk, who used one during the 2007 Volta tour. You should really go check out some videos of the Reactable in action.
As far as iOS devices go, there’s a new and official Reactable app out in the App Store. What it does is simple: it tries to emulate the usual Reactable experience on a multitouch screen. There’s support for the accelerometer, 20 virtual objects (block) to play with, 44kHz stereo audio output. Don’t let the colorful screenshots and playful video fool you, though: this app is complex. Almost professional, I’d say. You can interact with loops, filters and delays, manipulate the sound through wave shapers and modulators, fire up the sequencer and oscillator.
The app looks really well done. At $9.99 in the App Store, I might give it a try. You also get a manual.
