Frequently Asked Questions

Zephyrin Control works on any iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or later. For the best tracking accuracy, a device with a Face ID TrueDepth camera (iPhone X or later) or a LiDAR Scanner (iPhone 12 Pro and later) is recommended — both provide depth data that improves hand-position precision.

There is a simple synthesizer built in to Zephyrin Control that provides instant feedback, but there is also a MIDI mode that turns your phone into a hands-free instrument controller, either external or on the same device.

If you want to run MIDI mode on the same device, you will also need a MIDI-compatible synthesizer app running alongside Zephyrin Control. Popular iOS-based free options include:

• GarageBand (free, Apple) — select any instrument and set Zephyrin Control as the MIDI input
• AudioKit Synth One J6 (free, open source) — a full-featured synth with rich MIDI support
• AUM — for professional setups

Zephyrin Control has two modes, selectable with the toggle at the top of the instrument screen:

Audio mode uses the built-in synthesizer — no other apps required. Choose from four waveforms, dial in glide/portamento and attack/release envelope, and watch your playing on the live oscilloscope. Just open Zephyrin Control and play. Pro mode has many more options.

MIDI mode sends CoreMIDI note messages (with per-pitch aftertouch) to any compatible app or hardware synth.

Note: glide/portamento is currently supported in Audio mode only.

Free gives you one-hand tracking over the pentatonic scale — a fully functional instrument, forever free. Includes both MIDI and Audio modes, the built-in mono synth, and per-pitch aftertouch.

Pro ($1.99/mo OR one-time $17.99 $6.99 early bird discount) adds up to four simultaneous signals, scale and key selection (chromatic, pentatonic, modal, and more), advanced synth controls: glide/portamento and attack/release envelope shaping, more synth waveforms, and audio effects like fuzz, delay, and reverb.

Creator (coming soon) is the full instrument: body and face tracking, custom MIDI CC mapping, and session storage with MIDI export. Currently in development.

Yes — Zephyrin Control outputs standard CoreMIDI, which you can route to hardware synths in two ways:

Network MIDI (wireless): Connect your device to the same Wi-Fi network, open Audio MIDI Setup, and create a Network MIDI session. A Mac or other iOS device can then bridge MIDI to any USB hardware synth. (Note - this is handled outside Zephyrin Control. If Zephyrin Control is in MIDI mode, it will send MIDI output on whichever channel is selected in the settings.)

USB/Lightning MIDI Interface (wired): Connect a class-compliant USB MIDI interface (such as an iRig MIDI 2 or Roland UM-ONE mk2) to your iPhone’s Lightning or USB-C port. Zephyrin Control will send MIDI signals along this pathway.

iOS 16.0 or later is required for the core hand-tracking features. An iPhone Pro 16+ or iPad Pro is recommended for best results.

Always keep your iPhone updated for the best experience.

The Free tier is always free — no credit card required, no time limit. You get single-hand chromatic tracking and audio creation indefinitely.

Pro and Creator subscriptions each include a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. You can cancel at any time before the trial ends and will not be charged. Subscriptions are managed through your Apple ID in the App Store.