Best apps of October 2011: Loopy HD

Loopy HD 
(Developed by A Tasty Pixel)
Available for: iOS
Price: $7.99

Music creation tools are a dime a dozen, but what sets Loopy HD apart from the pack is both the depth and breadth of its feature set as well as its sleek, easy-to-learn interface. It's also the rare app that's recommended for both aspiring music makers and accomplished soundscape programmers alike, complete with an interactive tutorial system giving users the flexibility to explore the full scope of its capabilities at their own pace.

Loopy HD enables users to build multi-track recordings by layering up to a dozen looped vocals, rhythms and instrumental performances, with support for any multiple or fraction of a beat. Stereo panning controls, sound effects, dynamic tempo adjustment and drag-and-drop tools offer a multitude of creative options--users can also import loops from their computer via iTunes and add audio from other iOS apps, all automatically reconfigured to fit to your beat, regardless of the tempo. Audio and visual metronome features also help keep players in time.

Loopy HD's in-app session recording facilities enable users to document complete performances and upload finished tracks or single loops to SoundCloud. The app also boasts Twitter and Facebook sharing, email options with automatic conversion to compressed AAC audio, sharing with other apps using MAPI AudioCopy and iTunes-based transfers to the desktop. In essence, Loopy HD supplies everything you need to create your musical masterpiece--talent not included.