Black Sun
A Semi-Modular Synthesizer
for iPad
Generative patches.
Experimental sound design.
Expressive performance.
Black Sun combines the freedom of modular synthesis with a focused, touch-friendly interface designed to keep patching clear and immediate.Coming Soon — Standalone + AUv3
Build Sounds That Evolve
Black Sun is designed for sounds that move, change and surprise you. Combine oscillators, slope generators, sequencers, random voltage, logic and modulation to create playable voices, shifting patterns and self-running generative patches.
Start with a familiar synthesizer voice—or build a patch that seems to have a life of its own.
Oscillators, slopes, sequencing and modulation. Built to interact.
One Destination. Up to four Sources. Independent bipolar amounts.
Modular Freedom. No Cable Clutter
Black Sun replaces virtual patch cables with a clear Source-to-Destination patching system. Tap a Source, tap a Destination, then adjust the connection with its own bipolar modulation amount.
Each Destination can combine up to four Sources, allowing complex modulation and signal routing without covering the interface in virtual cables.
Made for Touch
Black Sun's Touch Plate Keys turn the iPad into part of the instrument. Play quantized notes, bend pitch, generate Pressure CV, or use the pads as programmable modulation controls.
Switch an oscillator into Free mode and the same Touch Plates become an experimental control surface for modular and generative patches.
Pitch, Gate and Pressure CV. More than just a keyboard.
Inside Black Sun
2 Main Oscillators
Sine blending with Saw, Square and Folded Sine2 Slope Generators
Envelopes, slew and looping modulation2 Five-Step Sequencers
Link together for ten-step patternsDual LFO/VCO + Fluctuating Random
Periodic and evolving modulation
Lopass Gates
Dynamic level and filtering with stereo positioningLogic, Pulse, Sample & Hold
Tools for generative timing and controlTouch Plate Keys
Pitch, Gate, Pressure CV and expressive performanceEcho + Spring Reverb + Drive
Built-in character and space
Standalone + AUv3 · Presets & Banks · External MIDI · Host BPM Sync
Black Sun is coming to iPad
Black Sun is currently approaching its first public release. We're inviting a small group of iPad musicians to help test the instrument before launch.
Manuals
User manuals and documentation for Electric Atlas instruments.Download the latest guides for setup, patching, controls and troubleshooting.
Black Sun
User Manual — Version 1.0
A complete guide to Black Sun, including the interface, patching system, Touch Plate Keys, presets, MIDI, AUv3 operation and module reference.
For Black Sun 1.0 · PDF (1.2 MB)
About Electric Atlas
Independent electronic instruments for curious musicians.Electric Atlas Instruments is an independent music-software studio based in Canada, creating synthesizers and effects inspired by experimental hardware, vintage electronic instruments and unconventional approaches to sound.The focus is on instruments with a strong identity—tools that are immediate enough to play, but deep enough to reward exploration.
One Destination. Up to four Sources. Independent bipolar amounts.
Design philosophy
Electric Atlas instruments begin with a musical idea rather than a checklist of features.The aim is to create software that feels purposeful and playable: interfaces that are clear, controls that have a reason to be there, and enough depth for unexpected sounds to emerge through experimentation.Sometimes that means embracing limitations. A focused instrument can often be more inspiring than one that tries to do everything.
Inspired by instruments with character
Electric Atlas draws inspiration from modular and semi-modular synthesizers, early electronic instruments, tape and mechanical recording systems, experimental studio equipment and the imperfect behaviour that gives older hardware its personality.The goal is not simply to recreate the past, but to take those ideas somewhere new—combining them with the flexibility and interaction possible in modern software.
Built independently
Electric Atlas is a small independent project, with each instrument designed and developed around a particular musical idea.Black Sun is the first Electric Atlas software instrument, with more synthesizers, effects and experimental tools planned for the future.If you'd like to follow new releases and development, keep an eye on electric-atlas.com and the Electric Atlas social channels.
Contact
Have a question about Black Sun or Electric Atlas? Send us a message below and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Support
Having trouble with Black Sun? Send us the details below and we'll do our best to help.When reporting a technical problem, please include your iPad model, iPadOS version, the host you're using (if applicable), and a brief description of the steps that caused the issue.
Before contacting supportIf you're having trouble getting sound, MIDI or a sequencer response, the troubleshooting section of the Black Sun User Manual covers several common setup issues.
Black Sun Privacy PolicyIn short: Black Sun does not contain advertising, analytics, tracking or telemetry, and Electric Atlas does not receive your audio, MIDI, presets or usage data.Effective date: August 14, 2026Black Sun is developed and published by Electric Atlas Instruments, a registered business name operated by Neil Burnby, sole proprietor in Manitoba, Canada.Information Black Sun CollectsBlack Sun does not collect, transmit, sell, rent, or share personal information, audio, MIDI data, presets, usage information, analytics, or device identifiers with Electric Atlas Instruments or third parties.Black Sun does not contain advertising, analytics, tracking, telemetry, user accounts, or third-party crash-reporting services.Information Stored on Your DeviceBlack Sun stores information locally on your device as needed to provide its features. This may include:- Presets and preset banks
- Imported and exported bank information
- Synthesizer settings
- MIDI and audio preferences
- Touch-keyboard settings
- Application preferencesThe standalone app and Audio Unit extension may share this information through an Apple App Group container so that presets and settings are available to both versions of Black Sun.This information remains on your device unless you explicitly export or share a file.Audio and MIDIBlack Sun processes audio, MIDI input, touch-keyboard input, and host automation locally on your device.Black Sun does not record, upload, or transmit audio or MIDI information to Electric Atlas Instruments.Black Sun does not request access to the device microphone.File Import and ExportBlack Sun allows you to import and export preset-bank files through Apple’s document-selection and sharing interfaces.These actions occur only when you initiate them. Files are handled locally or by the file-storage provider you choose. Any third-party storage provider, such as iCloud Drive or another document provider, operates under its own privacy policy.External Services and LinksBlack Sun may provide a link to the Electric Atlas Instruments website. The link opens through your device’s web browser only when you choose to open it.Apple may process information associated with the App Store, TestFlight, purchases, downloads, crash reports, or diagnostics according to Apple’s own privacy policies and your device settings. This information is not collected directly by Black Sun.DAW applications, Audio Unit hosts, document providers, and other applications used with Black Sun are governed by their own privacy policies.Email CommunicationsIf you contact Electric Atlas Instruments by email, the information you provide—such as your email address, name, and message—will be used only to respond to your inquiry and provide support.Email correspondence may be retained as reasonably necessary to provide support, maintain business records, or comply with legal obligations. It is not sold or used for advertising or tracking.Data Retention and DeletionBecause Black Sun does not transmit application data to Electric Atlas Instruments, Electric Atlas Instruments does not maintain a server-side account or database containing your Black Sun presets, MIDI data, audio, or usage history.You can delete presets and imported banks using Black Sun’s available controls. You can also remove locally stored application data by deleting the app, subject to Apple’s device-backup and storage behavior.Files you export remain under your control in the destination you selected.To request deletion of information contained in an email support conversation, contact us using the address below.Children’s PrivacyBlack Sun does not knowingly collect personal information from children or any other users.SecurityBlack Sun uses Apple’s application sandbox and local application storage to protect its data. No method of electronic storage is completely secure, but Electric Atlas Instruments takes reasonable measures appropriate to the limited local data Black Sun handles.Changes to This PolicyThis policy may be updated if Black Sun’s features, data practices, or legal obligations change. The effective date at the top of this policy will be updated when revisions are published.ContactFor questions about this privacy policy or Black Sun’s privacy practices, contact:Electric Atlas Instruments
Operated by Neil Burnby
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
[email protected]
PRIVATE CREATOR RESOURCES
Black Sun
A semi-modular synthesizer for iPad by Electric Atlas InstrumentsThank you for taking a look at Black Sun. This page contains background information, product details, images, documentation and other resources for reviewers, musicians and content creators considering coverage of the instrument.Black Sun is currently approaching its first public release. Pre-release review access is available through Apple TestFlight.
WATCH INTRO VIDEO
Black Sun at a Glance
Platform: iPad
Formats: Standalone + AUv3
Developer: Electric Atlas Instruments
Release: September 16, 2026
Intro Price: $9.99
Regular Price: $12.99
Website: electric-atlas.com
Review Contact: [email protected]Black Sun is a semi-modular iPad instrument for generative music, experimental sound design and expressive touch performance.
What Makes Black Sun Different
Organized modular patching
Black Sun uses a Source-to-Destination patching system instead of virtual cables. Each Destination can receive up to four Sources, with an independent bipolar amount for every connection.Made for touch
The Touch Plate Keys generate Pitch, Gate and Pressure CV. The pads can work as a conventional musical interface or become programmable modulation controls for experimental patches.Fixed and Free oscillator modes
Black Sun can move between familiar MIDI/quantized note playing and freely tuned modular behaviour.
Built for generative systems
Dual Slope Generators, dual five-step Sequencers, Fluctuating Random, Logic, Sample & Hold, Pulse, Clock, Switches and other utilities make self-running and evolving patches a central part of the instrument rather than an afterthought.Focused by design
Black Sun is deliberately not an unlimited virtual modular rack. Its modules were chosen to interact as one coherent instrument.
The original one-off Black Sun hardware synthesizer.
Black Sun Began in Hardware
Before becoming an iPad instrument, Black Sun existed as a one-off physical semi-modular synthesizer.I spent roughly two years developing the original hardware instrument, experimenting with its oscillators, slope generators, sequencing, Lopass Gates and patching architecture. Although I ultimately decided not to manufacture the hardware version commercially, I didn't want to abandon the instrument or the ideas behind it.Black Sun was instead rebuilt and expanded in software. The iPad version retains much of the exploratory philosophy of the original instrument while taking advantage of possibilities that would have been difficult or impractical in hardware—including preset storage, expanded patch routing and a touch-based performance interface.The original hardware Black Sun remains a one-off prototype and is not planned for commercial production.
From physical prototype to touch-focused software instrument.
A few things you may find interesting
• Black Sun began as a physical instrument developed over roughly two years before evolving into software.• The patching interface deliberately avoids virtual cables to enable fast patching.• Fixed and Free modes let the oscillators move between conventional note playing and modular behaviour.• Touch Plate Pressure is a fully patchable CV Source rather than simply an expression control tied to one parameter.
• The two five-step Sequencers can be linked into a ten-step sequence.• Slope Generators can function as envelopes, slew processors or looping modulation/audio sources.• Black Sun is deliberately monophonic and focused rather than designed as an enormous modular environment.• Standalone and AUv3 versions share user presets and imported preset banks.
Images & Media
The images provided may be used in editorial coverage, reviews and videos relating to Black Sun or Electric Atlas. Higher-resolution versions are available from the download links.
Black Sun Creator Asset Pack
Containing;
- Black Sun iOS screenshots
- Hardware photographs
- Branding images
- Black Sun User Manual.
30.4 MB
Product screenshots and supplied promotional photographs may be cropped or resized as required for editorial coverage. Please do not alter the Black Sun or Electric Atlas logos themselves.When showing the hardware instrument, please identify it as the original one-off Black Sun hardware prototype rather than as a commercially available hardware version.
Documentation
The Black Sun User Manual covers the interface, patching system, Touch Plate Keys, presets, MIDI and AUv3 operation, along with a complete module reference.
Also included in the Creator Asset Pack.
PDF (1.2 MB)
User Manual — Version 1.0
Where To Start
While exploring Black Sun for the first time, the following areas provide a quick sense of what makes the instrument different.
Generative patches
Try presets built around the Clock, Sequencers, Slope Generators and Fluctuating Random.Patch page
Select a Destination and explore combining several Sources at different positive and negative amounts.
Touch Plates
Patch Pressure to oscillator Blend, LPG CV or another Destination and use the pads as expressive modulation controls.Free mode
Switch an oscillator from Fixed to Free and use sequencers, slopes or the Touch Plates to control its frequency like a modular VCO.
Review access
Pre-release copies of Black Sun are available to music, synthesizer and iOS creators through Apple TestFlight.If you would like to cover Black Sun, please get in touch with a link to your channel, website or publication and the Apple ID email you would like to use for TestFlight.There is no obligation to publish coverage in exchange for review access, and honest opinions are welcome.Once Black Sun is released, I'd also be happy to provide a complimentary App Store copy. Where required by your platform or local regulations, please disclose complimentary review access appropriately.
REQUEST REVIEW ACCESS
Release information
Release date: September 16, 2026
Coverage embargo: September 16, 2026 — 10:00 AM CDT / 15:00 UTC
Introductory price: $9.99
Regular price: $12.99
Please do not publish pre-release coverage before the embargo date indicated. Private production and scheduling before that date is of course welcome.If you're planning coverage around launch day, please let me know. I'd be happy to coordinate and help share your video, article or channel as part of the launch.
Questions?
If you need additional screenshots, information, technical clarification or something specific for your coverage, please get in touch.Electric Atlas Instruments
[email protected]
electric-atlas.com
Black Sun
PRIVATE BETA — APPLICATIONS OPEN
Black Sun is a semi-modular synthesizer for iPad, built for generative patches, experimental sound design and expressive performance.It combines oscillators, slope generators, sequencers, Lopass Gates, random modulation, logic and utility modules with a clear Source-to-Destination patching system designed to keep modular routing organized and immediate.
A complete semi-modular instrument in one focused interface.
What You'll Be Testing
Testers will be asked to explore factory presets, create and save their own patches, use Black Sun both standalone and as an AUv3, restore host sessions, experiment with MIDI, and report anything that behaves unexpectedly or feels confusing.
Presets & Banks
Save, recall and organize patchesAUv3
Load Black Sun in your preferred hostState Restoration
Close and reopen sessions
MIDI
Test external controllers and channel routingPerformance
Watch for CPU or audio issuesWorkflow
Tell us what feels clear—or confusing
Who Should Apply?
You do not need to be an expert synthesist. Feedback from both experienced modular users and musicians who are newer to semi-modular synthesis is useful.
· iPad musicians · AUv3 users · Modular/semi-modular users
· External MIDI users · Generative/experimental musicians
What You'll Receive
Selected testers will receive:- TestFlight access to Black Sun
- User Manual
- Direct access to provide feedback to Electric Atlas
- Updated beta builds as testing progressesThe first testing group will be kept relatively small. Additional testers may be invited in later rounds.Beta software may contain bugs. Please avoid relying on beta builds for sessions where losing work would cause a serious problem.
Please Keep the Beta Private
During the initial testing period, please do not share TestFlight builds or publish screenshots, recordings or details that come specifically from the beta without checking with Electric Atlas first.We’ll let testers know when public sharing of beta material is welcome.
APPLY FOR THE BETA
Panel controls and Touch Plate performance in one view.
Organized Source-to-Destination patching without virtual cables.