Features & Capabilities

Travel back in time to the dawn of electronic music with this strange retro app – a MIDI player preloaded with 500+ legendary CMI (Computer Musical Instrument) sounds.

The first byte-perfect re-issue of the classic CMI sounds of the 80s, immortalised by artists including Alan Parsons, Jean Michel Jarre, Trevor Horn, Thomas Dolby, Brian Eno, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Stevie Wonder and so many more.


This app includes a play-only demo of the famous ‘Page R’, which was the world's first screen-based rhythm sequencer. Today every sampler, digital synthesiser, sequencer and audio workstation can trace its lineage back to this legendary machine.

Now you can have, in your pocket or on your iPad, a piece of history developed by Peter Vogel and other music nerds who worked on the Fairlight* CMI in the '80s. 


BUILT-IN FEATURES


- browse and play the entire original CMI IIX Sounds floppy disk library

  • 564 voices imported digitally.

  • play the CMI voices from an external MIDI input (supports Core MIDI devices. Line6 MidiMobilizer II or Akai SynthStation require MidiBridge or similar), or use the on-screen keyboard

  • display voices graphically using the iconic Page D, and change your viewpoint by tilting your iPhone/iPad. 

  • play built-in CMI Page R compositions or import and play compositions sent to you by others. 


  • authentic CMI user interface experience, including floppy disk quirks.

 




UPGRADE to PRO VERSION


Use the in-App upgrade process to add “pro” features for an additional $39.99. Vogel CMI Pro App includes CMI III voices, the ability to compose 8 track songs using the Page R pattern sequencer, sampling your own voices from the microphone or line in and much more. See the “Vogel CMI Pro” app description for details.

REVIEWS 


I would have never dreamt in a million years to own a Fairlight. It is the stuff of legends! Beyond any ordinary man's budget! And for this day to come a reality for a mere $10!! I am in awe and shock! I cannot emphasize how thankful I am to you for releasing this Iconic and Legendary instrument as an iPhone application!! (Imad Hamadieh, Dubai, UAE)

When I saw it yesterday and found out about it, I just about fainted!! Very nice app! A complete revival / reissue of the best computer musical instrument ever in a tiny but very useful format. It is a joy to see an epic piece of synthesizer/sampling history as an app for the millions. Finally you can take your Fairlight wherever you are! A Fairlight to go-go-go! (Freek Roffel, Netherlands)



Again I would like to take a moment and extend a huge THANK YOU to the entire Fairlight team. ... You have taken the time and patience to create an affordable solution for the masses. ... You have given us a gift. I am truly excited to see what users will do with this App to change the future of music once again. Sincerely, thank you. (Zacharia Malakai, USA) 


All I can say is WOW!! I have put this thru my BIG speakers in my studio and put a little reverb on and the sound is stunning – SO what am I going to do with my Fairlight CMI-IIx now?? (Howard J Smith, USA)

DEVICE REQUIREMENTS



This App will work on any device running iOS 7 or later. However, if you want to use Audiobus or do heavy performance and composing work with the Pro upgrade, we recommend a minimum of iPod Touch 4G, iPhone 4 or iPad 2.

*Fairlight is a trademark of Fairlight.au Pty Ltd Australia

User Growth & Download Statistics

App
By:
Peter Vogel Instruments Pty Ltd
Rating:
2.40
(13)
0.80
Version:
2.4.3 Last updated: 2021-03-03
Version code:
840699121
Creation date:
2011-03-18
Compatible devices:
Size:
82.72MB
Price:
9.99
URLs:
Website ,Privacy policy
Full description:
See detailed description
Source:
Apple Apps Store
Data ingested on:
2026-06-06
Compare stats and ranking:

Contact the developer

Chrome-Stats does not own this Apple app. Please use these information below to contact the Apple app developer.
Developed by:
Peter Vogel Instruments Pty Ltd
Apple Apps Store
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/peter-vogel-cmi/id420212505
Website:
https://petervogelinstruments.com.au/ios

User Reviews

Summary: Reviewers consistently praise Peter Vogel CMI for its authentic 1980s Fairlight CMI sounds, nostalgic vibe, and sampler options, making it a compelling retro music tool when it runs. However, the app is repeatedly plagued by crashes, startup failures, and inconsistent performance across iOS versions. Many users report little to no developer support, dead links, and stalled updates, plus interoperability and export limitations with other apps. The high price and upgrade model also spark frustration. Overall, it’s a must-have for nostalgia, but reliability and support issues limit its value.
Pros
  • Authentic 1980s Fairlight CMI sounds and nostalgia that many reviewers love.
  • Ability to import your own samples or use the built-in sampler.
  • A unique piece of music history on the iPad; praised as a premier Fairlight emulation by some.
  • When stable, it provides a fun and inspiring retro sound design experience.
Cons
  • Frequent crashes and startup failures across iOS versions; many users report it seems abandoned.
  • Limited or no official support and updates; dead links and unresponsive developers.
  • Interoperability and export issues with other apps (Audiobus, Cubasis) and missing export options (patterns, WAV/MP3).
  • High price and confusing upgrade model; many feel the Pro version is not worth the cost.
  • Steep learning curve and buggy interface with missing features such as undo and unreliable polyphony.
Recent reviews
Years ago, I spent $50 on the Pro version and used the app more times than I can count. I accumulated hundreds of self made samples and then, suddenly, the app no longer opens. I guess I only rented the app.
by ec*****, 2026-05-03

The app would never launch on my phone. I have deleted the app and reinstalled it. If the app is no longer supported or they have stopped updating it, just remove it from the App Store. I could’ve just donated $10 to them instead paying apple fees🤣-5⭐️
by KN*****, 2025-10-05

?
by th*****, 2025-09-10
View all user reviews ›

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