Agile Partners, a company now responsible for three music apps, has announced the release of Star6, the world’s first fully featured, performance-grade sample instrument for the iPhone and iPod touch. To create the app, Agile Partners teamed up with professional sample-based musician Jason Forrest.

According to the company, Star6 lets novice musicians experiment and play with an infinite variety of sounds. Users can upload their own samples, or use the presets that are provided for free with the app. The software also gives professional musicians and DJs a new tool for live performance and music production, as shown in Agile Partners’ Star6 Premiere in Tokio video.

“From hip hop to rock bands to solo vocalists or improvisers, today’s music world sees almost every style of music using computers to provide soundtracks, ambient textures and synthetic beats to accentuate their performance,” Forrest said. “This isn’t just a ‘DJ app’ – it’s a fun, dynamic and powerful tool that helps musicians like me produce these same sounds on-the-go and perform them in front of a live audience. Star6 gives musicians of every level a pro-quality, performance-ready sample instrument in their pocket.”

“Combining Jason’s experience in creating and performing sample-based music with our unique skills building iPhone music apps has made for one of the most unique iPhone apps to date,” said Jack Ivers, a principal at Agile Partners. “The pairing of musician and ‘maker’ created a truly groundbreaking, fun and flexible new instrument that anyone at any music skill level can use and enjoy.”

In the official report announcing Star6, Agile Partners mentions key features like a granular synthesis audio engine, six sample pads, built-in sample packs (and additional free samples online), accelerometer-based sound control, dual audio modes and BPM/Tempo, as well as a Real-time Process Display, Session-based Sample Management a BPM Indicator and the ability to Play, Pause, Reset, Reverse, and Save your projects.

The application is compatible with all iPhone and iPod touch models and has been tested with OS 3.0 software. It also lets Mac, Windows and Linux users connect and add their own samples to play with. Music lovers can check out Star6 in action over at Agile Partners’ official web site, or download the app onto their device from the iTunes App Store using the link below. Star6 is available at an introductory price of $6.99. The app’s developers do not mention when the offer expires, so hurry up and grab it, if you’re interested.

Download Star6 via iTunes ($6.99)