Arda Özüpek

I'm responsible for all R&D and audio technology at Artera DSP. I've extended the open-source Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) to support multi-dimensional (parametric) model training, which now powers our core audio engine. I ported our optimized NAM inference engine to iOS and Android, reducing CPU usage by around 50%. My work focuses on real-time neural audio processing across mobile, desktop, and embedded platforms.

Projects:

• GigFast Lite: GigFast became the first app in the world to combine NAM technology with mobile compatibility, parametric models, and significantly lower CPU usage compared to the standard NAM library. Despite being on the market for only one year, no other app has come close to its technology. It includes 30 parametric amp models along with built-in effects such as Noise Gate, Wah, Overdrive, Chorus, Delay, Spring Reverb, and an IR-based cabinet simulator. Other standout features include a low-latency strobe and live tuner, seamless preset switching, and full MIDI support.

• Nam XT: Designed based on common requests and feedback from NAM community, Nam XT enables flexible signal routing with stereo processing by supporting multiple NAM and IR files simultaneously. Taking advantage of our low CPU usage, it can process multiple NAM models in real-time and allows seamless preset switching without audio dropouts.

• Overdrive Suite: A bundled project consisting of 13 individual apps, each faithfully modeled after iconic and widely loved overdrive pedals using our parametric NAM technology. Every app is designed to reproduce the exact sound of the original hardware across the full range of knob settings, delivering an authentic experience for musicians.

I’m the sole founder and developer of this company, where I publish apps I’ve built independently for fun and as a personal hobby. Since 2019, I’ve been developing and releasing mobile applications focused on image processing. I recently exited my latest mobile app at a $230K valuation.

Projects:

• RNA Lens: A mobile app that simulates analog film aesthetics while offering modern video effects and editing tools.

• Camcorder: A video recording app that authentically replicates the look and feel of vintage camcorder devices, both visually and interactively.

I was responsible for leading the entire development team and overseeing all aspects of software development within a 15-person team. We developed over 80 hyper-casual games in collaboration with various international publishers, including Rollic and Zynga, under contractual agreements. Our games have collectively surpassed 10 million downloads.

Projects:

• Wheel Smash: Surpassing 5 million downloads, Wheel Smash ranked #1 in the Top Free Games category on the App Store for a full week in multiple countries, including the United States. Our game ads were featured on the NASDAQ Billboard in New York Times Square. It generated $1.5 million in revenue during its first release week.

At this 12-person studio focused on mobile apps, games, and both 2D and 3D animation, I was responsible for leading the development team and finalizing the development of all projects.

Projects:

• Deliçeri: A cross-platform mobile platform-runner game. I developed the entire game engine in C++. Music and sound effects were composed and recorded in-house. The game uses GLSL shaders extensively to minimize binary size by avoiding large image assets, allowing it to be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play without requiring a WiFi connection. It features dynamic lighting and a custom-built game and physics engine. It has surpassed 500,000 downloads.

• Swirl: A minimalist tap-based arcade game with flat-style artwork. It was featured in several European countries and received over 50,000 downloads in its first week. Available on both the App Store and Google Play.

• Jury: An image-based social media platform developed for both iOS and Android. The whole backend stack is built on Amazon Web Services.

• Space Up: A cross-platform mobile game developed in Unity, featuring a custom-built audio engine.

• Tamga: A cross-platform Match-3 style mobile game.

I was responsible for developing the iOS app and backend stack of Funimate, a video- and music-based social media platform with over 30 million downloads and 700,000 daily active users at the time.

Key Contributions:

• Led the development of core social platform features, including a secure, custom user authentication system using AWS services such as EBS, RDS, and SQS.
• Built a secure REST API in Python using Flask, and implemented an encrypted communication framework for the iOS app.
• Developed a custom private messaging system with support for both one-to-one and group chats on iOS and backend.
• Implemented the subscription revenue model, including secure receipt validation and protection against MITM attacks.
• Created real-time video effects using OpenGL ES 2.0 and GLSL shaders.
• Built a cross-platform audio processing framework in C++ with support for a step sequencer and various audio effects.
• Delivered pixel-perfect UI implementations based on Sketch and Zeplin designs.
• Integrated multiple ad platforms including Facebook Audience Network, InMobi, and AdMob with custom mediation logic.

I was the lead iOS and Android developer for the Turdental mobile applications. I collaborated closely with the backend team and integrated SOAP web services developed in C# using WCF.

Projects:

• Turdental iOS Application
• Turdental Android Application

I developed three different iOS and Android applications, optimized for both mobile phones and tablets. I built the backend services using Node.js with the Parse framework and developed an integrated web-based CRM system using ReactJS for the frontend and Flask for the backend.

Projects:

• iOS Applications
• Android Applications
• Web CRM Panel

Trapple was a location-based social game. I contributed to the iOS team and developed the entire backend using Node.js with the Parse framework.

Key Contributions:

• Developed the backend infrastructure to support real-time social and location-based features.
• Integrated location services on iOS using the CoreLocation framework.
• Designed and implemented gamification mechanics.
• Contributed to the user experience and interface design for the iOS application.