I’m really loving the iOS app “AudioBus”. Ground breaking or game changing often get overused – but really I’m thinking AudioBus and its functionality up there with MIDI and XLR connectors. So what is it? It’s a virtual audio connection between audio apps in the iOS system. Up until this time you might have a great synth, or effect, or audio recording app – but it would be great to use them at the same time AND be able to route their signals to one another – and that’s what AudioBus does!
Here’s an screen shot of the main interface. Like a flow chart, you start from the left with inputs or instrument sources, in the middle are effects, and on the right is output or record sources. Selecting the square opens up that particular app, the eject button adds or removes them from the system. Simple. When you’re in a particular app, a small tab will appear to jump between apps. Selecting an app will also give a few primary choices – like play or stop. Apps must be made to work with AudioBus, but literally new ones are being updated every day.
A new favorite app is Multitrack DAW. This digital audio workstation is very similar to any other Mac or PC based DAW. In AudioBus, when you add Multitrack DAW to the output each individual all shows up as it’s own track! Not just a single stereo channel – very handy. It makes you wonder how much processing power is in a iPad 3… Running three or four synths and iso recording each one? Wow – who thought we would ever get to this point. Below is a screen grab of Multitrack – also see the AudioBus tab on the right side with controls open for DM1 drum machine (play or stop).
So how does it sound? Well, I think I’ll be spending a lot less time on a desktop based DAW.. I made a impromptu recording, mixed it down in Multitrack and uploaded it straight to Soundcloud – all while lying in bed in a hotel room.
Back to where I started about MIDI and XLR connections, the functionality of AudioBus will open a new era of music creation a collaboration. Between AudioBus and WIST (Korg’s wireless sync start technology), the iPad looks like the new instrument of choice for electronic musicians.
It’s in the Apple app store or take a look on their site here.
