Software glossary of terms

Just like desktop and laptop

DAWs, iOS DAWs can run instruments and effects within them as part of a software studio. However there are a number of formats that you need to know about when buying apps as well as others that allow your iPad to talk to other hardware and software, so here are the main ones…

Audio Units v3 (Auv3)

Audio Units v3 is probably now the main iOS plugin format. Think of it as being just like the desktop Audio Units or VST plugin formats, so an AUv3 DAW will run AUv3 plugins – simple! AU iOS DAWs include Steinberg’s Cubasis, Apple’s GarageBand and n-Track Studio Pro.

Audio Bus (AB)

Audio Bus allows you to route compatible apps together within the umbrella AB app. As it runs as a separate app, you seemingly do the routing outside of your DAW. It therefore might not seem as intuitive to those DAW users used to doing everything within their chosen sequencer, but using AB is straightforward and gives you more of an overview feel.

Inter App Audio (IAA)

This was one of the first linking formats built into the iOS operating system. It is still supported by various apps but Audio Units v3 has the backing of Apple now so IAA support looks like it’s dwindling. That said, most iOS DAWs support all the main formats but do check the specs of your chosen DAW.

Ableton Link AL

Not a plugin format as such, Ableton Link is more of a communication format, allowing hardware and software to sync when connected wirelessly. Link is supported in everything from Akai hardware to Reason and Bitwig software and various apps.