7 Non-DA W software ideas
Not every piece of software exists to create, play or process a sound – these workflow and signalrouting apps aim to make your studio life simpler
Soundflower
Mac users can use this software as a virtual audio driver. Soundflower can pass audio signals from one place to another, connecting to an audio interface in the process, making a bridge between it and any software on which you can select Soundflower as an output. Additionally, the software can be used to bypass interfaces entirely and route audio from one application to another.
JACK
This open-source protocol was created to help send and receive audio from anything and to anything – or at least anything that can run it. JACK, which stands for ‘JACK Audio Connection Kit’, can run on Windows, Mac and Linux, aiming to unify multiple audio systems into one. What this means, practically, is that you can install the same version of JACK on a Windows machine and a Mac, and connect them via, say, ethernet cable, allowing you to run cross-platform set-ups – VST plug-ins in Logic, for example. You can also use JACK on a single computer to provide a link between bits of software that can’t usually talk to each other. Fancy running Omnisphere 2 with Reason? This and more is possible with JACK.
Mixed In Key
Mostly similar to the sample organisers above, Mixed In Key organises samples by their key, helping you to track down which fit together musically. The idea of ‘harmonic’ mixing that Mixed In Key is based on may sound a bit academic, but it’s simple in use – the program detects the notes in your samples, works out what key each sample is in, and helps to connect the musical dots for you, knowing which samples will safely slot into the same track together.
Studiomux
Get audio and MIDI to and from your iOS device with the Studiomux app. Rather than using wireless connections, Studiomux is a solution for connecting your music-making computers using the standard USB connector wire. When all is said and done, this is often the simplest and most reliable way to make the connection.
Tablet Controllers for DAWs
If you’re still in a monogamous relationship with your USB mouse, you may want to consider livening things up by taking tablet-based control of your DAW. Most major DAWs can now be controlled – in whole or in part – by an app on iOS and/or Android. There’s variation in what different DAWs’ apps can do, their prices, platform compatibility and so forth, and there are also third-party options available, especially for Ableton Live. Whether you’re using it to control the whole program remotely, or just as a second screen for one part (your mixer, perhaps), there’s plenty to be getting on with.