AudioSwift transforms your Apple Trackpad into a MIDI controller, drum pads & more

As you know, we feature loads of the most interesting music production gear and apps here on 9to5Toys and with our Logic Pros series on 9to5Mac. Well, today we have spotted an interesting new Mac app known as AudioSwift. It essentially turns your Apple Trackpad into a fully functioning control surface for your favorite DAW…

AudioSwift for macOS runs in the background behind your recording software, effectively transforming your otherwise typical Apple Trackpad into a set of drum pads, a transport controller and other things. While it is specifically designed for Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, and Ableton Live, it will basically work with any DAW for the most part (more on that below).

Functionality here is split in to 4 different modes: Mixer, Trigger, Scale and XY. In Mixer Mode, you can control a number of general DAW tasks from moving fader, pan and send levels, to basic navigation (jog wheel) and even manual touch-written automation paths.

Trigger Mode essentially turns your trackpad into 9 different pads/triggers, which can be great for tapping out drum patterns and the like.

Scale Mode offers up a mini keyboard that can be locked to various scales. As you can see in the video above, this looks like it might be fun as a quick touch-based iPad-like experience for your Logic software instruments.

And lastly, we have XY Mode. With 1, 2 and 3-finger trigger options, we can create advanced/rich modulations using your typical graph-like touch surface. I’m sure avid Alchemy users (such as myself) might see some interesting possibilities here when used with the powerful macro controls on the instrument. Another interesting touch is that Audio Swift will translate Force Touch gestures (for Trackpads that support it) into after touch control data in the latter 3 modes.

Anytime I see an interesting new input method, whether it be transport controls and (especially) note data, I usually like to give it a run for its money. And there is a sweet little 30-day trial so we can all do that for free. Better yet, the regularly $24 Audio Swift is currently 30% off until December 31st, 2017 using code GOLDENFROG30 at checkout.

You’ll find more information about the app right here and some of the system requirements down below:

AudioSwift works in MacBooks, MacBooks Air and MacBooks Pro with built-in multi-touch trackpads. It also works with the Magic Trackpad 1 and the Magic Trackpad 2.

AudioSwift works from macOS 10.11 and up. Force Touch support requires a compatible trackpad. Touch Bar support requires macOS 10.12.2 or newer .