If you use backing tracks for your live performances, Multitracker is an iOS app that could prove helpful.
Multitracker allows musicians to route multi-track playbacks to any output of a USB audio interface, or to the two headphone channels of the iPad.
With the help of playlists you can quickly arrange and playback such multichannel songs. In contrast to players which are not intended for the stage, “Multitracker” pauses after each song. The operation is simple and tailored for live use.
With Multitracker, a song consists of several audio files, which the artist imports into the iPad. These audio files are assigned individual volumes and audio outputs which are stored with the song. The artist then can arrange these songs in storable playlists. When playing a playlist, Multitracker stops after each song, automatically loads the next one within a few milliseconds, and waits for a start command from the artist.
Until now, musicians had to spend a lot of money on a hardware solution or to use a laptop with an additional audio interface.
An iPad, on the other hand, is made for this purpose: it has no moving parts that could wear out, is insensitive to dust, small, reliable and easy to transport. There is also a wide range of audio interfaces with over 16 outputs which the iPad supports.
Software developer Sebastian Sygulla explains: “As a keyboarder in a cover band, I know the needs of a musician. For playbacks, I need to have a player that can give the drummer a click that the audience can not hear and which provides additional outputs in mono or stereo, in order to possibly fly in keyboard tracks or choirs etc. Songs must be quickly available and easy to start. Optionally also with a pedal or other midi controllers. That’s what Multitracker stands for. ”
The app has been tested with the following audio interfaces:
– RME Fireface UCX
– RME Fireface UFX
– iConnectivity iConnect Audio 4+
– Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
– PreSonus Studio 192
– Motu Microbook IIc
Multitracker should be compatible with any Class Compliant audio interface. Just try it out.
Price & Availability
Multitracker is now available as a free trial version in the Apple App Store and can be unlocked to the full Version by in-app purchase.
For more information check out the Multitracker website.
