What is Audiobus?

Description- Audiobus is a mobile application designed for the IPad. It is designed to allow multiple music/sound applications to work together on one platform.

Function- Audiobus allows the use of a variety of sound and effect applications to record on multiple digital audio workstations. For example, One can use a synthesizer application, such as Animoog and an effects application, such as Amplitube to acquire a desired sound. Once the desired sound is acquired, one can then record to a digital audio workstation, such as Garageband. Along with access to many more sounds, Audiobus allows for access to many more instrument controllers. Musicians can use multiple types of instruments that were not compatible with existing digital audio workstations before.

Similar Products- There are similar products to Audiobus. There is another app called MIDI Bridge. This connects MIDI devices to each other and digital audio workstations. Amplitube allows for connecting instruments to digital audio workstations as well. What seems to make Audiobus the standout among these products is that one can use not only MIDI, but audio connectors as well. Compatibility to Audiobus is impressive; In fact some of the similar products are also compatible with Audiobus.

Teaching- The compatibilities are what makes Audiobus an effective tool for teaching or therapy. The student is provided with many different options to control audio and MIDI. Students of virtually any age and ability can experience learning. It is useful for Music Therapy as well because one can use controllers that are adaptable to limitations with cognitive or physical functioning. Students of varying abilities can contribute to each project. A special needs class could collaborate with a mainstream class to create a project simply by using different applications to create the music. A final product can be created by utilizing Audiobus to send all of the work to the digital audio workstation to be integrated and edited.

Learning Sources- Audiobus proved to create buzz among mobile music users. There were many articles announcing the newest version and its compatibilities. There is a website and a Youtube channel devoted to the use of Audiobus as well as tutorials made by developers of compatible applications. (See below for links/videos).

This a good basic place to start learning.