Menu
What's new
By:
Filters

Audioswift - Use Your Trackpad As A MIDI Control Surface (MAC)

Black Friday Sale!

AudioSwift is 50% off until December 1st, 2022 using coupon code BLACKFRIDAY50. This the lowest price of the year. If you haven’t bought a license yet, or know someone that would be interested in the app, this is the best moment to get it. All users will be able to update to AudioSwift 3 for free when it's finally released.

Visit ➡️ https://audioswiftapp.com



New Version 2.3.3 Beta

A new beta version 2.3.3 is now available on the website to download. This version increases the number of fingers that can be used at the same time in the Trigger, Slider, and XY Modes. It also includes the option to use the computer keyboard as MIDI keys from within AudioSwift. Remember to save your current settings before installing the beta version. Watch the video tutorial for details.





macOS Ventura Compatibility

AudioSwift current oficial version 2.3.0 and the beta version 2.3.3 are both compatible with macOS Ventura 13.0.1. I’ve tested both versions and they seem to work fine. I don’t recommend to update to Ventura until you make sure your DAW and third-party plugins are fully compatible.
 
New Version 2.3.4 Beta

A new beta version 2.3.4 is now available on the website to download.

Adds some UI changes for the Console and Trackpad windows in the Slider and XY Modes. Now the MIDI values sent are updated in both Console and Trackpad windows with animation. It also has the option to change the transparency of the windows.

Includes the option to turn AudioSwift off with a four or five fingers tap gesture and for Ableton Live users, it has a custom MIDI Remote script for the Slider Mode, for quick access to instrument and effect racks from the trackpad. It also works with single devices and third-party plugins. The script updates the parameters information of the device back to the Console and Trackpad windows in real time.

 
Hi. I'm looking for feedback from users of AudioSwift in Slider Mode.

A long time user suggested to add an option for a shorter throw of the sliders. Currently, the throw of virtual sliders using the Absolute format is around 100mm on a Magic Trackpad 2. It wasn't designed with that length in purpose; it is just a coincidence it's 100mm because of the size of the Magic Trackpad 2.

I had the impression that composers preferred 100mm faders for virtual instruments. That's what thought looking at some midi hardware posts around this forum. But could you tell me if you would prefer something shorter like 60mm?

I've been doing quick tests in the AudioSwift code, and I think I got something working. I can get a 60mm throw from the bottom of a Magic Trackpad 2 and up, with all the values from 0 to 127 and a good response. But these changes in the code come with other things and limitations:

- It will only work with the sliders in Slider Mode. The sliders in the XY Mode will always stay in 100mm.
- When getting up to a value of 127, there's no visual stop for the finger like the border of the trackpad. Would it bother you? You still have visuals on the plugin fader or with the new animation in the Trackpad window.
- Because of how the code is designed, a 60mm throw option will make the rest of sliders a little more sensitive (i.e., a shorter distance will get you up to the maximum value), if the slider is in Regular, Relative, Relative B formats or in Pressure Maybe you'll feel a difference, maybe not. Or if you have all the sliders in Absolute format, it won't be a problem at all.

I appreciate your thoughts on this.

And now that I'm here, if you're an Ableton Live user, did you try the Ableton Live Script? Thoughts?

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
My preference is 100 mm. I have no problem with the shorter 60 mm in terms of resolution. But with 100 mm there's a visual/tactile indicator at 127 (the size of the trackpad). For my use, this is a benefit. Just one perspective....
 
emasters said:
My preference is 100 mm. I have no problem with the shorter 60 mm in terms of resolution. But with 100 mm there's a visual/tactile indicator at 127 (the size of the trackpad). For my use, this is a benefit. Just one perspective....
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot for your feedback.

I added the short throw as an option and it seems to work quite well. Maybe it will used, maybe not; we'll see. Here is a picture with the Trackpad window showing a slider in Absolute Format, and where the finger gets up to 127 with a Magic Trackpad 2.

Screen Shot 2023-04-16 at 10.46.00 AM.png

It's not released yet. While working with this part of the code, I remembered another old suggestion from an user about adding a 14bit CC resolution option. I think this can also be added without compromising too much the code. It would look something like:
- 14bit MIDI CC, not NRPN. Slider Mode only.
- Would only work with controller numbers 0 to 31, sending the LSB through 32 to 63.
- Absolute and Regular formats options.
- Won't have option for Return to Default.
- Any number besides 0-31 or other formats will send CC as normal while the 14 bit option is on, but as the short throw, they probably will become more sensitive.

This is just brainstorming. I still need to figure all this in code and see if I can make it work with the trackpad. I know 14 bit encoders are not so easy to find and this can be an option. 14 bit is used with sound design / experiments in Cycling74 Max, VCV Rack, Reaktor and a couple of synth plugins. I only have U-He and Logic Pro plugins to do some test.

Would someone be interested in 14 bit resolution for AudioSwift?
 
Last edited:
Nice that short throw is a selectable option. In terms of 14 bit, I don't used it (though I have a controller that supports it - not had the need yet). For others, might be nice to have the additional resolution?
 
A new beta version 2.3.5 is now available to download on the website. It now supports 14-bit MIDI CC resolution for sliders and XY pads, includes new short throw sliders and UI changes in the Trackpad window and Trigger Mode. The AudioSwift Control Script for Ableton Live has also been updated to version 1.1.

SALE! - Get AudioSwift with 30% off with coupon GOLDENFROG30 until June 30th. Visit audioswiftapp.com

As always, I appreciate your feedback.

 
Hi. Audioswift is on sale. Get 30% off with coupon GOLDENFROG30 until September 15th.

Visit ➡️ audioswiftapp.com

Looking for an XY pad MIDI controller? With AudoSwift for macOS, transform your trackpad into XY pads and control in real-time your virtual instruments with built in XY pads section. Here is an example using Krotos Studio sound effect plugin in Ableton Live:

 
The 30% off sale ends tomorrow, September 15th.

I've been testing AudioSwift as a surround panner controller for Pro Tools using the trackpad. Thanks to some users, we have been able to find out the MIDI messages that work with the old SurroundPanner protocol in Pro Tools.

Screen Shot 2023-09-14 at 8.14.57 PM.png

I did some tests and I could control every parameter, except the Dolby Atmos parameters height, size and side. Unfortunately, the old protocol doesn't support these parameters and this is the only way I can connect AudioSwift to Pro Tools for surround. Here is a short demo in my IG profile.

Would someone be interested in a special AudioSwift mode for surround in Pro Tools, even without the height, size and side parameters? I appreciate your feedback.

BTW, we already can control Dolby Atmos/Surround from the trackpad in Logic Pro and Cubase/Nuendo.

-Nigel
 
NEW UPDATE! - AudioSwift 2.3.6 Beta with Surround Controller option for Pro Tools and Logic Pro

A new beta update is available now from our website. This version includes a Surround Controller option for Pro Tools and Logic Pro that works with a trackpad or the touch surface of a Magic Mouse.

It also has general changes. For example, you can now unlock the cursor from other input devices. Moving the pointer with a mouse won't turn AudioSwift off.

Click here to download version 2.3.6 Beta.



I wrote an article in my blog with some video demos and the user guides to configure the Surround Controller in both Pro Tools and Logic Pro.

Click here to my blog post.

Here is a demo with Pro Tools and a Magic Mouse:





MPE Modifier - A new MaxForLive Device for Ableton Live

MPE Modifier is a free MaxForLive device I made for Ableton Live that does two simple tasks. It changes the incoming Slide and Pressure MPE messages into Control Change messages per voice, and also replicates global messages like ModWheel, Pitch Bend, and Aftertouch to all MIDI channels. It works with any MPE controller and non-MPE multichannel plugins like U-he synths, Kontakt or Omnisphere.

Click here to download MPE Modifier.

Here is a demo of MPE Modifier with AudioSwift, Arpex and Diva:



As always, I value your feedback.

Best regards,
Nigel
 
BLACK FRIDAY SALE!

AudioSwift for macOS is 50% off until December 1st, 2023. Use coupon code BLACKFRIDAY50 at checkout.

Visit ➡️ https://audioswiftapp.com

AudioSwift transforms your trackpad into MIDI tools like sliders, XY pads, triggers, MPE, and a mixer controller.

Visit our blog and download the current beta version which has tons of new features:
  • New Surround Controller option for Pro Tools and Logic Pro, using either a trackpad or the touch surface of a Magic Mouse.
  • New Ableton Live Script for the Slider Mode. Control your Ableton Live macros and plugin parameters directly with 4 sliders on the trackpad, and with updated information in the Console and Trackpad windows.
  • New 14 bit support for XY pads and sliders.
  • The issue with floating windows disappearing with certain DAWs is fixed.
  • New option to disable AudioSwift key shortcuts and continue using your DAW shortcuts.
  • New option to unlock the cursor from other input devices while AudioSwift is on.
  • New MIDI keys option for the computer keyboard.
  • Additional XY pads and sliders layouts.
  • New option to send Channel Pressure messages via XY pads, sliders and MPE.
  • Updated interface for the Trackpad window.
  • And more...
Try AudioSwift for free!
 
Fleer said:
Looks pretty interesting. Any users’ experiences?
Click to expand...
Yes I have used it for a bit and it is a great experience. I have encountered a few problems setting up but the customer service is excellent, friendly and almost instant! I'm still new to it however, so I think if you're using it when travelling it is a must, and now with the Black Friday sale I'd 100% recommend. Very worth it.
 
Tom M said:
Yes I have used it for a bit and it is a great experience. I have encountered a few problems setting up but the customer service is excellent, friendly and almost instant! I'm still new to it however, so I think if you're using it when travelling it is a must, and now with the Black Friday sale I'd 100% recommend. Very worth it.
Click to expand...
Thanks for supporting AudioSwift!
 
Bought this last week, and absolutely love it. The aftertouch is also very handy now I am traveling and my crappy keyboard without aftertouch :)
 
Now that the excellent Sensel Morph is discontinued, I'm just wondering something about AudioSwift:

Can a trackball AND a Magic Trackpad be used simultaneously, with the trackball acting as normal cursor control WHILE the Trackpad is being used for MIDI control via AudioSwift?

The docs (and Apple UI conventions) would seem to indicate that this is NOT possible - so that you enable AudioSwift via a key or whatever, but as soon as you jiggle the cursor using the trackball AudioSwift MIDI CC control goes away.

You see what I'm getting at, right? (Using AudioSwift+TrackPad as an always-on replacement for the Sensel Morph.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom