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Griid is the first instalment of Liine's modular Ableton control system. Liine is remaining tight-lipped about the details of forthcoming modules, but we imagine device controls and mixing features are likely at some point in the near future. As things stand, the main Griid module simply functions as a clean, intuitive clip launcher.

Three versions of the app are available. At £14.99, Griid Pro for iPad is fairly priced, but there are two more options to consider. Griid for iPhone and iPod Touch comes in at a very reasonable £3.49. The features are identical, but the interface is optimised for the smaller screen, offering a maximum of 48 clips on screen at once in portrait mode (as opposed to 128 on the iPad).

Griid's clip launching interface is clear and effective. A doddle for anyone familiar with Live's session view.

Alternatively, Griid Lite for iPhone is really intended as a free demo version. Displaying just 16 clips in landscape and 18 in portrait, it'll also run in compatibility mode on the iPad so you can try before you buy.

touchAble is an all-in-one Ableton controller with plenty of tricks up its sleeve. In addition to clip launching, the app offers mixing features, device controls, MPC-style pads and on-screen keyboards. The mixer section includes real-time metering, effects send levels, solo and arm buttons, pan controls and instant reset buttons for key parameters.

touchAble's on-screen keyboards and MPC-style pads are a nice touch, offering hands-on control of your devices.

Dedicated transport controls include tempo nudge, overdub and metronome buttons, headphone level control and access to play and record quantisation settings. A separate menu enables pitch, loop, length and position parameters to be adjusted for individual clips. Clearly, touchAble is a seriously powerful tool.

NEXT: Griid and touchAble in use

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