Turn your Mac trackpad into a MIDI controller with AudioSwift 2

By Ben Rogerson
published

Use it for mixing, playing notes and controlling plugin parameters

AudioSwift is a Mac app that performs the neat trick of turning your laptop’s trackpad into a MIDI controller. Now at version 2, it’s looking more capable than ever.

You can enable AudioSwift with a four- or five-finger tap, and there are five controller modes. Slider lets you send CC or pitchbend messages using virtual faders; XY can be used to control multiple parameters at the same time; Mixer can be called on when you want to adjust levels; Trigger gives you a set of pads for firing off sounds and clips; and Scale lets you play notes in the selected key.

You can download a demo on the AudioSwift website, while the full version costs $24. However, you can currently get the app at a 50% discount using the code GOLDENFROG50.

Ben Rogerson
Ben Rogerson

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.