I own nearly every DAW for iOS and I have tried every DAW for iPad (with the exception of MultiTrackStudio). Since Logic was released, I have looked for a DAW with comparable features that could be bought to own, rather than subscription. There are only three options: Audio Evolution Mobile Studio, (MTS), and n-track studio pro. Of these, n-track studio pro would be my DAW of choice as an alternative to Logic on iPad.
These features were included as important to note
- multi thread/core support
- tempo/time sig changes
- audio/midi routing
- PDC
- drum pattern editor
- external gear control
I automatically ruled out MTS because there is no trial, and the BASE app is $30…for pro features you must spend an additional $20 IAP. To just pay $50 upfront without trying the software would be a little crazy on this platform. Additionally, it does not provide many instruments, synths, or effects AEMS and n-track provide.
This left n-track studio pro and AEMS. AEMS is an excellent DAW, but its workflow is its main drawback. The features are similar but the biggest difference is AEMS has MIDI learn for third party AUV3. In other words, third party dev AUv3 can be mapped to midi controllers. N-track allows midi learn for native controls/instruments, but not for 3rd party plugins. The big problem with AEMS is the UX. It is hard to catch a flow due to the look and workflow of the DAW coming from Cubasis 3, which has the best workflow on ios.
Aside from this: n-track is PROBABLY the best DAW on iOS from an owners perspective. I love the workflow and UI, as its the only thing as appealing as cubasis 3. It’s beautifully designed and very intuitive. It is the only DAW that has such a great workflow besides Cubasis. It is unique and interesting, and it offers hundreds of instruments, synths, and effects. For $29.99 you get the best pro DAW you can own on iPad. I will say the ONLY thing I am missing is the ability to map 3rd party Audio Units to midi controller knobs and faders. I think if they update that single, one feature, n-track studio pro would be the clear cut winner of the battle of iPad daws.
Is that ONE feature extremely important? no. Why? Because AUv3 automation can be recorded via touchscreen - i just prefer to use my knobs sometimes. I would give n-track studio pro 10 a 10/10 if it had MIDI learn, but as it is, I would give this a VERY SOLID 9/10, or maybe even 9.5/10 with its competition in mind.… the fact that you can use this on desktop and tablet/phone make it even more appealing. While I consider Logic to be the ultimate DAW for macOS desktops, I do not feel the same about Logic for iPad. I think Logic for iPad is not a good port/translation to the smaller form factor. AEMS is technically as good, but it loses to n-tracks workflow.
The n-track developers are very active, extremely responsive, and super nice and helpful. These are the kind of programmers I want to be behind my DAW of choice. I used to use Cubasis 3, and I was concerned I would be forced to rent Logic eventually. But this fear caused me to research more and more over the past 2 years to the point that I found n-track studio pro to be the ultimate iOS/ipad DAW and I would recommend this to anyone who asks me what to get for iPad. It’s priced very reasonably, and is actually quite a good price for what you get, especially compared to the competition. If you’re in the market for a PRO DAW on iPad, and aren’t sure which to consider, I would rate this as the top choice. I loved Cubasis 3 but dev has disappointed and slowed almost totally.
I am now finding new inspiration on my iPad with n-track studio pro!
lol) know.