Live Sound Apps: Mobile Tools for Audio Professionals

Live sound apps extend smartphone and tablet capabilities to support audio professionals. From remote mixer control to acoustic measurement to reference utilities, mobile applications provide valuable tools that fit in a pocket.

Mixer Control Apps

Remote mixer control apps enable wireless mixing from anywhere in the venue. Walking the room while adjusting the mix provides perspective impossible from fixed positions.

Behringer X32 Edit and Midas M32 Edit provide full control of X32 and M32 series consoles. All parameters accessible from the console surface are available remotely.

Allen & Heath dLive MixPad, SQ MixPad, and similar apps control their respective console lines. Touch-optimized interfaces provide convenient operation.

Yamaha apps for TF, CL, QL, and other series provide remote control appropriate to each platform’s capabilities.

Mixing Station is a third-party app supporting multiple console brands with consistent interface. This can simplify operation for engineers working with various consoles.

Measurement and Analysis Apps

Real-time analyzer (RTA) apps display frequency content of audio using the device’s microphone. While not matching calibrated measurement systems, these tools provide useful reference.

Studio Six Digital apps (AudioTools, SPL Graph) offer professional-grade measurement on iOS. Calibrated microphone accessories improve accuracy.

Spectroid for Android provides RTA functionality with customizable display options.

SPL meter apps measure sound pressure levels. Accuracy depends on device calibration and microphone quality. Useful for general reference if not precise measurement.

Reference and Calculation Apps

Delay time calculators compute delay settings from BPM for tempo-synchronized effects. Quick access speeds effect setup.

Frequency-to-note converters identify musical notes from frequency. Helpful when identifying problem frequencies or tuning drums.

Decibel calculators handle power addition, voltage addition, and level conversions. These reference tools save manual calculation.

Stage Plot and Documentation Apps

Stage plot apps create visual stage layouts on mobile devices. Quick updates or creations without computer access.

Input list templates organize channel assignments. Digital documentation beats handwritten notes for readability and editing.

Cloud storage integration enables sharing with venues and band members. Dropbox, Google Drive, and similar services distribute documents easily.

Utility Applications

Metronome apps provide tempo reference during soundcheck or performance. Built-in click sounds or silent visual metronomes serve different needs.

Tuner apps enable instrument tuning without dedicated hardware. Most smartphones can detect pitch accurately enough for basic tuning.

Audio recording apps capture soundcheck or performance for reference. Simple recording serves review purposes without elaborate setup.

Signal Generator Apps

Test tone generators produce sine waves, pink noise, and other test signals. Useful for system testing when dedicated generators are not available.

Frequency sweep generators help identify room resonances or speaker problems. Sweep through frequencies while listening for anomalies.

The device’s headphone output typically provides the signal. Audio quality varies by device.

Wireless Coordination Apps

Frequency coordination tools help select compatible frequencies for wireless systems. Shure tools and generic coordination apps assist planning.

RF scanner integration on some professional apps displays spectrum activity. This requires compatible hardware or assumes external scanning.

Database access shows local TV station frequencies and other known occupants of wireless microphone spectrum.

Learning and Reference

Tutorial apps teach audio concepts and techniques. Interactive learning supplements hands-on experience.

Reference databases catalog microphone specifications, console features, and equipment information. Quick lookup beats searching the internet.

Forums and community apps connect with other audio professionals. Advice, troubleshooting help, and industry discussion.

Practical Considerations

Battery life matters for apps used during extended events. Tablet battery typically lasts longer than phone battery.

WiFi reliability affects remote mixing apps. Dedicated router for mixer control avoids congestion on venue networks.

Screen brightness and size affect usability. Tablets provide better interface than phones for complex mixer apps.

Latency in mixer apps depends on network conditions. Most apps perform well over dedicated networks; crowded networks may cause lag.

Recommended Apps by Category

Remote mixing: Mixing Station (multi-platform), manufacturer apps for specific consoles.

Measurement: AudioTools (iOS), Sound Analyzer (Android).

Reference: BPM Tap, Guitar Tuner, Decibel X.

Documentation: Stage Plot Maker, Google Docs.

Cost Considerations

Many useful apps are free or inexpensive. Basic functionality often costs nothing; advanced features may require purchase.

Manufacturer apps for their own hardware are typically free. Third-party alternatives may charge for multi-platform support.

Professional measurement apps with calibration support cost more but provide better accuracy.

The combined cost of several useful apps remains modest compared to dedicated hardware performing similar functions.