Auria is a 48 track recording system for the iPad.  Currently, it’s the most feature-laden iOS DAW we’ve reviewed.  It houses an extensive catalog of effects and processors (ranging from Reverb to pitch correction) and also allows you to record up to 24 tracks simultaneously.  AAF import and export lets you transfer complete sessions between popular DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic and more.

Another cool feature is the incorporation of 3rd party plugins from plugin gurus like PSPaudioware, Overloud, Fab Filter and Drumagog.  These extra processors are available via app store purchase and range from $5 to $30.

The kicker for Auria is the hefty price tag.  At $50, it’s easily considered a very expensive iOS DAW.  If that doesn’t scare you away, then this app is definitely worth taking a look at.  What we really like about Auria is that it’s clearly geared toward serious music makers looking to get professional use out of their iPad.

StudioTrack is a multi-track recorder and mixer for your iPad.  It allows you to record and import audio files that can then be mixed using its on board effects processors.  You’ll get a Compressor, Parametric EQ, Tempo-synced Delay, and Reverb available for each track.  StudioTrack allows for a maximum of 8 tracks with a flexible ‘bounce’ feature to consolidate certain tracks and create more track space within the app.  An audio pasteboard feature is cool as it makes this app compatible with over 70 other apps.  Also, WIFI sync allows you to import any mix or individual track to a computer, which is always nice.

Potentially you could record into StudioTrack using your iPad microphone, which would be okay if you were just laying down a quick idea like a simple guitar riff, but I wouldn’t expect to get great recording results.  Your best bet would be to get an iMic or Guitar Jack depending on what you’re recording.  Supposedly, a future StudioTrack update is going to contain some modeled guitar amps and effects, which would give the app a big boost in terms of functionality.

There are several things this app is missing like an arrangement view for laying out and looping arrangements.  It also needs a ‘bounce to MP3’ feature for easier file sharing online, amongst other things.

Where StudioTrack shines is in the area of effects processors.  I really like that you get a Compressor/ Limiter and Parametric EQ to fatten up your mixes.  However, with no arrangement view, no virtual instruments, and a hefty price tag ($20) this app is a questionable purchase.  Hopefully the soon-to-come guitar effects and amps are really good making Studio Track well worth the money.

Studio Mini XL is an 8 track recording studio for your iPad.  It is the bigger brother of Studio Mini, which is virtually the same other than being a 4 track recorder with a slightly cheaper price tag.  The XL version comes with a host of useful features like a ‘count in’ function for recording, the ability to import and export 16 bit / 44.1 kHz WAVE files, a drum loop section with 70+ drum loops spanning a wide range of musical genres,  the ability to monitor your input levels while recording, latency compensation, audio sync, iTunes file sharing, WIFI sync and more.  The app’s Notes section also allows you to input, organize, and keep track of lyric ideas, which is great when you get that sudden inspiration for an awesome idea.

Studio Mini XL is a solid recording platform, but I would like to see some quality processors and effects like Chorus, Delay, Compression, Reverb, etc..  Without some great processors I would hardly say that you can get a professional mix out of this app and to hang with the big dogs like Garageband and FL Studio Mobile HD, it will need to incorporate some virtual instruments to make it more complete.

Studio Mini XL is ideal for musicians or bands looking to record ideas on the fly.  If I was in a band that was going on tour, I would definitely want this app.  We could record lots of simple song ideas between shows, on long road trips and then expand upon them once we get back in the studio.

Studio Mini XL is a quality app worth the money ($9.99) and future updates are sure to make the software a better all around package.