The latest release from NovoNotes makes it possible to integrate AUv3 plug-ins running on an Apple mobile device or tablet with a DAW session. SideRack aims to combine the convenience of touchscreen-based plug-ins and instruments with the power of a full desktop DAW system, and also makes it possible to utilise mobile plug-ins that have no desktop equivalent.
There are two parts to the system: SideRack Plugin, and SideRack Server. The first runs on the DAW machine as a VST3 or AU plug-in, while the second can be installed on a mobile device. Audio and MIDI are then transferred between the two via a wired connection, allowing the DAW to take advantage of both processing plug-ins and virtual instruments hosted on the mobile device. There are three plug-in modes available: SideRack Audio Effect, which offers bi-directional audio between the plug-in and sever application; SideRack MIDI Effect, which provides bi-directional MIDI data; and SideRack Instrument, which will send MIDI to the server and receive audio.
NovoNotes say that the latency is low enough to not hinder performance, so it is possible to take advantage of multi-touch AUv3 software instruments and integrate them with a DAW session, and all data is transferred without any compression to ensure it retains its original quality. Thanks to a huge range of free and paid-for AUv3 plug-ins, it is possible to use SideRack for a wide variety of tasks — the company mention that combining it with piano roll plug-ins will offer a great way to input notes using a touch display and Apple Pencil, for example.
Compatibility
SideRack Plugin is supported on Macs running macOS 11 and above, and is available in VST3 and AU formats. SideRack Server is supported on iOS/iPadOS 15 or higher, and requires a device capable of connecting to a Mac via USB-C or Lightning cable. It is capable of hosting AUv3 plug-ins.
Pricing & Availability
SideRack is available now, and is being offered for an introductory price of $78 until 30 April 2024, after which it will increase to $98.
