Audio Apps

I’ve decided to create a page specifically for apps which focus on capturing and/or manipulating sound. In today’s multi media world, sound is often viewed as secondary and inferior to video. This is unfortunate as audio has a lot to offer learning and teaching and can allow the imagination to play a major role in bringing sound to life. The built-in microphone on the iPad is good enough to capture decent quality audio, particularly the human voice. It is placed on the top of the device; near the headphone port on the iPad and above the camera on the iPad 2. The audio input can be vastly improved however by using the camera connection kit USB adapter and a USB microphone. There are some great USB mics available although not all will work with the iPad - it depends on the individual mic.

Although not included in this list, GarageBand (on the Music page) is a great app for podcasting. Primarily designed for creating music, GarageBand works well with audio and has a specific setting for voice recording.

MadPad (£1.99)

Takes video & audio but it’s the sound that counts with this creative app - 12 squares to tap for sound.

You Record (£1.49)

One of the best budget audio recording apps for the iPad with trimming & exporting functionality.

Hokusai (free)

Very good audio recording app which has some great editing options + more via in-app purchases.

Pocket Wavepad HD (free)

Audio recording & editing app which shows great promise - very noisy recordings for me though!

SlowMoPlayer (free)

Fun audio app which allows the recording of sound which can then be sped up or slowed down.

Jamboxx (free)

Simple but graphically pleasing (for over 40s maybe) music player based on cassettes from the 80s.

Talking Tom (free)

Established fun app which can have uses for learning by using its repetition function.

Caster FREE (free/£2.99)

All-in-one sophisticated & complex podcast creator and distributor - free version has 3 min audio.

Ω Recorder (free)

Decent audio app which allows 5 recordings before needing in app purchase or Facebook link.

Tunein Radio Pro (£0.59)

Internet radio app which is well featured and able to record radio stream.

Quick Voice (free)

Uses the iPad’s built-in mic for audio recordings - great for storytelling and audio blogging.

SoundYeah (£1.99)

Fabulous sampling based app with a sophisticated interface & a lot of flexibility for working with audio.

Everyday Looper (£3.99)

Simple audio looping app which allows you to build up several tracks & share via http server in browser.

PCM Recorder (free)

Decent audio recorder app from Tascam which visually emulates their handheld recorders.

HT Recorder (£4.99)

Audio recorder with intriguing visual interface - has 3 levels for recording but a bit expensive for what it is.

Soundy Thingie (£1.99)

Unique sound creation app based on drawing lines of different shape & length which make noises.