Apple iPad + AUM

The iPad running AUM occupies an interesting corner of the live-playback world: it's a self-contained host that can handle multi-track playback, click and cue routing, and AU plugin processing in a package that weighs half a kilogram and draws under 20 watts. For a band that needs stems, a click, and maybe a few cues sent to a USB audio interface, this gets the job done without the setup overhead of a full laptop rig. AUM's touch interface is genuinely well-designed for live work — routing is visual, levels are right there on screen, and there's no trackpad hunting in the dark.

At load-in, the single USB-C port is your entire world: power in, audio out, and data all share that one connection, so your interface choice matters. You'll need a class-compliant USB audio device, a powered hub if you're splitting duties, and a reliable cable — losing that connection mid-show ends your playback. iOS is a closed, stable environment, which means fewer driver conflicts and crash vectors than a general-purpose computer, but it also means you're working within Apple's ecosystem on updates and app availability. Battery backup is worth thinking about: an iPad can run on battery for a set if power is interrupted, which a laptop on AC cannot always promise.

This setup earns its place in a rack for smaller touring acts, acoustic or theatre productions, and rehearsal rigs where the track count stays manageable and the budget or road-case weight matters. If your show runs more than eight or ten stems, demands sample-accurate timecode sync, or requires complex MIDI show control, you'll outgrow AUM's comfort zone quickly and should be looking at a dedicated Mac running Ableton or QLab instead. This is not a knock — it's a boundary. Know your track count and your tolerance for iOS dependency before this goes into a touring rack.