How Do LitPads and Farrago Compare?
- Per-pad parametric EQ
- Pitch shifting (2 octaves)
- MIDI controller support
- Setlist mode
- Global hotkeys
- Mac, iPad, iPhone
- Built-in audio editor
- Drag-and-drop simplicity
- MIDI, Stream Deck, OSC control
- No per-pad EQ
- No pitch shifting
- Mac only
Both apps are custom soundboard apps built natively for Mac. Both accept user-imported audio files and organize them into pad-based interfaces. The differences emerge in audio processing depth, platform reach, and how each app handles audio routing.
Farrago is built by Rogue Amoeba, the company behind Audio Hijack and Loopback. Rogue Amoeba specializes in Mac audio routing and capture tools, though those are separate products. Farrago itself plays and edits audio files and outputs to a chosen device. It pairs naturally with Loopback when you need to route that audio into other applications. LitPads is built by Marcel Iseli and focuses on per-pad audio processing and live performance features.
What Does LitPads Offer That Farrago Does Not?
Per-pad EQ is the most significant audio processing gap. LitPads places a 3-band parametric EQ on every pad with a real-time 2048-point FFT spectrum analyzer. Farrago plays audio files without any per-pad EQ. Musicians who need to shape their samples on the fly can only do this in LitPads.
Pitch shifting is the second processing gap. LitPads can transpose any pad across two octaves without changing playback length. Farrago has a built-in audio editor for trimming, gain, and fades, but it does not offer pitch shifting. Both apps accept MIDI controllers, so hardware triggering is available either way.
Setlist mode is unique to LitPads across all soundboard apps. The complete comparison of best soundboard for Mac confirms that no competing app offers pre-programmed cue sequences with automated advance modes.
What Does Farrago Offer That LitPads Does Not?
Farrago's built-in audio editor is a genuine convenience. You can trim a clip, set gain, and add fades without leaving the app. It also integrates with the Freesound library and supports Apple Loops, which speeds up building a board from scratch. For producers who already live in the Rogue Amoeba ecosystem, Farrago fits alongside Audio Hijack and Loopback.
It is worth correcting a common misconception: Farrago does not include built-in virtual audio routing. Like LitPads, it simply sends its output to a chosen audio device. To get that sound into OBS, Discord, or Zoom, you still need a virtual driver such as Loopback or the free BlackHole. Routing setup is the same exercise for both apps.
Recommended: LitLink is a free virtual audio driver with built-in mic passthrough and automatic multi-output device creation. No manual Audio MIDI Setup required. It works with both LitPads and Farrago.
If you want a deeper routing setup, our guide to audio routing on Mac is free and takes about five minutes to configure for either app.
How Do the Prices Compare?
Both apps need a virtual driver to route audio into other applications, and the free BlackHole works with either one. That makes the practical entry cost $29.99 for LitPads and $55 for Farrago. Users who want Loopback's advanced routing can buy Loopback separately for $99, or take Rogue Amoeba's official Farrago and Loopback bundle for $123.
LitPads also includes a free tier with 6 boards, 20 pads each, all four play modes, and retrigger modes. Farrago offers a time-limited free trial rather than a permanent free tier.
Which Platforms Does Each App Support?
The universal app approach means musicians can build boards on Mac, perform from iPad on stage, and preview sounds on iPhone backstage. Farrago's Mac-only limitation excludes mobile performance workflows that rely on iPad's touch interface or iPhone's portability.
The broader soundboard software for Mac includes only three serious contenders: LitPads, Soundboard Studio, and Farrago. LitPads and Soundboard Studio run on all Apple platforms. Farrago is Mac-exclusive.
Which App Is Better for Each Use Case?
Choose LitPads for audio processing, pitch shifting, setlists, and multi-platform use. Choose Farrago for a clean, simple soundboard with a built-in editor and the Rogue Amoeba ecosystem.
Farrago excels at its core task: playing audio files in a clean, simple interface, with a handy built-in editor for quick trims and fades. Users who do not need per-pad EQ, pitch shifting, setlists, or mobile platforms should consider Farrago for its simplicity.
LitPads excels at everything beyond basic playback. Users who need to shape their audio, connect hardware controllers, run pre-programmed cue sheets, or work across Mac and iPad should choose LitPads. The $29.99 price makes the decision even easier for users who need both processing depth and multi-platform support.
Marcel Iseli is an indie developer, DJ, and music producer with over 20 years behind the decks and in the studio. Rooted in hip hop culture, he collects drum machines, samplers, and vintage audio gear. LitPads grew out of that obsession: decades of triggering samples on hardware led him to build the software equivalent he always wanted.