LitPads vs Farrago

How Do LitPads and Farrago Compare?

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. Farrago inherits this DNA with built-in integration for routing soundboard audio to any application. 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 processing. Musicians who need to shape their samples on the fly can only do this in LitPads.

MIDI controller support is the most significant hardware gap. LitPads connects to any USB or Bluetooth MIDI controller with MIDI Learn and velocity sensitivity. Farrago does not accept MIDI input. Musicians with pad controllers, keyboards, or foot pedals can only trigger pads from hardware in LitPads.

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 audio routing integration is its defining advantage. Users who need to route soundboard audio to other Mac applications get a seamless built-in solution. LitPads users achieve the same result through audio routing on Mac, which is free and takes about five minutes to configure.

The practical difference is setup friction, not capability. Both approaches route soundboard audio to any application. Farrago includes routing natively. LitPads requires a one-time BlackHole setup. After setup, both solutions produce the same result.

How Do the Prices Compare?

Users who want Farrago's built-in routing capability with full Loopback flexibility need to purchase Loopback separately for $99. The combined cost of Farrago ($29) plus Loopback ($99) is $128. The combined cost of LitPads ($14.99) plus BlackHole (free) is $14.99.

LitPads also includes a free tier with 3 boards, 16 pads each, all four play modes, and retrigger modes. Farrago does not offer a 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?

Farrago excels at its core task: playing audio files in a clean, simple interface with reliable audio routing. Users who do not need EQ, pitch shifting, MIDI, setlists, or mobile platforms should consider Farrago for its routing convenience.

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 $14.99 price makes the decision even easier for users who need both processing depth and multi-platform support.