ABSeq is a fast and easy A/B testing tool for audio files on iOS and iPadOS. WIth one tap, the user can swap playback between two or more (up to four) audio files.
The user can instantly hear the difference between the two files, sequence between them using the built in sequencer, and perform A/B or reference tests on the go.
Swift
SwiftUI
AVKit
AudioKit
StoreKit 2
SwiftData
SoundTouch
Multiplatform support (iOS & iPad)
File importing of all audio formats
(wav, aif, mp3, mp4, flac)
Lossless audio playback
Background audio
Bluetooth, and wired audio support
User preference for dark or light modes, with two color schemes to choose from
Annual subscription required with free trial and paywall (using StoreKit 2)
The design for A/BSeq prioritized two key points: minimalism, and reachability
Minimalism
On startup, UI contains minimal controls and distractions. The animations and track titles are turned off by default, and the sequencer controls are folded away until the sequencer is activated. A simple animated border denotes the current playing track. The simple UI allows the user to load files into each track, and begin A/B testing with ease.
Reachability
The A/B button lives at the bottom center of the screen, right where the thumb sits. The Autogain toggle sits directly to the right, as it is an often-used feature. The sequencer controls sit atop the A/B button, with the "add"/"remove" tracks directly to the right. Finally, the track "screen" sits at the very top.
The design process shown above gooes from Figma prototype, to native SwiftUI implementation, and the final production design.
As development approached completion, the UI resembled popular handheld game consoles from the 80's-90's: placing important controls within reach, and drawing the eyes towards the top of the screen.
Inspired by this design, 8 bit animations and text shaders were applied to the "screen" portion, and a faux speaker grill to complete the nostalgic feel. The resulting design gives creates a feeling of using a bespoke handheld tool, calculator, and play-thing.
Inspired by the world of modular synthesis and bespoke audio tools, I created ABSeq to solve a specific problem: the ability to easily A/B test two audio files on a mobile device.
Rather than swiping between audio files in the Files App, ABSeq allows the user to swap between two songs with one tap. As an artist and audio engineer myself, this offered a solution to a real-world problem that I faced for years.
The included Sequencer (the "Seq" in "ABSeq") allows the user to automatically switch between files, while also opening a world of creative possibilities.
This makes ABSeq more than just an analytical tool, limited only by your imagination. As is common in the world of music tools, rule breaking and creativity are encouraged.
