StudioTrack

Multitrack Recording for iPad


StudioTrack Guide

Discontinued. StudioTrack is no longer available for purchase. If you previously purchased StudioTrack, you may be able to access it. Instructions below.

Movies

Tutorial videos of specific app features.

Quick Start

Simple instructions to get you up and running.

Features

Detailed explanations of app features.

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

StudioTrack Demo Movies

StudioTrack Demo Video
Using the GuitarTone SongTool in StudioTrack

StudioTrack Quickstart

StudioTrack requires access to your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch microphone. Access can be granted by going to SETTINGS, PRIVACY, MICROPHONE, and making sure StudioTrack access is switched on.
Step 1:

When you launch StudioTrack, track 1 will automatically be armed. The meter will light up when you make sound. If the red clip light lights up, it means the input level is too loud and has clipped. You might have to adjust the volume of the thing you are recording, or point the microphone away from the sound source.

Step 2:

When a track has been armed and you are ready to record, slide the record control on the bottom left. Recording begins immediately. It is best to give yourself a count-in (say 1,2,3,4, or tap your foot) so that you know when the next track will start.

Step 3:

To stop recording, you can either slide the slider back to its original position or tap the play button.

Step 4:

To add a track, tap the +track icon to the left of the screen. If this icon is not visible, drag the tracks to the right until it comes into view. You may have up to 8 tracks.

For information on recording with StudioTrack and GuitarJack 2 USB, GuitarJack Model 2, StudioJack Mini, or GuitarJack Stage, consult the appropriate guide.

StudioTrack Overview of Features

  • Multitrack Recording - 8 tracks plus bounce.

  • Re-arrangeable tracks with FX Bypass, Reverb Send, Pan, Gain, Mute, Solo, Record Arm and Track Icon.

  • TrackFX - Tempo-synced Delay, Compressor, Parametric EQ and Reverb Send on every track.

  • Calibrated Meters - accurately monitor record and playback levels.

  • Input Monitoring

  • Calibrated Faders - accurately adjust playback level of each track

  • MasterFX - sweeten the sound of your recordings with a compressor-limiter and a 4-band parametric EQ

  • Output Compressor-Limiter - automatically fattens sound of the output mix

  • Master Channel with Reverb Return and Stereo Output meters

  • Metronome - select tempo by number or tapping. Includes pro drum recordings.

  • Bounce - mix song to track 1 and 2 of a new song to record as many tracks as you want

  • Mix - Save the mix as a stereo file

  • Slide-to-Record - prevents over-writing your tracks

  • Latency Compensation - accurate to within 1ms

  • Recording Quality - 16 bit, 44.1 kHz

  • AudioCopy - allows you to copy audio from StudioTrack into AudioPaste enabled apps, or paste audio into StudioTrack from AudioCopy enabled apps. For a complete list of AudioCopy/AudioPaste enabled apps, visit the Retonym's AudioCopy page.

  • (New in 1.3) File Import/Export and File Sharing - Import wav, mp3, or aiff files through email attachments or by dragging audio files into StudioTrack's file sharing area under apps in iTunes. StudioTrack's Sessions folder can now be dragged out of iTunes to the desktop.

  • (New in 1.3) Input Monitoring: Use StudioTrack's settings tool to enable/disable input monitoring. Input monitoring is enabled when a track is armed and in either Pause or Record mode. Playback of existing tracks overrides input monitoring. When input monitoring is on, sliders on armed tracks are enabled and control the monitor mix.

  • Supports both portrait and landscape iPad views

  • (New in 1.4) Bass Response Correction: When set to AUTO, this will boost the bass response of the recorded signal when using the built-in microphone and headset jack, but not affect devices connected via the dock connector.

  • (New in 1.4) Monitoring through FX: Monitor with FX allows you to track your vocals and instruments with reverb, delay, eq, and compression non-destructively.

  • (New in 1.5) High Visibility Tuner: Fast, accurate tuning.

  • (New in 1.5) GuitarTone Amps & Effects: 3 free amps and 3 free effects have been added to a GuitarTone Song Tool in StudioTrack. Add-on AmpPacks and PedalPacks purchased in the GuitarTone iOS app are activated in FourTrack and StudioTrack on any compatible iOS device that uses the same iTunes account. Connect Sonoma's GuitarJack Stage, StudioJack Mini, or their predecessor, GuitarJack Model 2, to get 12 more amps and cabs (AmpPack 1) plus 12 more effects (PedalPack 1) free. Buy additional 12 amps (AmpPack 2) and 12 effects (PedalPack 2) for $9.99/each in the GuitarTone app and they will automatically appear in StudioTrack. See demo video above: Using the GuitarTone and GuitarJack Model 2 SongTools inside StudioTrack

  • (New in 1.5) GuitarJack Model 2 Control Panel: Adjust the input settings of the GuitarJack Model 2 audio input/output accessory for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Select from 1/4", stereo 1/8" or both inputs simultaneously, and adjust input levels with 60 dB of analog gain control. See demo video above. Read more about the GuitarJack Model 2 control panel in the GuitarJack Model 2 Guide.

  • (New in 1.5) - Sonoma Wire Works teamed with Taylor Guitars to create an input EQ for enhancing the FourTrack and StudioTrack recordings of Taylor Guitars or any acoustic instrument. Select from a range of Taylor body styles in basic mode, or select the Advanced tab to adjust the 6 band parametric equalizer manually.

  • (New in 1.6) Updated for iOS 9

  • (New in 1.6) Dropbox file sharing.

  • (New in 1.6) AudioCopy 3: Copy audio between AudioCopy 3 enabled apps.

  • (New in 1.6) Support for GuitarJack Stage and StudioJack Mini.

  • (New in 1.6.2) Greatly enhanced support for GuitarJack Stage, StudioJack Mini, and their predeccessors (GuitarJack Model 2 and GuitarJack 2 USB), as well as generic USB audio interfaces.

  • (New in 1.6.2) Fixed a crash that could occur when arming a track for record with GuitarTone open.

  • (New in 1.6.2) Fixed crash when touching "Get More Gear" button in GuitarTone.

  • (New in 1.6.2) Fixed a bug where song screenshot was not being saved properly when exiting app.

  • (New in 1.6.3) Improved support in Interfaces Panel for GuitarJack Stage, StudioJack Mini and their predecessor, GuitarJack 2 USB.

  • (New in v1.7) Updated for iOS 10, added AudioCopy 3, GuitarTone song tool improvements, and other improvements.

  • (New in v1.8) Works with iOS 11, requires min. iOS 10.0, added GuitarTone 3 amps and effects, lowered latency (256 frame buffer size down from 512), updated Dropbox to V2, and fixed crashes.

  • See StudioTrack Release Notes for more info.

StudioTrack Guide

Discontinued. StudioTrack is no longer available for purchase. If you previously purchased StudioTrack, you may be able to access it. Instructions below.

Getting Started:
When you first launch StudioTrack, track 1 will be armed. The meter for one will light up when you make sound. The ideal recording level is between -18dB and 0dB. You want as much of the meter to light up as possible, but you don't want the red light at the top of the track to light up. This light means the input level has clipped. Clipping causes distortion, which sounds bad. There is no input level control on the iPad. To get a lower level, you either have to reduce the volume of the thing you are recording, or point or move the microphone away from the sound source. Example Headsets/Microphones

Metronome:
To access the metronome popover, tap the metronome icon on the toolbar at the top of the screen. The BPM of your song can either be tapped in or set with the dial at the bottom of the popover. Various types and meters of metronome can be selected by scrolling the bar on the left of the popover. The volume and pan of the metronome can be adjusted by tapping the small "S" icon to the bottom right of the metronome popover. Once you are happy with your selection, simply tap the metronome icon once more to make the popover disappear. The current BPM of your song is displayed to the left of the icon.

Recording a Track: When a track has been armed and you are ready to record, slide the record control on the bottom left. Recording begins immediately. It is best to give yourself a count-in (say 1,2,3,4, or tap your foot) so that you know when the next track will start. To stop recording, you can either slide the slider back to its original position or push the play button.

Adding/Moving/Deleting Tracks: To add a track, tap the +track icon to the left of the screen. If this icon is not visible, drag the tracks to the right until it comes into view. StudioTrack currently supports up to eight tracks.

To move a track, tap and hold the bottom area of a track until it "pops" out. You can then drag and drop the track wherever you would like.

To delete a track, tap and hold the bottom area of a track until it "pops" out. Then, drag it to the garbage can icon which appears at the bottom of the screen.

Effects

Adding/Bypassing Effects:
To add effects to a track, tap on the FX icon located at the top of the track. Four selectable effects will be available in the FX tray. Tap and drag which effect you'd like to add to your track. The FX slot can hold either one or two effects depending on their size. The compressor and 1-band EQ occupy half of the FX slot while the 4-band EQ and Delay occupy the entire slot. Once an effect has been inserted into the FX slot, a small "x" will appear on the left hand corner. To remove an effect, tap on this button to remove it. When your desired effect has been inserted, tap on the arrow to the left of the FX tray to use your selected effect. The FX icon at the top of the track will now show a representation of the effect or effects you have added.

To bypass an effect, tap the BYPASS button at the top of your chosen track. Note: The BYPASS button does not appear if your iPad is in landscape mode.

Included Effects and their Operation: StudioTrack includes the following effects which can be inserted on each track:

  • Compressor
  • 1-band parametric EQ
  • 4-band parametric EQ
  • Twin Delay Unity

There are two effects slots on each track. The compressor and 1-band EQ are both one slot effects while the delay and 4-band EQ are two slot effects. To learn more about how these effects work or can be adjusted, tap on the "S" logo on the bottom right of their windows.

Master Reverb: All tracks can be bussed through the master reverb. To adjust the amount of reverb on each track, turn the reverb knob located at the top of your selected track. The amount of reverb on the master out can be adjusted by turning the reverb return knob on the master track.

Using the GuitarTone Song Tool: See video above. The GuitarTone Song Tool includes virtual amps, cabinets, and pedal effects that can be used as an input effect on a single track. More amps and pedal effects can be purchased in the standalone GuitarTone app. Any amps and effects purchased in GuitarTone are automatically unlocked in StudioTrack. See demo video above: Using the GuitarTone and GuitarJack SongTools inside StudioTrack

Step 1:
Tap "Song Tools" and look for the GuitarTone Song Tools icon. (If GuitarTone is currently on, a yellow light will be displayed in the top right corner of the icon. If no yellow light is present, GuitarTone is not on. Tap the icon to begin using GuitarTone.

Step 2:
The first screen you are presented with is a preset tone created by Sonoma Wire Works with an amp, effect and microphone. Slide the entire preset to the left to hear reveal several more presets. To edit the preset effect, amp, or cab/mic, simply touch one of those three icons at the bottom of the preset. Those three icons will allow you to adjust, add and subtract effects, adjust and change the amp, adjust the amp, and change the cab/mic combo for each preset. You can save the changes you've made to each preset by either selecting the SAVE icon or trying to swipe to a new preset. This will allow you to change the name to a unique name, so that you can keep the original preset names and settings in tact, or discard your changes. An alternative way to peruse the presets is to touch the preset list button.

Step 3:
When you are finished creating your tone, tap "Song Tools" to return to the Song Tools menu, or tap the arrow in the upper right corner to go back to your song. Arm the desired track by tapping the "REC ARM" button below the selected track and then slide to record.

To turn GuitarTone on or off, slide the on/off switch located to the left of the preset name in the preset view.

The mix tools popover menu contains several handy tools that can be used once you have recorded your song. To access the mix tools menu, tap on the mix tools icon on the toolbar at the top of the screen.

Bounce:
Your song can be mixed down to track 1 and track 2 by using bounce. Tapping the bounce icon will give you two options, bounce to this song, or bounce to new song. Choose which option you would like and slide your chosen option.

Mixdown:
To mix your song down to one stereo .wav file, tap the mixdown icon in the mix tool popover menu.

AudioCopy/AudioPaste:
AudioCopy/AudioPaste allows you to copy audio from StudioTrack into AudioPaste enabled apps or paste audio into StudioTrack from AudioCopy enabled apps. For a list of AudioCopy/AudioPaste enabled apps, visit the Retonym's AudioCopy page.

File Import/Export: (See warning below)*

Importing WAV, MP3, and AIFF files into StudioTrack can be done in two ways.

1. Audio files attached to emails can be imported by opening the email using the iPad's browser and pressing and holding the file. A dialogue box will open asking which program you would like to open that file in. If StudioTrack is installed on your device, StudioTrack will be an option. This method requires iOS 4 or greater.

2. The second method involves connecting your device to your computer and dragging audio files into the StudioTrack File Sharing section of the Apps tab in iTunes. Tapping the File Import song tool will then load the file. This method requies iOS 4 or greater and iTunes 9.2 or greater.

3. Additionally, see AudioCopy/AudioPaste functionality above for copying and pasting individual tracks between compatible apps.

Exporting from StudioTrack can be done in three ways:

1. File sharing with iTunes - Go into the StudioTrack File Sharing section of the Apps tab in iTunes and drag your session onto your desktop.

2. DropBox - Tap the Mix Tools button and then DropBox. Sign in to your DropBox account and upload the song to the cloud.

3. See AudioCopy/AudioPaste functionality above for copying and pasting individual tracks between compatible apps.

*Important Warning - To prevent losing data during iTunes sync:

1. MAC - Before connecting your device, in iTunes, click on Preferences - Devices to access the device menu. Make sure the "Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically" box is checked. Doing this will require you to manually sync from this point forward.
PC - Before connecting your device, in iTunes click Edit - Preferences - Devices tab. Make sure the "Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically" box is checked. Doing this will require you to manually sync from this point forward.

2. Before syncing, back up your device. To back up, right click on your device and click "Back Up".

3. Before syncing, make sure to transfer purchases. To do this click File - Transfer Purchases from "NAME OF YOUR DEVICE" Following these steps will prevent information from being deleted accidentally from your device. For additional information, consult Apple.com.

WiFi Sync:
Once you have recorded a song and you want to download the tracks to your computer, use Wifi-Sync to export your tracks to your computer. Make sure your iPad is connected to the same WiFi network as your computer. Tap the WiFi sync icon in the mix tools popover.

A black screen will appear with an IP address that looks something like this as an example, (will be a different address): http://192.168.0.101:24601 Enter this URL into your web browser to download your tracks as .wav files that can be used in most desktop recording programs

Settings: The Settings button allows you to turn input monitoring on or off and adjust the timeline's snap.

The songs menu provides an easy way to manage your songs and can be accessed by tapping "songs" to the left of the toolbar located at the top of the screen. When tapped, the mix screen will minimize, allowing you to scroll through songs you have recorded on your device. If you wish to rename a song, tap on its title and the onscreen keyboard will appear.

StudioTrack FAQs

GuitarJack Stage and StudioJack Mini are the successors to GuitarJack Model 2. They offer the same high quality audio designed by Joe Bryan, continue to be device powered, and are also made in the U.S.A. StudioJack Mini has an ABS molded plastic housing with knurled aluminum knobs - it is still rugged but less heavy than GuitarJack Model 2. GuitarJack Stage and StudioJack Mini offer major improvements over GuitarJack Model 2, including pass-through charging for iPhone/iPad/iPod touch; iOS/Android/Mac/Win compatibility; input level control knobs with LED metering; and an improved connection to iOS devices with a proprietary, detachable, sturdy Lightning™ cable connector that won't come loose. GuitarJack Stage has similar features to StudioJack Mini, but it adds an expression pedal jack to control wah, volume, or other effects; 2 line level ¼ inch outputs (left and right) for monitors/amps/mixer; 5 knobs, 4 foot switches, and 4 LEDs for controlling MIDI enabled software; all encased in a rugged aluminum chassis. Made in the U.S.A.

FourTrack, StudioTrack and GuitarTone include the Interfaces control panel for setting levels, and the ">GuitarJack Model 2 Control Panel, where users can select an input, and set the input/recording level. Sonoma's interfaces are best sounding input/output solutions for Sonoma's app and for third-party amp models and recording apps like Apple’s GarageBand app. GuitarJack Features, Detailed Technical Specifications, and more can be found in the guides.

GuitarJack 2 USB (replaced by GuitarJack Stage and StudioJack Mini) is a portable audio I/O that connects instruments, microphones headphones and more to PCs, Macs and iPads. Featuring a 1/4 inch instrument input and a 1/8 inch stereo mic/line input and a pristine sounding 24-bit AD/DA converter. With rugged aluminum construction and premium components, GuitarJack 2 USB is a high quality portable audio interface.

See the GuitarJack Stage and StudioJack Mini guides and FAQs for specifics about those interfaces. GuitarJack Model 2 allows you to adjust the analog input level for 60 dB of analog input gain (72 dB with the 12 dB pad) using the GuitarJack Model 2 control panel, located under Song Tools in FourTrack, GuitarTone and StudioTrack. Observe the metering in the GuitarJack Model 2 Song Tool to prevent clipping and set gain level appropriately. See demo video above.

How to adjust the input level for GuitarJack 2 USB

Sonoma Wire Works teamed with Taylor Guitars to create an input EQ for enhancing the FourTrack and StudioTrack recordings of Taylor Guitars or any acoustic instrument. Select from a range of Taylor body styles in basic mode, or select the Advanced tab to adjust the 6 band parametric equalizer manually. The Taylor EQ Song Tool includes all the same features as the Taylor EQ app did. The Taylor EQ standalone app is no longer available.

The GuitarTone amp and effects Song Tool built-in to FourTrack and StudioTrack includes all the same features as the GuitarTone app except there is no iPod playthrough and no preset saving and loading in FourTrack and StudioTrack like there is in GuitarTone. iPod playthrough is possible in GuitarTone, but not possible in FourTrack or StudioTrack. GuitarTone is available in the GuitarTone app, FourTrack and StudioTrack. Additional amps and effects (AmpPack 1, AmpPack 2, PedalPack 1 and PedalPack 2 may be purchased for $9.99/each in the GuitarTone standalone app. Once purchased in the GuitarTone app, these packs are activated automatically in StudioTrack and FourTrack.

We are currently investigating adding Audiobus and/or inter-app audio to StudioTrack. As of now, StudioTrack does not support third-party amp modeling.

Yes, Sonoma makes the GuitarTone app, a standalone app and a Song Tool in FourTrack and StudioTrack. Additional amps and effects (AmpPack 1, AmpPack 2, PedalPack 1 and PedalPack 2 may be purchased for $9.99/each in the GuitarTone standalone app. Once purchased in the GuitarTone app, these packs are activated automatically in StudioTrack and FourTrack.

GuitarJack Stage and StudioJack Mini can simultaneously record instrument and microphones using both inputs with apps like FourTrack and StudioTrack that support those features. Third-party interfaces like Line 6 Mobile In support only one input source at a time. Other than that, users have reported that Line 6 Mobile In works with StudioTrack. The Line 6 Mobile POD® app does not offer recording or AudioCopy and AudioPaste like StudioTrack and FourTrack do.

There is currently no syncronized record and playback system on Android, which is necessary for multitrack recording development. Also the Android SDK doesn't include latency information feedback yet, which is also necessary for developing a quality multitrack recording app. Sonoma Wire Works has announced a low latency audio solution for Android device manufacturers. Once this solution is installed on Android devices, we will be able to offer audio software and for Android. Sonoma's audio interfaces (GuitarJack Stage and StudioJack Mini) were designed to work with select Android devices.

As of iOS 7: Regarding apps like FourTrack and StudioTrack - A user is presented with a popup when launching any app that uses the microphone. They have to give permission to the app to access the microphone. If you select "no" that app (FourTrack, StudioTrack, GuitarTone) cannot get input from the device. Even though it seems to only refer to the built in microphone, it really means ALL audio input including GuitarJack. To fix this, the user needs to launch the Settings App and go to Privacy - Microphone and then change the switch so it shows green.

StudioTrack iOS App is Discontinued

StudioTrack is no longer being offered as a new purchase on iTunes. If you previously purchased StudioTrack, you may be able to access it on iTunes. However, Sonoma cannot guarantee that it will work on current iOS versions.

To re-download an app you previously purchased on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch:
Tap App Store.

On an iPhone or iPod touch:
Tap Updates, then tap Purchased.

On an iPad:
Tap Purchased.

Scroll to find the app that you want to download.
Tap the Download icon.

After the app downloads, you can open it from your Home screen.

"DrumCore is so handy and so very easy to use! It's very close to having a live drummer with you."

Learn more about DrumCore
M83
Anthony Gonzalez of M83

"I'm obsessed with this recording app on my iPhone- the Sonoma Wire Works FourTrack. It's like you have a superpowerful studio in your pocket."

Learn more about FourTrack
avatar
Trey Anastasio of Phish

"Just tried out Sonoma Wire Works GuitarJack plus the new upgraded FourTrack app. Beautiful crystal clear sparkling audio in iOS!"

Learn more about GuitarJack
avatar
Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater

"RiffWorks is an incredible tool to get songs done stupid fast!"

Learn more about RiffWorks
avatar
Johnny "Juice" Rosado of Public Enemy