StudioTrack app for Apple iPad by Sonoma Wire Works

[hannah6months09]

Wow ..is this your voice?

[sonomawireworks]

@hannah6months09 Yes, that is the voice and guitar playing of Hayden Bursk, Director of Mobile Apps here at Sonoma Wire Works. Hayden releases music under the name Oh Travioso, look him up! :)

[sduross]

Thinking about buying a Pad if I can do recording on it. What sort of connections do you need to get your sound into the iPad? Can it record more than one track at a time, or only one (or a stereo track)? Will I need firewire or something? Do I just plug in? What will I need?

[sonomawireworks]

@sduross You can record with either the iPad's build in mic, a microphone or interface that plugs into the headset jack, or a dock connecting interface. We make GuitarJack, a dock connecting interface that offers a mono 1/4 inch jack and a stereo 1/8 inch jack. At the moment, it records one track at a time, but we are going to update StudioTrack to be able to record two mono or one stereo track shortly. Hope that answers your question!

[sduross]

@sonomawireworks When will stereo recording be possible?

[sonomawireworks]

@sduross Our engineers are working on a StudioTrack update now, so very soon! Thanks for using StudioTrack :)

[EffectFreak94]

Hello. Is this a good app for recording and mixing your own sounds such as a guitar and bass and putting them together to form a song?

[sonomawireworks]

@EffectFreak94 Yes StudioTrack is great for recording multiple instruments, like guitar and bass and putting them into a song. We've got some exciting developments in the works for StudioTrack users, so stay tuned for announcements.

[sonomawireworks]

@EffectFreak94 Absolutely! All of the guitars and vocals in the song featured in this video were recorded in StudioTrack. The drum track was imported to StudioTrack from our InstantDrummer apps. Thanks for writing!

[ceebeegeebee1]

Hi this looks wicked, i am DJ, and use a programme on my pc called MixMeister, and would like something similar for my iPad, could i make dj mixes with studiotrack? by loading mp3s into the 8 channels and mixing them?

[sonomawireworks]

@ceebeegeebee1 Hi there, thanks for your interest! StudioTrack is a multitrack recording app, and does not feature tempo-stretching like MixMeister. Also, at the moment we do not offer a waveform view (but that is coming in a future update) for lining up audio files. Tempo-stretching is a great feature, I'll suggest it to the devs! Thanks again :)

[JaySolo]

Hi, can you import a mp3 and place it into the program?

[sonomawireworks]

@JaySolo Yes, you can import through iTunes or by sending an email with the mp3 as an attachment

[2kdakid]

And the song is pretty dope!

[sonomawireworks]

@2kdakid Thanks! That's our own Hayden Bursk a.k.a. Oh Travioso. Look him up on iTunes! :)

[KagenKnows]

Can you AutoTune Your Voice.

PLEASE REPLY

[sonomawireworks]

@KagenKnows Hello, as of now you cannot auto tune your voice in our app. Thanks for your interest

[northernmonkii]

I use protools as my main recording software for recording upto 8 inputs etc, but I hate taking my laptop and interface to practise every week to do single mic room recordings. Hypothetically, using irig would studio track be suitable for single mic room recordings? I appreciate any help

[algebraparish]

once your done creating a song can you save the song as a mp3 then upload it to myspace or youtube?

[sonomawireworks]

@algebraparish You can export as WAV and wifi sync or transfer to your computer through the dock connecting cable and iTunes.

[algebraparish]

@sonomawireworks cool but can you upload the song to youtube directly from the ipad without getting another computer involved?

[sonomawireworks]

@algebraparish You can not do that at this time, but that is a interesting idea and I will run it by the devs. Thank you :)

[Richbowker]

hi

can you use the irig to record and connect synths etc?

[sonomawireworks]

@Richbowker Yes the iRig is compatible with StudioTrack but we do not recommend headset line in connectors as there is high cross-talk, meaning, the output is recorded on the input, which is not ideal for multitrack recording.

[Richbowker]

@sonomawireworks how do you recomend recording into the ipad then?

thanks for your help

[sonomawireworks]

@Richbowker The best solution is to either use the iPad's built in mic or a dock connecting input. Sign up to our mailing list and you'll be the first to know of the best methods :)

[uke5417]

Any chance of bringing this to the iPhone, or incorporating the reverb in Four Track, or a freestanding app? There's no reverb on the pod/phone platform right now worth squat. Folks would love it, I think.

[sonomawireworks]

@uke5417 For the time being, the phone hardware is not capable of running an app like StudioTrack, but we are constantly testing and will upgrade FourTrack if we feel the phone is capable of more. Thank you for your interest!

[uke5417]

What about the reverb? Is the phone/Touch capable of handling that particular feature?

[sonomawireworks]

@uke5417 The reverb is the most CPU intensive effect. We might be able to implement a reverb on the master out but I do not think it is likely we could place one on each track.

[uke5417]

Reverb on the way out would be great. If you're taking votes on FourTrack update ideas, put mine toward that. Thanks so much.

[sonomawireworks]

@uke5417 Thanks for the input, we'll definitely keep that in mind :)

[BragNRightsEnt]

so i can record my vocals on here? what kinda of mic do I use ?

[sonomawireworks]

@BragNRightsEnt You can use any headset line in mic or the mic on the iPad itself.

[sonomawireworks]

@333TGINN333Yes we'd love for you to purchase our product. Do you have specific questions I could answer?

[PIRTEKM3]

I'm stupid when it comes to this stuff but heres my question. Can you pull any song from your itunes library and alter it? Does it only work with wav format or can you load mp3 and also remix?

[sonomawireworks]

@PIRTEKM3 You can't import music from your iTunes library into StudioTrack, but you can import any wav or mp3 files.

[TheFrankFactor]

No live input monitoring. This is a terrible shame.

[sonomawireworks]

@TheFrankFactor Input monitoring is being added to the next update

[sonomawireworks]

@TheFrankFactor Input monitoring now included! :)

[nremondelli]

How do you record input effected guitar? I.e distorion, delay etc.

[sonomawireworks]

@nremondelli Currently there is no way to route in real time, audio from one app to another. If you want effects, you need to use some sort effects pedal or effects unit before the audio goes into the iPad

[reefinyateef]

I have a ton of samples that I use on my desktop DAW. If I import the sounds into my ipad, can I select them within StudioTrack as sources for the 8 tracks?

[sonomawireworks]

@reefinyateef 2 methods of file import are being added to StudioTrack for a future version. Please check on our website for details when it is released. Thanks for your interest!

[thejewishrapper]

anyway to export/sync mixes to Garage Band or Logic?

[sonomawireworks]

@thejewishrapper Yes, you can WiFI sync to your desktop computer and load the wav files into any DAW

[mquiroz90]

@sonomawireworks wat computer u useing

[sonomawireworks]

@mquiroz90 This is the iPad simulator running on an iMac

[BrunoBaudewyns]

The only thing missing in studio track and four track is a loop option.

This could be a great practice tool in addition to the songwriting side.

Record a chord progression/groove, loop it and jam/practice anywhere.

Any chance to see that in a future versions?

[sonomawireworks]

@BrunoBaudewyns I can't get into specifics, but many features are being worked on for the next StudioTrack update, I think you'll really enjoy it!

[gadgetaccess]

Looking forward to seeing a serious update of this app and to being able to give it a 5 star review - It has excellent potential. * Excellent concept * Easy to use. * Aesthetically awesome. But... * Fix the crashing on record button * Fix crashing that seems to happen when moving between audio apps. * Resolve the USB audio crashing and audio quality issues! (Major!).. * Fix the USB audio "weird slow playback issue" * Fix the USB audio "scratchy playback issue"... .Potential!

[gadgetaccess]

If Apple drop USB host audio in / out, I'll eat my hat.. It's a pretty fundamental standard - and USB headset support has been an ADVERTISED feature of the iPad.. So - again... Pointless making a poor implementation attempt and blaming the fact that Apply "might" drop it in future.

So far.. Out of all the audio apps I've purchased, StudioTrack crashes the most, it's the least predictable and is the only app so far that doesn't seem to support the Camera Connection kit and Blue Mics Yeti....

[sonomawireworks]

@gadgetaccess We appreciate your enthusiasm for StudioTrack, and there are indeed many features being worked on for future versions :) As far as the USB issue, Apple has not approved the camera connection kit for audio and we have seen Apple stop non approved methods in the recent past. We will do our best to make StudioTrack better with each version and within Apple's guidelines. Thank you for using StudioTrack :)

[gadgetaccess]

Just bought StudioTrack, a Blue Yeti and Camera connection kit ....

Guys.. PLEASE update StudioTrack to support the Yeti properly... The signal to noise is terrible because the Gain control isn't supported.. Nor is the headphone output or volume...

[sonomawireworks]

@gadgetaccess We worry that the iPad camera connection kit might not continue working for audio input for very long (eg. a future OS could stop supporting that behavior), as using it for audio is not its intended purpose, so we don't want to encourage or recommend to users that the camera connection kit is the way to go

[Jlo4661]

can you like change your voice or add effects to your voice when its recorded? Thanx!

[sonomawireworks]

@Jlo4661 StudioTrack has a few built-in effects including a twin delay, EQ, Compressor, and Reverb.

[The10thmodders]

That was unreal mann great job

[sonomawireworks]

@The10thmodders Thank you! We hope you like the app!

[TRUEorFAKE]

It works with built in mic right? and where does it save to and what does it save as? can i upload to my computer (mac)? and does it only use songs from your itunes library or can you record you own stuff ? thanks!

[sonomawireworks]

@TRUEorFAKE Yes it works with the built in mic, or third party mics that plug into the headset jack. Yes you can wi-fi sync to your computer. It is not meant for recording with your iTunes library, it is made for recording your own music. :)

[TRUEorFAKE]

@sonomawireworks Okay! Thanks alot! i'll get it as soon as i have credit ;) Thanks again!

[Drumfreaksoda]

Can you use irig and the blue mikey with this program?

[sonomawireworks]

@Drumfreaksoda iRig works but the Bllue Mikey does not because the connector is different on the iPad/iPhone 4.

[jmyler]

How do you record to it? Is there a dock connection somewhere that you can connect a USB interface? I couldn't imagine any other way to get 8 tracks onto the thing at once

[sonomawireworks]

@jmyler Currently most headphone line in mics should work with StudioTrack. We are currently developing a dock connecting interface for the iPad. We will post progress on sonomawireworks (dot) com

[zellymusic]

I will use this app to add compression to over all tracks or individual tracks

[zellymusic]

This app seems also centered around the mixer where as Multitrack Daw is focused on the arrange or edit view

[zellymusic]

The app look great but what i don't understand is why so you number the tracks from right to left 87654321 Instead of 12345678 Most folks that record in the world don't think this way in terms of tracks and layout?? It seems the apps logic is from right to left instead of the other way around! I'm looking to buy the app but I have seen some bad reviews over the sound quality ! And also why only 8 tracks A netbook with the same power specs With bloated windows os will do at least 24 tracks

[sonomawireworks]

@zellymusic It's customary in a mixer to have the master on the right -filling in from the right seemed best. You can drag around the tracks. We'll consider making this optional. Re: sound quality, we understand that the built in mic is hot on the iPad. We are working on options, but here are options. First, many customers have had success with a headset mic or create a baffle. Check out "JUBILEE The Preacher" on youtube.

[m10banger]

does this work on iPod touch

[sonomawireworks]

@m10banger no but you our FourTrack app works on iPod touch 2nd and 3rd generation, and iPhone 3G and 3GS

[neandergal]

Thanks, sonomawireworks! I really appreciate your info on the software.

[sonomawireworks]

@neandergal Anytime! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any more questions

[neandergal]

question: you have to record live and only drums "come with" it? Is there any iPad app you know of that has midi instruments built in? So that you can record only voices, and use midi (virtual) instruments to fill the other tracks? (I am used to ableton) -- thank you

[sonomawireworks]

@neandergal It is a software version of a hardware eighttrack. Yes you need to record live audio, but StudioTrack features AudioPaste which allows you to copy audio from AudioCopy enabled apps. There are many synth and drum apps available that feature this. Thank you for your interest!

[neandergal]

@sonomawireworks :

"StudioTrack features AudioPaste which allows you to copy audio from AudioCopy enabled apps." -- how can you do this with a piece of hardware (iPad) that does not have multitasking capabilities? just asking! (thanks for your response)

[sonomawireworks]

@neandergal The audio is copied to a virtual clipboard. You can then open up StudioTrack and "paste" this audio into your song.

[neandergal]

@sonomawireworks -- ok one more question -- you say "There are many synth and drum apps available that feature this. " that's very cool. But can you recommended a really good way to record VOCALS with all this? I find that vocals are the hardest to get right. In ableton you have midi tracks into which you can paste synths,drums etc., BUT there are also separate "audio" tracks, and you really have to have a good driver such as ASIO4All as well as a good mic in order to have a good rec'g. thanx!

[sonomawireworks]

@neandergal StudioTrack features 8 mono audio tracks that you can use to record vocals on. No need for drivers. While you can record with the iPad's mic, we recommend using a good headset or headphone line in microphone for the iPad to achieve optimal results.

[ihelpable]

how do u record the screen like that?

[sonomawireworks]

@ihelpable We recorded this video using screen capture software with the iPad simulator that is in Xcode

[legghiu]

does it work only with the ipad microphone?

[sonomawireworks]

@legghiu Any headphone line in mic should work. We are conducting tests all the time and post results on our website sonomawireworks (dot) com

[xROBERTxDAVISx]

an app for 40 dollars? no way. iworks comes to $30 and thats 3 software which is usualy like 80 dollars. I think you should get this cheaper or not many will pay for it.

[lccben]

Is there any way to use an external mic?

[aquasloth]

This looks like an awesome app! I've heard some conflicting things about the recording, though...Let's say I record a track of some guitar riffing using the built-in mic on the iPad. Now, if I want to go back and overdub vocals or maybe a little tambourine or something, am I able to monitor what I've already recorded? Can I monitor through headphones on the iPad while still using the built-in mic to record on a new track? I have read that this is not possible, but I wanted to be sure. :)

[aquasloth]

@aquasloth Never mind -- I think I figured it out -- probably the guy that said you couldn't monitor previous takes wasn't looking at it right. It seems that you can monitor previous takes as you record again.  In any case, you can bet I'll be buying this when I get my iPad soon!

[jaytmek]

This app looks pretty awesome. how did you capture the tracks which you are mixing? were they prerecorded then transferred to the ipad, or is there some hardware available to record directly to it? Thanks

[sonomawireworks]

@jaytmek They were all recorded using the iPad's microphone. The drum track was from our InstantDrummer: Heartbreaker iPhone app using our AudioCopy/AudioPaste feature.

[sonomawireworks]

@jaytmek All tracks but the drums recorded with iPad's mic. Drums are from our InstantDrummer apps

[rhadiem]

I'd love to see a more robust video on the app that goes through it for those of use who haven't tried the iPhone app. I also agree that $40 is a bit much when you can get stuff like a $~400 Korg Electribe-R in app form for $10 bucks. I think you'll likely sell more than 4x as many apps at the lower price-point. Every garage band will want one. Again, looks great but would love to hear more about it in a more robust video. Cheers.

[sonomawireworks]

@rhadiem What would you like to see in a new video? An indepth look at each effect? More instruction on how to use the app? Let us know :)

[itsmeohmeandme]

@sonomawireworks Instructions.

[SJAChurch]

@dillops And yet, here they are... creating content. Boundaries be gone.

[RunOverProductions]

Not working, I want a refund, watch the video on my channel because I cant post a link with comments.

[sxyjavon]

App looks amazing guys. Keep up the good work.

[sonomawireworks]

@sxyjavon Thank you, just wait till you see the new features we have planned!

[sonomawireworks]

@dillops Sorry that you feel that way. Our software is a serious production tool, and we think you might be surprised by how good something can sound recorded with it. We also make the FourTrack app for iPhone and a band called The 88 recorded one of their singles with it, entirely on the phone. Perhaps you should take a listen, it might change your mind. :)

[pipelinepunk1]

@tribalogical My point exactly. Sell a lot more, get your name out. We pay less, tell our friends. Win win.

I didn't see the Mikey on the list of supported mics on StudioTrack's webpage. It's a decent mic, but placement seems tricky especially on the big ole iPad. Let's hope Blue comes out with something awesome. :)

[tribalogical]

The Mikey by Blue Microphones might fit the bill. It connects via the dock connector, and provides direct recording with high quality mics.

I agree the price for StudioTrack is too high for the platform. These are "micro-apps" and should be priced accordingly. You'll get higher volume sales with lower pricing anyway. I'd pay $10 for this in a heartbeat. For example, I bought the AC7-Pro Controller without a second thought, and it's $10. Come on guys.

[jebroder]

Based on the success I've had with FourTrack on the iPhone, looks like I'm gonna have to get an iPad now. These improvements look like you've capitalized on the increased viewable area, not to mention the ability to manipulate the effects on one track at a time.

[pipelinepunk1]

@sonomawireworks I was referring more to my Presonus interface that will never work with this device. When someone starts producing high quality interfaces, paired with your apps, I will have to buy the iPad and interface, and hopefully a lower priced app. I told two Mac junkies about how awesome FourTrack is and they asked the price, they laughed when I said ten dollars. People have a tough time spending that much on an app, it almost stopped me from buying. I love your apps though.

[PorcupineMusic]

Saw this on Engadget's creative iPad apps roundup. Really fantastic job, guys. I was on the fence about the iPad until I saw this and a couple other music apps. I use my iPhone almost daily to jot down song ideas, and this looks like the perfect solution. A little pricey, but you've pretty much sold me on it with the feature set. If you have any suggestions for a decent headset mic to attach, let me know.

[thechubbyman]

that interface looks amazing. i cant help but think 8 tracks isn't enough though. i mean most drum mic setups need 6 or 7 tracks alone.

[sonomawireworks]

@thechubbyman thanks for the UI compliment! It records one track at a time (like GarageBand) and you can bounce.

[pipelinepunk1]

I take it back, $40 app? No thanks. Not when the iPad lacks support of any audio interface devices. Even if it did...

[sonomawireworks]

@pipelinepunk1 Surely there will be audio interface devices in the future. It does work with headset/mics (see links on our studiotrack web page. Feel free to wait to purchase StudioTrack for the devices to be released - shouldn't be too terribly long...

[turtlegiant]

@pipelinepunk1 this app for $40 still beats any portable recorder made by anyone in the last 3 years. I mean I had a Roland Micro BR for recording demos and after 4-track came out for the iPhone & ITouch I simply stopped using the Roland. It's worth the price if you already own and ipad, but sure it's limited... it's really it's not supposed to replace what one can do on a computer.

[pipelinepunk1]

Dangit guys. I didn't want an iPad till I saw this.

Now just call up Blue and get them to make an iPad version of Mikey!

[turtlegiant]

pretty nice, great job guys... FourTrack was the main reason I bought an iPod touch over a year ago and later an Iphone... a lot of our demos were done there, this app looks very promising for the ipad, congrats

[sonomawireworks]

@turtlegiant thanks for the kind words about FourTrack and StudioTrack.

[qpakira]

すごいな！

[philipcarol]

Incredible!!! Now I really have a good reason to get an iPad.

[jersthecool]

WOW that's amazing!

[asakuramk]

IPAD！

[dbagchee]

Looks really nice!

[1234shawn]

Sweet