This article aims to provide an overview of the top studio recording apps available for Android and iOS devices. With the increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets, mobile recording has become an essential tool for musicians, podcasters, and audio professionals looking to capture high-quality recordings on-the-go. The selection of apps available in the market can be overwhelming, making it challenging to choose the best one suited to individual needs. This article will explore the different features of the leading apps, their compatibility with different devices, and their suitability for various recording scenarios, to help readers make an informed decision.
We have compiled a list of 8 Best Studio Recording Apps (Android & iOS) for your consideration, which have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by our team of experts.
Table of Contents
8 Best Studio Recording Apps (Android & iOS)
1. StudioMini XL
StudioMini XL is an iPad recording app that was used by the multi-platinum band Gorillaz on their album ‘The Fall’. It offers pro quality audio and audio loops, among other features.
The app records in 44.1 kHz / 16 bit audio quality, which is the standard for crystal clear and uncompressed audio. It also records mono or stereo WAV audio files, which is a universally used Linear PCM format. The audio files and loops created using StudioMini XL can be used on any computer with any audio software. The app offers multitrack recording on 8 tracks and input monitoring that allows users to listen to audio input in real time through StudioMini XL with the lowest latency their device can handle.
StudioMini XL has an additional loops track with 78 built-in professionally produced loops spanning 13 styles of music. It also includes a metronome that is part of the loops track and is sampled from a classic metronome to sound like the real thing. Users can create final mixes in the WAV or AAC formats and download them to their computer or email them directly from their iPad. The app allows users to download their files to their computer using Wi-Fi Sync or iTunes File Sharing. They can also add files into StudioMini XL from their Music Library or through iTunes File Sharing and then import into StudioMini XL tracks. Each song comes with a notepad for keeping track of notes, lyrics, chord progressions, etc.
The app has solo, mute, and record enable buttons available for each track, just like on professional hardware mixers. Simulated LED lights on top of each track indicate whether the track has a recording on it, to help prevent recording over good takes. StudioMini XL also has a pitch reference tuner, a count-in that sets up the tempo before recording starts to keep users in perfect time, and a timeline slider that enables moving back and forth to any spot in the song.
2. AmpliTube for iPad
AmpliTube is a mobile guitar and bass tone studio that provides a large collection of virtual gear. Users can assemble their own guitar or bass rig, complete with up to 6 stompbox effects, an amplifier and cabinet with mics. IK’s interfaces like iRig 2 or iRig HD 2 can be used to plug instruments into an iPad. AmpliTube comes with 17 stompbox effects, 8 amplifiers, 10 speaker cabinets, and 2 mics. Users can expand this with nearly 150 amps and stompboxes from top brands or unlock rigs from famous musicians like Slash, Dimebag Darrell, Jimi Hendrix, and now Brian May.
For live performances, AmpliTube features Live Mode, which offers an optimized GUI with all the settings and controls needed in an easy-to-read format. Users can control their virtual rig just like real gear, change presets, trigger FX, loops, and more right from their feet. AmpliTube pairs with iRig Stomp I/O for a powerful all-in-one stage rig, works wirelessly with iRig Blueboard, and supports other MIDI controllers as well.
AmpliTube also offers innovative ways to play, practice, and record with optional in-app purchases, including a looper, more drum track loops, a full 8-track recorder, and DAW-style studio. AmpliTube is a versatile tool suitable for home, studio, or stage use.
The platform can create guitar and bass rigs with up to 6 stomps, 1 amp, and 1 cab with 2 mics. It includes 17 stomps, 8 amps, 10 cabinets, and 2 mics, which are expandable with nearly 150 gear models available from Fender™, Ampeg®, Orange®, Mesa/Boogie®, Slash, Dimebag Darrell, Jimi Hendrix, and now Brian May.
3. GarageBand
GarageBand is a music-making app that enables you to use your iPhone or iPad as a collection of Touch Instruments and a full-featured recording studio. With Live Loops, it is easy for anyone to have fun creating music like a DJ. You can use Multi-Touch gestures to play keyboards, guitars, and create beats, even if you have never played an instrument before. You can also plug a guitar or bass and play through classic amps and stompbox effects. With support for up to 32 tracks, you can instantly record a performance using a Touch Instrument, microphone, or guitar. GarageBand’s Sound Library offers free instruments, loops, and sound packs created by some of the biggest producers in the world. Once you have created your song, you can share it with friends and family.
Live Loops is a feature in GarageBand that enables you to create music like a DJ. You can tap and trigger a Live Loop cell or group of cells using Multi-Touch, get started with templates, build your grid from scratch using Apple Loops, or create custom loops by recording directly into a cell using any Touch Instrument. You can also use Remix FX to perform DJ-style effects and tap record to capture your performance.
GarageBand enables you to play a variety of musical instruments on the innovative Multi-Touch keyboard, play and record using the Alchemy Touch Instrument, build grooves inspired by classic electronic drum machines with the Beat Sequencer, download free instruments, loops, and sound packs with the Sound Library, capture any sound and apply studio-class effects, recreate legendary guitar or bass rigs using virtual amps and stompboxes, and record performances from third-party music apps directly into GarageBand using Audio Unit Extensions.
Drummer for iOS is a feature in GarageBand that allows you to add virtual session drummers to your song, who take direction and play realistic grooves.
4. MultiTrack DAW
MultiTrack DAW is a digital audio workstation that allows users to create up to 32 high quality audio tracks on their iOS device. With the ability to record multiple takes, harmonies, solos, and experiments, each instrument can have its own track, eliminating the need to worry about bouncing. Users can monitor and overdub tracks, trim audio, and mix sound to create a professional-quality audio product. A variety of sharing options are available to export the finished work.
MultiTrack DAW offers a wide range of input capabilities, including the built-in mic, headset mics, and USB interfaces and mics, as well as AudioUnits (AUv3) and IAA (Inter-App Audio) support for inputs and effects. Users can import mp3, ogg, wav, aac, m4a, aif, and m4a file types through eight different methods, including iTunes/Finder File Sharing, Wi-Fi, Drag&Drop, Copy/Paste, ‘Open in…’, Airdrop, the device’s Files app, and the Music Library. Whole projects can be archived in-app and shared or sent directly to other devices via AirDrop, Wi-Fi, or any other iOS sharing method.
Features of MultiTrack DAW include 2 stereo audio tracks upgradable to 32, 16 inputs simultaneously (USB interface required), and 16, 24, or 32 bit floating point at 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz professional quality lossless audio for each track. Generators, instruments, and effects are supported through Inter-App Audio / AudioUnits v3, and up to 4 AU/IAA plugins can be used on each track, 2 effects busses, and the master out. Audiobus 3 can be used as a sender for any track or master out and supports saving and restoring state.
5. Pitched Tuner
Pitched Instrument Tuner and Pitch Pipe is a mobile application designed by musicians to assist users in tuning a wide range of instruments, including the ukulele, violin, guitar, kalimba, and voice. The app offers simple controls and clear visuals that cater to beginners and provides professional-level accuracy for advanced players through responsive and precise algorithms.
Users can choose from a variety of instrument tunings or create their own with the pro upgrade. The reference tuning pitch can vary from the common 440Hz, and transposition is available for non-concert pitch instruments. Additionally, users can choose between light and dark themes and adjust the volume sensitivity for noisy environments. The pitch pipe feature allows users to sound a reference note and tune by ear.
Hands-free tuning is possible with Pitched, allowing users to tune all strings without having to touch the screen. The app offers two modes: instrument tuner and chromatic tuner. The instrument tuner displays target notes for the selected instrument and tuning, and the chromatic tuner shows the closest note to what is being played.
Pitched Tuner displays the frequency being played, the nearest note, and the error in cents through a traditional tuner needle and dial. The app also works as a pitch pipe and provides a reference note for tuning or re-stringing instruments.
Pitched Tuner supports banjo, bass 4, 5, and 6 string, cello, double bass, guitar including 7 string, ukulele, viola, and violin. Users can easily create their own tunings within the app. If users need a guitar, ukulele, violin, or kalimba tuner, they are encouraged to try Pitched Tuner.
6. BandLab – Social Music Maker and Recording Studio
BandLab is a music recording and social platform with over 37 million users worldwide. The platform allows users to create and share music regardless of their skill level or background. BandLab’s Mix Editor is a multi-track music maker that lets users record, edit, and remix their music. The platform offers royalty-free sound packs from various genres such as EDM, hip-hop, rock, rap, and more.
BandLab provides users with unlimited cloud storage and accessibility across all devices, enabling them to access their music from anywhere. The platform’s social networking features allow users to connect with collaborators, find new friends, or start a band with fellow musicians without auditions. BandLab’s Creator Connect matches users with potential beat makers, producers, or DJs who share their music tastes and inspirations.
The platform allows users to discover millions of tracks made by artists and DJs, create personalized playlists, and watch live music performances from top creators. BandLab is free to use without any subscription fees, paywalls, or limits to users’ experience. The platform can be used to make custom instruments, record audio, create beats, edit audio, and more.
BandLab’s features include a Sampler, a tool for creating custom instruments, over 15,000 royalty-free sounds, and the ability to import one’s own sounds. The 16-Track Mix Editor is a multi-track digital audio workstation, and the platform offers over 330 virtual MIDI instruments. Users can choose from over 180 vocal/guitar/bass effect presets and use the Looper to create beats instantly from a library of loops. BandLab’s built-in mastering feature supports mp3 and other formats. The platform also allows users to create expressive video clips using world-class effects through the Video Mix feature. The Explore feature allows users to browse and discover music made by other creators.
7. Music Studio
Music Studio is a music production environment designed for mobile devices. It contains features and sound quality comparable to desktop applications and expensive audio hardware. Piano keyboard and 11 studio-quality instruments (123 in the full version) are included, along with a 127-track sequencer, note editing, reverb, real-time effects, and more. The interface is user-friendly.
Latency issues may arise on some Android devices, according to the in-app FAQ. Black bars are also visible at the left and right screen borders on some Android devices. This issue will be resolved in a future update.
Features of Music Studio include a photorealistic dynamically configurable 85-key keyboard, instant positioning via slide gesture and resize with pinch gesture, 11 studio-recorded instruments, pitch bend wheel and accelerometer control, audio tracks for microphone recording and audio file import (wav and m4a), waveform and audio region editing, low-latency, highly optimized, 128x polyphony, battery saving audio engine, 10 drum loops, high-quality reverb and resonant filter and limiter effect, and a 127-track sequencer for beat and metronome settings.
The Lite version has some limitations including the inability to save, export or share, only 11 instruments, limitation of 2 audio tracks (as opposed to 127 in the full version), lack of 3 effects (Delay, EQ and Amp), only 10 beats, disabled MIDI import/export and no add-on packages.
The Xewton forum welcomes questions, feedback and bug reports regarding Music Studio. Video tutorials may be found on the Xewton YouTube channel.
8. The Metronome by Soundbrenner
The Metronome by Soundbrenner is an app designed to help musicians play with accuracy. It features an intuitive interface, powerful customization, and world-class setlist management. The app is free, making it accessible to all musicians regardless of their instrument or skill level.
One of the main goals of the development team was to create a better metronome app than what was currently available. The Metronome by Soundbrenner is a professional tool that works well for daily practice, live performances, and recording studio sessions.
The app offers several highlights, including easy-to-use but powerful features, rock-solid precision, the ability to change the time signature and subdivision, and powerful customization with more than 20 sounds and a choice between dark and light themes. It also offers advanced features such as USB MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI, and Ableton Link.
The Metronome by Soundbrenner has received positive reviews from the press, including being named “Best in Show” at The NAMM Show and “The best metronome app” by WIRED. Drummer Pete Korpela has also praised the app for its sleek design, intuitive controls, and usefulness for practicing tempo.
Soundbrenner is a company that creates innovative music tools to make practice easier for musicians. To learn more about Soundbrenner and its products, visit their website. The company also has a presence on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.