Documentation

Audio Recording

Professional microphone recording with zero-latency monitoring and real-time level metering

Recording Basics

Professional Audio Capture

Stori provides professional-grade audio recording from your Mac's microphone or external audio interface:

  • ✓ One-Click Recording: Simple workflow for quick captures
  • ✓ Real-Time Monitoring: Hear yourself with zero latency
  • ✓ Level Metering: Visual EQ display during recording
  • ✓ Professional WAV: High-quality 44.1kHz audio files
  • ✓ Automatic Regions: Recordings appear instantly on timeline
  • ✓ Input Selection: Choose from available audio devices
  • ✓ Auto-Naming: Files named with date/time stamps
🎤

Recording interface with input level meters

🚀 Quick Start Recording

Record audio in 4 simple steps:

1️⃣

Create Audio Track

Track menu → New Audio Track (⌘⇧A). The track appears in the timeline ready for recording.

2️⃣

Arm for Recording

Click the red record button (●) on the track header. Input monitoring activates automatically.

3️⃣

Press Record

Click the red record button in transport controls. Start speaking/singing into microphone.

4️⃣

Stop Recording

Press record button again to stop. Audio region appears on timeline, ready to play back.

🔴

Track with record arm button active and input meter

Detailed Workflow

Complete Recording Process

Step-by-step guide to professional recording:

  • ✓ Grant Permissions: macOS will request microphone access on first use
  • ✓ Select Input: Choose audio device in track settings
  • ✓ Check Levels: Speak/sing to see input meter respond
  • ✓ Arm Track: Click red ● button on track header
  • ✓ Monitor Input: Hear yourself through speakers/headphones
  • ✓ Start Recording: Click transport record button
  • ✓ Perform: Recording captures all audio input
  • ✓ Stop: Click record button again or press Space
Input Monitoring

Zero-Latency Monitoring

Real-time audio monitoring while recording:

  • ✓ Automatic Activation: Monitoring starts when track is armed
  • ✓ Zero Latency: Direct hardware monitoring, no delay
  • ✓ Level Control: Adjust monitoring volume independently
  • ✓ Visual Feedback: Input level meters show signal strength
  • ✓ EQ Display: Real-time frequency visualization
  • ✓ Auto-Teardown: Monitoring stops when recording stops
  • ✓ Safe for Headphones: Prevents feedback with proper gain staging
📊

Real-time input level meter with frequency display

📈 Level Metering & Gain Staging

🎚️

Input Levels

Monitor your input signal to ensure clean recordings without distortion:

  • Green = Good (-24dB to -12dB)
  • Yellow = Hot (-12dB to -6dB)
  • Orange = Very Hot (-6dB to -3dB)
  • Red = Clipping (0dB+ - TOO LOUD!)
  • Peak hold indicator
  • Real-time frequency display

Target: Aim for peaks around -12dB to -6dB (yellow zone) for optimal signal-to-noise ratio.

🎛️

Gain Staging

Proper gain staging ensures clean, professional recordings:

  • Adjust input gain on interface
  • Leave 6-12dB headroom
  • Avoid hitting 0dB (red)
  • Test with loud parts first
  • Set level, then don't touch
  • Better quiet than distorted

Pro Tip: Set your level with the loudest part of your performance to avoid clipping later.

📁

Recorded audio files automatically named and organized

File Management

Recording Files

How Stori manages recorded audio files:

  • ✓ Auto-Naming: Files named `Recording_Track_1_YYYY-MM-DD_HH-MM-SS.wav`
  • ✓ Project Bundle: Recordings stored in project bundle
  • ✓ WAV Format: Professional 44.1kHz/16-bit audio
  • ✓ Instant Playback: Recordings immediately playable
  • ✓ Waveform Display: Visual representation on timeline
  • ✓ Non-Destructive: Original recordings never modified
  • ✓ Organized: All project audio in one location
Multiple Takes

Recording Multiple Takes

Professional workflow for capturing multiple performances:

  • ✓ Create New Track: Each take on separate track for easy comparison
  • ✓ Keep Armed: Leave track armed between takes
  • ✓ Record Take: Press record, perform, stop
  • ✓ Playback: Press Space to review
  • ✓ Record Again: Press record for next take (new region appears)
  • ✓ Compare: Solo different takes to choose best
  • ✓ Comp: Extract best parts from each take
  • ✓ Delete Unused: Remove unwanted takes to save space
🎵

Multiple takes on separate tracks for easy comparison

🔧 Troubleshooting Recording Issues

❌ No Input Signal

  • Check macOS microphone permissions
  • System Settings → Privacy → Microphone → Enable Stori
  • Verify correct input selected
  • Test microphone in another app
  • Check cable connections
  • Restart audio interface

❌ Clipping/Distortion

  • Lower input gain on interface
  • Move away from microphone
  • Use pop filter for vocals
  • Check for feedback loops
  • Disable input monitoring if feeding back
  • Aim for -12dB to -6dB peaks

❌ Latency Issues

  • Lower buffer size in audio settings
  • Use direct hardware monitoring
  • Close other audio applications
  • Disable software effects during tracking
  • Use external audio interface
  • Check system audio settings

❌ No Playback After Recording

  • Check track mute/solo status
  • Verify volume fader is up
  • Check master output level
  • Ensure correct output device
  • Try disarming track and playing again
  • Restart Stori if issue persists

    • ❌ Background Noise

    • Record in quiet environment
    • Use noise gate or gate plugin
    • Lower input gain appropriately
    • Use quality microphone
    • Position mic away from fans/AC
    • Apply noise reduction in post

    ❌ Incomplete Recordings

    • Check available disk space
    • Verify project bundle location writable
    • Don't stop recording too quickly
    • Let recording finish before closing
    • Check system resources (CPU/RAM)
    • Close unnecessary applications