SonicDNA Collector

SonicDNA Collector

Analog Gear Frequency Analyzer for iOS

SonicDNA Collector
Download on the
App Store

Welcome to SonicDNA Collector support page.

SonicDNA Collector is an audio measurement app designed for capturing the sonic characteristics of analog audio equipment for digital modeling purposes.

Overview

SonicDNA Collector generates logarithmic sweep signals while simultaneously recording, enabling detailed analysis of frequency response, harmonic distortion, and other characteristics of your audio equipment.

Key Features

Logarithmic Sweep Generation

Generate professional-grade logarithmic sweep signals (20Hz - 20kHz) for accurate frequency response measurement.

Gain Staircase Recording

Record multiple sweeps at different gain levels automatically:

  • 5 Steps: -30dB to -6dB (practical range)
  • 11 Steps: -100dB to 0dB (full dynamic range)

Real-time Monitoring

  • Dual VU meters for Input/Output levels
  • FFT spectrum analyzer
  • Clipping detection with visual indicators

Professional I/O

  • Support for USB audio interfaces
  • 96kHz sample rate
  • Low-latency monitoring

Debug Console

Real-time logging of audio engine status, device detection, and recording progress.

Setup Guide

Equipment Connection

iPhone/iPad → Audio Interface → Equipment Under Test → Audio Interface → iPhone/iPad
   (Output)                        (Input)                              (Input)
  1. Connect your USB audio interface to iPhone/iPad
  2. Route audio interface output to equipment input
  3. Route equipment output back to audio interface input
  4. Launch SonicDNA Collector

Gain Calibration

  1. Tap 0dBFS button to play test tone
  2. Warning: Full-scale signal - start with low volume!
  3. Adjust your audio interface gain until input meter shows appropriate level
  4. Avoid input clipping (red "C" indicator)

Recording Workflow

Basic Recording

  1. Enter device name (e.g., "Neve 1073", "LA-2A")
  2. Select step count (5 or 11 steps)
  3. Press the red record button
  4. Wait for all sweeps to complete
  5. Find recordings in the Recordings tab

Understanding the Output

Each recording session creates a folder containing:

  • Individual WAV files for each gain level
  • metadata.json with session parameters
  • Sample rate and device information

Analysis

The recorded sweep files can be analyzed using:

  • The built-in analysis tools
  • Python analysis toolkit (included)
  • Third-party audio analysis software

Measurements Available

  • Frequency Response
  • THD (Total Harmonic Distortion)
  • THD+N (THD plus Noise)
  • Impulse Response extraction
  • Gain linearity analysis

FAQ

What audio interfaces are supported?

Any class-compliant USB audio interface should work. Tested with ZOOM AMS-22.

Why 96kHz sample rate?

Higher sample rate provides better frequency resolution and captures harmonics beyond the audible range for more accurate modeling.

What does INPUT vs OUTPUT clipping mean?

  • INPUT clipping: Hardware ADC overload - reduce interface gain
  • OUTPUT clipping: Digital full-scale signal - normal for 0dBFS test tone

How long is each sweep?

Each sweep is 5 seconds, with 1 second silence before and after. Total ~7 seconds per step.

Contact

If you have questions or feedback, please contact us at:
sonicdna@hakaru.net

Links