Welcome to SonicDNA Engine support page.
SonicDNA Engine is an IR/NAM audio processor app with AUv3 plugin support for iOS.
Overview
SonicDNA Engine transforms your iPhone or iPad into a versatile audio processor. Load IR (Impulse Response) files for speaker/room/mic simulation and NAM (Neural Amp Modeler) files for equipment modeling, with real-time low-latency audio processing.
Whether you're a guitarist, keyboardist, vocalist, synthesizer enthusiast, or audiophile — SonicDNA Engine processes your audio through AI-powered modeling and convolution in real time.
Key Features
NAM Equipment Modeling
Load Neural Amp Modeler files to recreate the sound of real audio equipment — guitar amps, bass amps, preamps, channel strips, and more — with AI-powered digital modeling.
IR Convolution Processing
Load impulse response files for accurate simulation of speakers, cabinets, rooms, microphones, and acoustic spaces using FFT-based convolution.
Built-in Effects
- Noise Gate - Adjustable threshold with smooth gating
- 3-Band EQ - Low shelf, Mid bell, High shelf parametric EQ
- Input/Output Gain - Full signal level control
- Dry/Wet Mix - Blend between original and processed signal
AUv3 Plugin
Use SonicDNA Engine as an Audio Unit Extension in any AUv3-compatible host:
- AUM, GarageBand, Cubasis, BeatMaker, and more
- Full parameter control within host apps
- IR/NAM file loading from within the plugin
Standalone Effector Mode
Connect your instrument or microphone via USB audio interface and use as a standalone processor:
- Real-time audio processing with low latency
- Support for USB audio interfaces
- 48kHz sample rate
Preset System
Save and recall your favorite settings including IR/NAM selection and all parameter values.
Use Cases
For Guitarists & Bassists
Load NAM amp models and IR cabinet simulations for a complete amp-in-a-box experience. Access thousands of community amp models from ToneHunt.
For Keyboardists & Synth Players
Run your keyboard or synthesizer through vintage preamp models and speaker IRs. Add analog warmth and character to digital sounds.
For Vocalists & Podcasters
Use microphone IRs to simulate classic studio microphones. Apply subtle preamp coloring to your vocal chain.
For Audiophiles & Sound Designers
Experiment with room IRs, speaker simulations, and equipment modeling. Shape your listening experience with precision convolution processing.
Setup Guide
Standalone Mode
Instrument/Mic → Audio Interface → iPhone/iPad → Audio Interface → Speakers/Headphones
(SonicDNA Engine)
- Connect your USB audio interface to iPhone/iPad
- Connect your instrument or microphone to audio interface input
- Connect audio interface output to speakers/headphones
- Launch SonicDNA Engine (audio engine starts automatically)
- Load IR and/or NAM files
AUv3 Plugin Mode
- Open your AUv3 host app (AUM, GarageBand, etc.)
- Add SonicDNA Engine as an Audio Unit effect
- Load IR/NAM files from the plugin interface
- Adjust parameters as needed
Using the App
Loading IR Files
- Go to the IR tab
- Tap + to import WAV files
- Select the IR file to activate it
- Supported format: WAV (any sample rate, mono/stereo)
Loading NAM Files
- Go to the NAM tab
- Tap + to import .nam/.json files
- Select the NAM model to activate it
- Supported: WaveNet, LSTM, Linear architectures
Signal Chain
Input → Input Gain → Noise Gate → NAM → EQ → IR Convolution → Output Level → Mix → Output
Controls
| Control | Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| INPUT | 0 - 2x | Input gain before processing |
| OUTPUT | 0 - 2x | Output level after processing |
| MIX | 0% - 100% | Dry/Wet blend (0%=dry, 100%=wet) |
| Noise Gate | -96 to 0 dB | Gate threshold |
| EQ Low | -12 to +12 dB | Low shelf (200 Hz) |
| EQ Mid | -12 to +12 dB | Mid bell (1 kHz) |
| EQ High | -12 to +12 dB | High shelf (4 kHz) |
FAQ
What audio interfaces are supported?
Any class-compliant USB audio interface should work. Tested with common interfaces like ZOOM AMS-22.
What instruments/sources can I use?
Anything that outputs audio — electric guitar, bass, keyboards, synthesizers, microphones, drum machines, or any line-level source.
Where can I get IR files?
IR files are available from many sources:
- Create your own with SonicDNA Collector
- Speaker/cabinet IRs from communities like ToneHunt
- Room and reverb IRs from various online sources
- Microphone simulation IRs
- Many free and commercial IR packs available online
Where can I get NAM files?
NAM models can be found at:
- Tone3000 - Community NAM model sharing
- Train your own using Neural Amp Modeler
What NAM architectures are supported?
SonicDNA Engine supports WaveNet, LSTM, and Linear NAM architectures.
Is there latency?
The app uses a 128-sample buffer at 48kHz (~2.7ms). Total round-trip latency depends on your audio interface.
Can I use this with GarageBand?
Yes! SonicDNA Engine works as an AUv3 effect plugin in GarageBand and other AUv3 hosts.
What is the relationship with SonicDNA Collector?
SonicDNA Collector captures the sonic characteristics of analog equipment. SonicDNA Engine plays back those captured characteristics. Together they form the SonicDNA ecosystem: Capture → Play.
Contact
If you have questions or feedback, please contact us at:
sonicdna@hakaru.net