SonicDNA Collector Support

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)

Connect your USB audio interface to iPhone/iPad
Route audio interface output to equipment input
Route equipment output back to audio interface input
Launch SonicDNA Collector

Gain Calibration

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

📱 Recording Workflow

Basic Recording

Enter device name (e.g., “Neve 1073”, “LA-2A”)
Select step count (5 or 11 steps)
Press the red record button
Wait for all sweeps to complete
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