Multitrack recording iPhone

Before you start

The iPhone has one built-in microphone path, so true simultaneous multitrack recording is not exposed through the standard Voice Memos or Camera apps as a user-facing multitrack feature. Multitrack recording normally requires an audio app such as GarageBand or a third-party recording app that supports separate tracks or channels. Check whether the app records directly on the device or depends on an account or external service before you begin. For quality recording, use an external audio interface or USB microphone that is compatible with your iPhone and the app. Connect the microphone or interface before launching the recording app so it can detect the input.

Step-by-step instructions

The exact steps vary by app and iOS version. The following process uses GarageBand as a widely available example, but the same general sequence applies to other multitrack-capable recording apps.

1) Connect the external microphone or audio interface to the iPhone with the required adapter or cable. Wait for the app to recognize the input.
2) Open GarageBand and create a new song or project.
3) Choose an audio recorder track rather than a virtual instrument track.
4) Set the input to the connected microphone or interface if the app does not select it automatically.
5) Enable monitoring if you need headphones, and keep volume low enough to avoid feedback.
6) Record the first track. Stop the recording when the first part is complete.
7) Add another audio recorder track for the next part, such as a second voice, guitar, or background sound.
8) Arm the new track and record while listening to the first track through headphones.
9) Repeat for each additional part. Keep each performance on its own track so levels and timing can be adjusted later.

Some recording apps support recording two or more input channels at once through a compatible multichannel interface. In that case, create the required number of tracks, assign each track to its interface channel, and arm the tracks you want to capture before starting one recording pass.

Check the output

Play back the project through headphones or a speaker. Confirm that each part appears on the expected track and that no track is silent or clipped. Check that the first track stays in time with the later tracks and that the input level was sufficient without sounding distorted. Export the project as an audio file if the app supports it, then play the exported file once to make sure the mix is present and all intended tracks are included.

Common problems and next steps

If the app only records one side of a stereo microphone or only the first interface channel, check the track input assignment and create a separate track for each channel. If the new track records the click track or previously recorded tracks, use headphones and mute monitoring on the track being recorded. If recordings are distorted, lower the input gain or move the microphone. If the iPhone does not see the external device, reconnect it, try another cable or adapter, and confirm that the app supports that input type. If you need true simultaneous channel capture, use an app and audio interface that support multiple inputs, and verify the supported channel count for your specific combination before recording.