Apple beaten to the punch by John Vella's SongCatcher

Most people are aware that GarageBand offers both MIDI and Audio multitrack recording on the iPad - but it's not available for the iPhone, and there is no suggestion from Apple that it ever will be.

This is where Sydney based singer/songwriter/programmer John Vella enters the picture - he has produced the "first fully functional recording studio environment on the iPhone platform", and as you look through the rich feature list his claim appears quite respectable.

SongCatcher can record up to 5 tracks of MIDI as well as 5 tracks of Audio using either the built in microphone or an external input.

Of course it's not intended as a replacement for your MAC or PC based DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), but it succeeds in it's aim to provide a working 'sketchpad' for iPhone equipped musicians.

It has two modes - one which is tailored specifically for professional musicians, and enthusiastic amateurs, and another for anyone who likes having fun with music.

Project mode offers the full functionality of SongCatcher in a fast, easy to understand interface. Its layout is in the style of conventional music software, with all of the controls easily accessible and functional. Simple mode is tailored to the inexperienced music interface user.

The main features are:

• 10 layers of recording, including 5 layers of Audio and 5 layers of MIDI.
• Audio to MIDI conversion, allowing the user to sing ideas and have instruments play them back. Create your band with your voice.
• Audio recording through either built-in microphone or external input (via iRig or Similar.) Record and layer live performances.
• Resizable Piano Keyboard to play instruments.
• Instruments include: Piano, Electric Piano, Drums, Bass, Guitar, Distorted Guitar, Synth, Organ, Strings and Horns. (more available through in-app purchase).
• MIDI editor to edit performance in Piano Roll.
• Mixing functionality, including panning.
• Ability to bounce mixes and re-import, hence allowing unlimited tracks.
• Tempo track with optional click.
• Ability to export mixes in various formats to email.
• Lay down your ideas quickly and email them to your home studio.

One feature I would like to see incorporated would be quantizing

After receiving a new email from John Vella, I can now report that SongCatcher does indeed feature quantising to 1/8th notes - it's the snap button on the right hand side of the MIDI editor.

For the price, and the fact that it's the only real Multitrack Recorder on iPhone, this looks like a category killer app!

For more information see songcatcherapp.com, or buy it now for $0.99 on iTunes.