Recording Output from AUv3 MIDI Plugins in NanoStudio 2

NanoStudio 2 is able to host and use AUv3 MIDI plugins, but it isn't able to record their output to the piano roll as of this writing Nov. 5, 2021. Workarounds for this involve routing the MIDI out of NS2 and then back in on another track. The most commonly mentioned method is to use a the MIDI Route plugin from the MIDI Tools Suite. Unfortunately this suite is only available for iPhone. The Audiobus 3 and AUM methods will work for both.

There will be some latency caused by the round-trip. The settings for the MIDI Out track include latency compensation that may help to correct this.

[Update: July 2022] The AUv3 MIDI Recording Workarounds page has additional details and a video in the subheading for Nanostudio 2.

(iPadOS compatible only)

1. Add a MIDI Out track in NS2.
2. Add the AU MIDI plugins you want to use in this track.
3. Add MIDI Route from the MIDI Tools Suite as the last plugin on this track.
4. Set the destination in MIDI Route to NanoStudio 2.
5. Set MIDI Input for this track to On-screen Keys Only. This is to avoid a feedback loop.
6. Add another track for the plugin you want to play
7. Set this track to receive MIDI always, and be sure that it is set to receive MIDI from the NanoStudio 2 source (or all sources).
8. Press Record.

1. Add a MIDI Out track in NS2.
2. Add the AU MIDI plugins you want to use in this track.
3. Set the MIDI Input for the MIDI track to On-screen Keys Only to avoid double-receiving MIDI.
4. Open Audiobus 3. On the MIDI page add Virtual Midi In as the input and Nanostudio 2 as the output.
5. On the Audio page in Audiobus 3 add a Speaker output. This will do nothing but keep Audiobus from going to sleep in the background.
6. Important: Set the output of the MIDI track to Audiobus 3. You get to this setting by double-tapping the track to open the keyboard controller, then tap the little keyboard icon at the top left to dismiss the controls and reveal the MIDI settings.
7. Add another track for the plugin you want to play
8. Set this track to receive MIDI always, and be sure that it is set to receive MIDI from the NanoStudio 2 source (or all sources).
9. Press Record.

1. Add a MIDI Out track in NS2.
2. Add the AU MIDI plugins you want to use in this track.
3. Set the MIDI Input for the MIDI track to On-screen Keys Only to avoid double-receiving MIDI.
4. Open AUM. Add an Audio track and put Nanostudio 2 as Generator (IAA)
5. Open the Midi Routing panel and select AUM Destination (Virtual) going into Nanostudio 2 (Virtual)
6. Important: Set the output of the MIDI track to AUM. You get to this setting by double-tapping the track to open the keyboard controller, then tap the little keyboard icon at the top left to dismiss the controls and reveal the MIDI settings.
7. Add another track for the plugin you want to play
8. Set this track to receive MIDI always, and be sure that it is set to receive MIDI from the NanoStudio 2 source (or all sources).
9. Press Record.