Field to Library — Workflow

Sonidata's workflow takes you from raw field recordings to a fully tagged, metadata-embedded, UCS-organized sound library — without modifying your original files. Whether you record with the built-in iPhone microphone or an external recorder, the result is the same: DAW-ready WAV files with industry-standard metadata that any sound library manager can read.

This guide walks through the entire pipeline in four phases. Estimated time: 10–15 minutes per session after initial setup.

Phase 1 — In the Field (Sonidata iOS)

This is where it all starts. You're on location, capturing sounds. Sonidata supports two recording paths:

Built-in recording captures the audio and creates the database entry simultaneously. External recording creates only the metadata session — you'll match it to the recorder's WAV files later on your Mac.

Naming & Tagging

1. 1Search for a UCS category — SmartSearch finds categories semantically, so "puppy" → ANIMALS > DOG.
2. 2Add FX Name — describe the sound (e.g., "Bark-Close"). Use Voice Slate to dictate if your hands are occupied.
3. 3Set Creator ID & Source ID — your initials and microphone. Enable "Remember IDs" so these persist.
4. 4Attach a photo — optional but valuable. Photos are embedded directly into the WAV file as artwork.
5. 5Tap Rename — the file is renamed to UCS-compliant format (e.g., ANMLDog_Bark-Close_GI_MKH8060.wav).

Automatic Metadata

Sonidata automatically captures GPS coordinates (latitude/longitude, reverse-geocoded to a readable address), altitude, date & time, and full audio format details (sample rate, bit depth, channels, duration).

Markers (External Recorder Only)

When using the External Recorder, tap Add Marker during recording to log timecoded cue points. These are embedded as CUE/ADTL chunks in your WAV files.

Export

When your session is complete, export it. Built-in recordings: Settings → Export → Export ZIP. The ZIP contains your WAV files, photos, and a session CSV. External recorder sessions: Tap Export Session in the External Recorder view. The ZIP contains only the CSV and photos — your audio files are on the recorder's SD card.

Phase 2 — Transfer to Mac

Built-in Recordings (AirDrop / ZIP)

1. 1AirDrop the exported ZIP directly to your Mac, or save to Files and transfer via cable / iCloud Drive.
2. 2Drop the ZIP into Sonidata Embed — it automatically detects the Sonidata session.
3. 3The app extracts the CSV and photos, triggers the metadata scan, and you're ready to match WAV files immediately.

External Recorder (SD Card / SSD)

1. 1Eject the SD card from your recorder and mount it on your Mac (or copy files from an external SSD).
2. 2In Sonidata Embed, drop the CSV or ZIP from the iOS export.
3. 3Drop the WAV folder from your recorder.
4. 4Sonidata Embed matches recorder filenames from the CSV (e.g., ZOOM0001_TrLR.wav) to your actual WAV files.

Phase 3 — Embed & Organize (Sonidata Embed for macOS)

This is where your metadata meets your audio files.

Non-Destructive by Default

Sonidata Embed never modifies your original files. When you click "Embed All", it creates a duplicate folder next to your originals with the _sonidata suffix, copies your WAV files into the new folder, writes metadata into the copies, renames files to UCS-compliant filenames, and generates a soundminer_import.csv with 17 columns ready for Soundminer import. Your original folder stays exactly as it was.

What Gets Embedded

All non-standard chunks (SMED, _PMX) already present in your WAV files are preserved.

Library Organizer

After embedding, use the Library Organizer to sort your files into a UCS-compliant folder structure on your studio drive.

1. 1Select your library drive — the destination for organized files.
2. 2Choose UCS folder mode — files are sorted into Category/Subcategory/ folders automatically.
3. 3Preview first — see exactly where each file will go before committing.
4. 4Copy — files are copied (not moved) to your drive with full folder hierarchy.

The organizer includes duplicate detection (name + size matching), import history (.sonidata_imports.json log), and auto folder creation for missing categories.

Phase 4 — Library Ready

At this point your files are: renamed to UCS-compliant filenames, embedded with iXML, BEXT, markers, and artwork, organized into category/subcategory folders on your studio drive, and accompanied by a Soundminer-compatible CSV for bulk import.

Import into Your Sound Library Manager

Open your library manager (Soundminer, BaseHead, Soundly, etc.) and either scan the folder — the embedded metadata is read directly from the WAV files — or import the CSV (soundminer_import.csv) containing all 17 metadata columns for one-click bulk import.

DAW Compatibility

Flow — Built-in Recording

Pros: Single device, all audio + metadata in one ZIP, fastest path from field to library. Cons: Limited to iPhone microphone quality and stereo modes.

Flow — External Recorder

Pros: Use professional microphones and recorders (Zoom F6, Sound Devices MixPre, etc.), multi-channel capture, higher sample rates. Cons: Two-device workflow, requires filename matching.

Both Paths Converge

Regardless of which recording path you choose, the output is identical: session.csv with all metadata in a structured format, photos/ with embedded artwork for each recording, and WAV files — either from the iPhone (internal) or your recorder (external). Sonidata Embed treats both paths the same way.

Quick Reference

Requirements

Tips for Faster Sessions

1. 1Set up Creator ID and Source ID once — enable "Remember IDs" in Settings so they persist between sessions.
2. 2Use FX Name Presets — save common naming patterns (e.g., <Location, State> Ambience) and apply them with one swipe.
3. 3Copy/Paste metadata — tag the first file, copy the metadata, and paste it onto subsequent files. Only change the FX Name.
4. 4Batch rename — select multiple files in the library and tag them all at once with sequential numbering.
5. 5Use Voice Slate — dictate FX Names hands-free while recording on location.
6. 6Keep the same folder structure — use the Library Organizer's UCS folder mode consistently so your studio drive stays organized as your library grows.