Overview
Edit Recording is a VIP feature that lets you adjust the vocal volume of a performance after it has been published. For Group performances, it also gives you control over the full mix. It's available for Solo performances, Duet Invites, Duet Joins, and Group performances on iOS and Android.
How to access Edit Recording
From Now Playing:
- Open the performance.
- Tap the overflow menu (•••) in the upper-right corner.
- Select Edit Recording.
From your Profile:
- Find the performance and tap its overflow menu.
- Select Edit Recording.
How to adjust your vocal volume (Solo, Duet Invite, Duet Join)
- On the Edit Recording screen, you'll see a vocal volume slider.
- Drag left to decrease your vocal volume, or right to increase it.
- A marker shows your recording's previous volume setting. Use it as a reference point. Note: adjustments are not real-time. Set the slider where you want it, then save — your recording will update after processing.
- Tap Reset at any time to return to the previous value.
- Tap Save and confirm. Your performance will be processed and updated.
How Edit Recording works for Groups
For Groups, what you can do depends on your role:
- Created the group song? You control the mix: adjust every join's volume and remove joins.
- Joined a group song? You can adjust the volume of your own part(s).
If you created the group invite:
- On your group performance, tap ••• → Edit Recording. (This replaces "Remove Joins" — removal now lives here, alongside volume control.)
- Your original recording is at the top; every join is listed below with the singer, their part, when they joined, and its current volume level.
- Drag any join's slider to adjust its volume. Changed joins are highlighted; tap the Reset button to revert a single layer.
- To remove joins, tap the remove icon in the top right and select them. Removal is permanent. (You can't remove your own original recording.)
- Tap Save and confirm. One Save applies all volume changes and removals together.
If you joined a group song:
- On your join, tap ••• → Edit Recording.
- Drag the slider to set your vocal volume, then Save. If you added multiple parts, you'll see them all listed and can set each one.
- You can remove only your own join(s).
FAQs: General
Is Edit Recording available for all users?
Edit Recording is currently available to VIP members only. If you're not a VIP, you can still tap Save after making an adjustment. You'll then see an option to upgrade, and if you do, your changes will be applied automatically once your subscription is active.
Which performance types can I edit?
Solo performances, Duet Invites, Duet Joins, and Group performances.
Does editing create a new performance, or does it update the existing one? Will it affect my views, likes, or comments?
No and no. Your recording updates in place, and all your views, likes, and comments stay exactly the same — for Solos, Duets, and Groups alike.
Can I edit while a previous change is still processing?
No. If a previous edit is still being processed, you'll see a message letting you know. Wait for processing to complete before making additional changes.
Can I undo my changes after saving?
You can reset to your previous setting anytime while on the Edit Recording screen using the Reset button. Once you save and processing is complete, that new level becomes the baseline for future edits.
What's the difference between Edit Recording and Edit Description?
Edit Recording is a feature that lets you adjust your vocal volume (and more to come). Edit Description is the same option you've always had (previously just called "Edit"), which lets you change your cover photo, message, public/private setting, invite extensions, etc.
Why don't I see "Edit Recording" in the menu?
Make sure your app is up to date (version 14.2.5+ for iOS, version 13.0.7+ for Android).
If you're a VIP and still don't see it, try force-closing and reopening the app.
What does the Beta badge mean?
Edit Recording is in its first phase, with deeper functionality planned — including some cutting-edge enhancements and tools we're really excited about. The Beta label reflects the limited feature set at launch.
FAQs: Solo, Duet Invite & Duet Join
Does editing my Duet Invite affect existing joins?
No. If you adjust the vocal volume on a Duet Invite, the change applies to the invite going forward. New joins will use these changes automatically. Existing recordings won't change unless the joiner adjusts their settings.
Does editing my Duet Join affect the original invite?
No. You're only adjusting your own vocal layer; the invite's vocals stay as they are.
One thing to note: if the invite owner updated their vocal volume after you originally recorded your join, saving your edit will also pull in their updated level. This is expected. Just listen back after your recording updates to confirm the balance sounds right.
Can I adjust the invite's vocal volume when editing my join?
No. You only have control over your own vocals.
I recorded a duet with myself (self-duet). Which part gets edited?
It depends on where you access Edit Recording from. If you tap the three-dot menu on your invite, you'll edit the invite track. If you navigate to your join and tap the three-dot menu there, you'll edit the join track.
Can I edit a closed or expired invite?
Yes, as long as the performance is still on your profile. The invite's open or closed status doesn't affect your ability to edit the recording. To reopen or extend an invite, use Edit Description.
FAQs: Group Songs
Where did "Remove Joins" go?
It's now part of Edit Recording. Same removal ability, plus volume control over every layer.
Can I listen to individual layers while mixing?
Not at this time. Mix using each layer's info and your knowledge of the full performance.
How do I find a join in a long list?
Joins load newest-first, with more loading as you scroll. Once all joins are loaded, you can sort (Recent / A–Z). Sorting is hidden for lists of 10 or fewer.
Can I undo a volume change?
Per layer, yes. Just tap the revert icon on any changed layer. There's no global undo, unless you exit without saving your changes.
Is removing a join permanent?
Yes. You'll be prompted to make sure you want to proceed with removal.
What can I control as a joiner?
For the mix: the volume of your own part(s) only. For your joins: you can choose to remove any of your join(s). Only the group's creator controls the mix (or removal) of any/all joins.
Does my edit affect the rest of the group mix?
Yes. While only your layer changes, this can shift the overall balance of the mix. When in doubt, always listen back to confirm the balance sounds right.
Can I remove my own part?
Yes. Use Remove on the performance's ••• menu (previously called "Hide"). Edit Recording is for volume.
I got an error saying my part can't be edited. Why?
A few things could have happened. The most common scenario is that the invite owner removed your join while you were editing. If your join is no longer part of the group recording, the edit can't be saved.
What happens after I save?
The group recording processes in the background and updates shortly after. Because groups can be edited by multiple people, if it's already processing when you save, your edit is queued and applied on the next pass.
Need more help? Visit smule.com/support.