Question 1

Is Studio Knob free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Studio Knob is free to use. You just need a Google AI Studio API key, which Google provides for free during the Lyria RealTime experimental phase. There's no sign-up, no credit card, and no subscription required to start.

Question 2

What is a Google AI Studio API key and how do I get one?

Accepted Answer

A Google AI Studio API key is a free credential that lets you access Google's AI models, including Lyria RealTime for music generation. Visit aistudio.google.com/apikey, sign in with your Google account, and generate a key — it takes about 30 seconds.

Question 3

Is my API key safe?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Your API key is stored only in your browser's localStorage and is sent directly to Google's servers over an encrypted WebSocket connection. Studio Knob has no backend server — we never see, store, or transmit your key.

Question 4

What kind of music can I create?

Accepted Answer

Studio Knob supports 36+ genre presets spanning Lo-fi, Jazz, EDM, Classical, Hip-Hop, Ambient, Rock, R&B, World music (Afrobeats, Bollywood, Latin), and more. You can blend up to 4 genres simultaneously with weighted prompts.

Question 5

Does it work on my phone or tablet?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Studio Knob is a Progressive Web App (PWA) that works on any modern browser — Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox. You can install it to your home screen on iOS, Android, or desktop for a native app-like experience.

Question 6

How long can I generate music for?

Accepted Answer

Each session generates up to 10 minutes of continuous music. You can start a new session immediately after. The generation runs in real time — you hear the music as it's being created.

Question 7

What is SynthID watermarking?

Accepted Answer

SynthID is Google's inaudible watermarking technology embedded in all AI-generated audio. It allows anyone to verify that a piece of music was created by AI, promoting transparency and responsible AI use.

Question 8

Can I connect a MIDI controller?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Plug in any USB MIDI controller and Studio Knob detects it automatically. Use CC Learn mode to map physical knobs and faders to any parameter. Your mappings are saved between sessions.

Question 9

Can I export my music?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Export as 16-bit or 24-bit WAV with optional peak normalization. Your export includes BWF metadata — genre, BPM, key, and artist name embedded in the file.

Question 10

Does it work with my DAW?

Accepted Answer

Export studio-quality WAV files and import them directly into Ableton, Logic Pro, FL Studio, or any DAW. Metadata (BPM, key, genre) is embedded in the file so your DAW can read it automatically.

Question 11

Can I use the music I create commercially?

Accepted Answer

The music is generated by Google's Lyria RealTime model. Please refer to Google's AI Studio terms of service for the latest usage rights and licensing details regarding AI-generated content.

Terms of Service