Key concepts

All clips and other data in a single-device space stay on your device and your device only. You can create as many single-device spaces as you want.

Each space starts as a single-device space and can later be upgraded to a Multi-device space or Cloud space.

A multi-device space is synchronized directly between multiple devices, allowing you to conveniently access it from all of them, for example, from your mobile phone and your computer.

For this to work, you first need to configure one Jam Pad installation to act as the main device and then pair it with one or more companion devices. For example, a computer makes a good main device, while a mobile phone makes a good companion device. After this one-time setup, you can upgrade arbitrary single-device spaces to multi-device spaces.

Small data (such as markers) in a multi-device space is seamlessly synchronized bidirectionally between your paired devices, so you can access it even when the devices are no longer connected. Large data (such as clips) is always synchronized to the Main device, ensuring that it eventually contains all of your clips. Companion devices can selectively download clips from the main device, since companion devices typically have more limited storage.

The connection happens over your local Wi-Fi network and can optionally work over the internet as well. In both cases, your devices communicate using an end-to-end-encrypted peer-to-peer connection. Perfect for privacy!

A cloud space is a private space stored in the cloud and synchronized with arbitrary devices, allowing you and invited space members—and nobody else—to conveniently access it from anywhere.

For this to work, you first need to create a Jam Pad account and log in. After this one-time setup, you can upgrade arbitrary single-device spaces to cloud spaces.

All data in a cloud space is automatically synchronized to the cloud and, by default, is only accessible through your account. You can log in to the same account on your other devices, where the space will automatically appear and be ready to use.

Small data (such as markers) is seamlessly synchronized bidirectionally between your device and the cloud, so you can access it even when you go offline. Large data (such as clips) is always synchronized to the cloud. You can selectively download clips from the cloud to make them available offline as well.

Cloud spaces also come with collaborative features! You can invite other Jam Pad users to participate in your space—for example, members of your band or a client. They will see largely the same clips and data and can contribute by uploading their own clips, adding playlists, commenting, creating markers, and creating or editing sheets.

Clips are audio recordings — improvisations, jam sessions, work-in-progress song versions (raw, mixed, or mastered), finished tracks, podcast episodes, field recordings, one-shot samples… anything!

In Jam Pad, an asset is a larger file, such as an audio file (representing a clip version or an audio note) or a waveform peak file.

Markers are positions within potentially very long clips. Use them to quickly jump to notable passages — musical ideas, sections that need work, specific scenes, or anything else you want to revisit.

Playlists let you arrange clips and markers in any order, creating your own sequence for review or playback.

Sheets are simple text documents but with a twist: You can embed instantly playable clips or markers.

Users can add comments to clips or markers.

A snapshot of a space in a well-defined, machine-readable format.

The leading synchronization device in a Device sync setup. It can be paired with multiple companion devices. There can be only one main device in a device-sync network. Computers are recommended for this role.

A secondary synchronization device in a Device sync setup. Each companion device connects to a particular main device, from which it can stream and selectively synchronize clips. Mobile devices are recommended for this role.

A Jam Pad user account is necessary if you want to:

The Jam Pad app can be downloaded for free, but some features are paid. They can be purchased within the mobile app and synchronized to other platforms (mobile or computer).