StageNight

StageNight Support & Getting Started

Perform like it’s karaoke.

StageNight is an iPhone performance tool that brings your audio, lyrics, and chords together. Follow this guide to try the included Firefly Lullaby demo, prepare your own songs, and get ready to perform.

Getting started: Your first performance

1. Explore Firefly Lullaby

Start with Firefly Lullaby, the demonstration song included with StageNight.

1. Open the demo song in StageNight.
2. Press Play and watch the lyrics and chords follow the music.
3. Try the zoom controls and move between lyric events.
4. Explore the performance screen before editing anything.

2. Bring your own audio, lyrics, and chords

To prepare a different song:

1. Create a song in StageNight and import a local audio file, such as an MP3.
2. Enter or paste your lyrics and chords into the song editor.
3. Review the order of the verses, choruses, and instrumental sections.
4. Save your song.

You’ll need to provide your own audio. For chords and lyrics, you can write your own charts or research arrangements using resources such as Ultimate Guitar. Only import material you’re permitted to use, and follow the source’s terms.

3. Automatically time your lyrics

Auto-Time helps align the lyric events with your recording, so the display can follow the music automatically.

1. Open your song in the editor. You can use Firefly Lullaby while learning.
2. Make sure the audio and lyrics are present and in the right order.
3. Choose Auto-Time and follow the prompts.
4. Play the song and check where each lyric is highlighted.

Auto-Timing is a starting point, not a guarantee of perfect alignment. Instrumental passages, background vocals, and differences between the entered lyrics and the recording can affect results. The app will show any applicable charge before you confirm an Auto-Timing run.

4. Edit and fine-tune the results

Use the Stamper and Arrange editor to make the song perform the way you want.

• Stamper: Play the recording and adjust individual lyric-event timestamps when a cue comes too early or too late.
• Edit an event: Double-tap a lyric event to change its text or chords.
• Arrange: Reorder or organize events to match the actual recording.
• Check your work: Play through difficult transitions, then save your changes.

You don’t need perfect Auto-Timing results to finish a song. A few manual adjustments often make the biggest difference.

5. Separate and mix your audio (optional)

StageNight can work with four separated audio stems: vocals, drums, bass, and other instruments. This lets you reduce the lead vocal, practice with a different mix, or emphasize particular instruments.

1. Obtain a compatible Core ML four-stem separation model separately. StageNight does not include the model weights.
2. Import or configure that model using StageNight’s separation setup.
3. Select a song with a local recording and start stem separation.
4. Keep StageNight open until processing finishes.
5. Open the mixer to adjust individual stems, or switch back to the original recording.

Models based on HTDemucs are an example of this type of technology, but not every model or file is compatible. Check the model’s format, source, and terms before using it. Stem separation is optional: you can use StageNight without installing a model.

6. Perform like it’s karaoke

Once your song is ready:

1. Start playback and follow the highlighted lyrics and chords.
2. Adjust tempo or pitch as needed.
3. If you’ve created stems, change the mix or reduce the vocals.
4. Organize songs into a setlist for rehearsal or performance.
5. Connect an external display if you want a separate lyrics or full-chart presentation.
6. Use High-Glare Mode for bright environments; iPhone and external-display settings are independent.

StageNight also supports background audio and standard iPhone Lock Screen playback controls, so compatible local audio can continue playing when you lock your phone or switch apps.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I have to provide my own MP3 files?

Yes. StageNight uses supported local audio files, including MP3s. Import recordings you own or are authorized to use. It does not download music for you.

Does StageNight play songs from Apple Music or Spotify?

StageNight’s performance and audio-processing workflow uses local audio files. Apple Music and Spotify streaming tracks are not supported as sources for Auto-Timing or stem separation.

Where can I find lyrics and chords?

You can create your own charts or research songs on sites such as Ultimate Guitar. StageNight lets you enter or paste lyrics and chords, but you are responsible for using material you have permission to use.

Why didn’t Auto-Timing align every line correctly?

The recording may include instrumental sections, overlapping voices, unclear pronunciation, or words that don’t match the entered lyrics. Check the song’s text and order, then use the Stamper to adjust the cues that need work.

Is Auto-Timing free?

Auto-Timing may require an in-app purchase. StageNight displays the applicable price and confirmation before a paid run.

Do I need a separation model to use StageNight?

No. The main performance features work without one. A compatible, separately obtained Core ML separation model is only needed if you want to generate stems from a recording.

Why does stem separation stop if I leave the app?

Stem separation uses intensive on-device processing, and iOS can restrict it in the background. Leave StageNight open and unlocked until separation is complete. Normal audio playback, by contrast, can continue while the phone is locked.

Can I remove vocals or change the mix?

Yes, once you’ve generated stems for a song. The mixer lets you change the levels of vocals, drums, bass, and other instruments. You can also return to the original audio.

Can I change the key or speed without generating stems?

Yes. Pitch and tempo adjustments are available for compatible local audio playback; stem separation is not required.

How do I put lyrics on another screen?

Connect a supported external display, then open the external-display options in StageNight. You can choose Full Chart or Lyrics Only, adjust zoom independently, use High-Glare Mode, or black out the external screen.

Will my music continue playing when the iPhone locks?

Yes, with local audio playback, StageNight supports background audio and the iPhone’s standard Lock Screen playback controls. Returning to the app should bring the lyric display back to the current song position.

What is High-Glare Mode?

The sun control switches the iPhone app to a color-inverted appearance for brighter conditions. The external display has its own separate High-Glare setting.

How do I save my songs?

StageNight uses .stg song files to store song information, events, and timing. Keep backups of any files you’ve invested time in editing.

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Still need help?

For StageNight support, contact:

Austin Fowler
austincjfowler at gmail

You can also report a problem through the StageNight GitHub repository.