Generative and algorithmic music software

[ooh_shiny]

Hi all, I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades pianist/organist that dabbles in other instruments, etc. I’ve always been interested in synths and plugins and lately have written some studies on Logic using some plugins to get to know how they work.

I’m interested in getting into the algorithmic side of DAW software, with the intention of creating long-form pieces that evolve over time (or at least explore some permutations of effects). I think I can get some way towards what I have in mind with plugins like Harmony Bloom, Wayfarer, and some modulation from Logic’s MIDI LFO effect, and that sort of thing, controlling a chain of instruments and FX. (I’m not into trying to figure out how to write code to use the scripter — not enough hours in the day.)

My question is, am I missing something that would be fun to play with, especially with Black Friday around the corner? I have seen Numerology 4, which seems capable but has a learning curve and is quite expensive. I’m also interested in the apparently excellent modulation capabilities of Bitwig. Both of these would represent significant investments of time in learning to use them — are they worth it? Is there something else I don’t know about?

Thanks to any interested readers who can help me out.

[wintoid]

I wouldn't get Numerology 4 personally. I have it, and don't use it. I can't imagine I would ever want to pick Numerology over Stepic, which is wonderful. My uses may be different from yours, of course. Take a look at HY plugins sequencers also, and https://stochas.org/ for a fantastic freebie.

[Uncle E]

Rhythmizer
Chord Generator
Chordjam
SpaceWalk
Riffer
Reaktor
Keystep mk2

Personally, hardware integration is a big part of it for me. Rhythmizer with any keyboard, Reaktor with Komplete Kontrol/Maschine, and HY-RPE2 with DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter Twister is great for that.

[ooh_shiny]

I wouldn't get Numerology 4 personally. I have it, and don't use it. I can't imagine I would ever want to pick Numerology over Stepic, which is wonderful. My uses may be different from yours, of course. Take a look at HY plugins sequencers also, and https://stochas.org/ for a fantastic freebie.

Thank you for the suggestions. I have Stepic and will give it more study to understand what it could do in this way.

Rhythmizer
Chord Generator
Chordjam
SpaceWalk
Riffer
Reaktor
Keystep mk2

Personally, hardware integration is a big part of it for me. Rhythmizer with any keyboard, Reaktor with Komplete Kontrol/Maschine, and HY-RPE2 with DJ Tech Tools Midi Fighter Twister is great for that.

Thanks for that list! I will have to see what Reaktor could do — I guess it’s one of those things I could spend a lot of time on. Hardware-wise I have a lot of guitar pedals that I think would be fun to put generated midi notes through, but for now I’m hoping to construct something software-based.

[Uncle E]

Also:

Seqund
Polyllop
Animation Station

[electro]

Can Maschine run Reaktor 6?

[Uncle E]

Yes but I don't think it can run the MIDI stuff.

[ooh_shiny]

Also:

Seqund
Polyllop
Animation Station

Great suggestions, thanks!

If anyone is working in Logic and following a similar journey to me, after much frustration with the MIDI learn function, I found that the MIDI FX called ‘modifier’, which is a native plug-in, will route MIDI messages to your chosen controls easily and quickly when you use the learn function in the drop-down menu in that plug-in. Now I have Stepic controlling modulation FX.

[trewq]

[]

Some trial and error at first but came together towards the end of the video.
Delphi pascal (windows) is known for its stability which is proven here.
The full v will be released soon.

Edit: replaced the video link to the right one.

[CHROMOLA]

Hello Im new to the forum and Im about to do a (free) beta release of a plugin Ive been developing over the last year or so that might help scratch your itch. It translates opencv color data into a 16 channel midi cc and 7 note generator. It also receives midi input to run a videofx engine and media sampler linking video and audio modulation.

The note generator runs on its own midi input port/channel, seperate from the videofx, accepting note inputs from your daw or midi controller allowing you to control the pitch of the generated notes.

One great way Ive used this in a generative sense, was to setup two arpeggiators w varying augmentation points linked to rgb histogram channels (dualing rates gets pretty fun), and set the octaves a decent bit apart to create a high/mid. I then made a couple 4 bar drum beats, again linking the histogram augmentation points to drum synth points like pitch, attack etc. Then I let this run, play a video, the notes generated by the videos color profile feed the arps, and the cc signals linked to the arps and drums change in a non-linear/organic way depending on the source color profile.

I will be posting a beta thread here soon, but you can also find my site pretty easy by looking up my user name.