[released] Masterpiece Generator - No AI, No Samples: 8-Track Algorithmic Groovebox

[mike_mgen_fun]

I’m exploring ways to introduce some structure or direction without turning it into a preset-based system

This. The styles where only one example how this might be done the easy way. And "presets" not intended but "direction".

For me the examples mostly sound without any direction. So I could hardly imagine for me (might be my personal workflow only) to get a start with this the way it is.

This might work for a drumsequencer only (what is of course one of the main parts of it) but to get a starting song idea out of complete randomness....

In the project, I currently use many groove styles specifically for drums, along with separate rule sets for bass and lead parts.

I’m considering adding a simple control for groove style selection, something like:

Any – fully random groove styles
Prefer – favor a selected style, but still allow variation depending on the chaos level
Lock – strictly use the selected style

I’m also planning to add more flexible BPM control:

Auto – fully random tempo
Range – define a min/max BPM range
Exact – fixed BPM value

I’ll probably try to implement something like this soon. What do you think about this idea?

[tatanka]

I’m exploring ways to introduce some structure or direction without turning it into a preset-based system

This. The styles where only one example how this might be done the easy way. And "presets" not intended but "direction".

For me the examples mostly sound without any direction. So I could hardly imagine for me (might be my personal workflow only) to get a start with this the way it is.

This might work for a drumsequencer only (what is of course one of the main parts of it) but to get a starting song idea out of complete randomness....

In the project, I currently use many groove styles specifically for drums, along with separate rule sets for bass and lead parts.

I’m considering adding a simple control for groove style selection, something like:

Any – fully random groove styles
Prefer – favor a selected style, but still allow variation depending on the chaos level
Lock – strictly use the selected style

I’m also planning to add more flexible BPM control:

Auto – fully random tempo
Range – define a min/max BPM range
Exact – fixed BPM value

I’ll probably try to implement something like this soon. What do you think about this idea?

This sounds good . I just need a starting point, from that on I am fine with lot of randomness.

Will definitely try a demo out if something like this is implemented.

[Uncle E]

7 days trial, then buy forever and all future updates 8.99 USD. The release is in April, it remains to resolve issues with apple and correct the sound in some places.

Sorry, are you saying the buy forever price, including future updates, will be $8.99?

[Uncle E]

I may consider deeper DAW integration in the future if there’s enough demand.

Having the sequencer side of it load as a MIDI FX would be cool. Sugar Bytes Dialekt works like that, so it can be used both with and without the sound generators.

[mike_mgen_fun]

7 days trial, then buy forever and all future updates 8.99 USD. The release is in April, it remains to resolve issues with apple and correct the sound in some places.

Sorry, are you saying the buy forever price, including future updates, will be $8.99?

Yes, that’s correct — the $8.99 price is a one-time purchase and includes future updates.

In the desktop app, updates are already implemented: the app notifies you when a new version is available, and you can update it directly with a single click.

[Uncle E]

Crazy good price. tbh, that's so cheap that I'm concerned you might give up on it.

[mike_mgen_fun]

I may consider deeper DAW integration in the future if there’s enough demand.

Having the sequencer side of it load as a MIDI FX would be cool. Sugar Bytes Dialekt works like that, so it can be used both with and without the sound generators.

Yes, that’s an interesting idea — deeper DAW integration is definitely something I may explore in the future. Sugar Bytes Dialekt is a cool project!

For now, it works via standard MIDI routing: each track can send MIDI (notes + up to 4 CC locks per step), so you can already control external hardware or plugins.
I’m also planning to record a demo video (just haven’t had the time yet) — I’ve already tested it with Korg Volca Drum, Arturia MicroFreak, and Dreadbox Typhon connected to the app.

[mike_mgen_fun]

Crazy good price. tbh, that's so cheap that I'm concerned you might give up on it.

For now, I think the $8.99 price is fair — I’m still exploring the direction and want to see how people actually use it. I’ll probably keep it at this level for at least a couple of months.

There’s also a 7-day trial, which should be enough to understand if the app fits your workflow.

After that, I’ll see where things go — what features people actually need, what direction makes sense. I’ve already received some interesting suggestions here (especially around DAW integration), so that might be something to explore.

I’m coming more from a tracker background myself, so DAW workflows are a bit new territory for me

[mike_mgen_fun]

Pre-release version:

[Uncle E]

I’m coming more from a tracker background myself, so DAW workflows are a bit new territory for me

Everything working together in real-time vs. a 2-step process. Some people use things like Dialekt, MPC, etc., to augment DAW's that have weak MIDI, such as Pro Tools and Luna, while others use them to provide an alternate workflow, like Ableton users with Fors Opal.

FWIW, most developers either offer plugin options or are strictly plugins.

[mike_mgen_fun]

The app is now available:
https://mgen.fun

[NWSM]

Ⓐ very interesting Tool.

- What about long and evolving Sounds? Like Pads, Athmos, Long Attack and Decay?

So there could be a Setup for an Environment like long Attack and Release ◿▆▆◺
or very Short staccato Sounds for Glitch and Breakcore Stuff ◿◺

The Chords Spectrum looks pretty nice, because its multi layered
Definitely a creative tool what brings me to other Styles like:

- Glitch, Breakcore and special effect like Stutter or Repeat Steps, Reverse and Send Effects with Modulations. then going straight into Sugar Bytes Style

♡ I am really into it ♡ - Because Linux support.
_° ∆ ----- ••• ----- ∆ °_

[chaocrator]

wait… have we just got a usable groovebox app on Linux?
there is serious lack of apps of this kind on Linux, so someone had to be first.

[chaocrator]

so, i've played with it for an hour, and got some thoughts about what's missing:

• ability to change the sample rate — it runs at 44100 but everything in my system runs at 48000.
• ability to make it MIDI clock slave. i'm ok with what it is but would like to run another instance when 8 tracks is not enough, and keep them in sync.
• MIDI mapping to connect MIDI controllers.
• since it's a synth-based groovebox — a super saw instrument.

[mike_mgen_fun]

Ⓐ very interesting Tool.

- What about long and evolving Sounds? Like Pads, Athmos, Long Attack and Decay?

So there could be a Setup for an Environment like long Attack and Release ◿▆▆◺
or very Short staccato Sounds for Glitch and Breakcore Stuff ◿◺

The Chords Spectrum looks pretty nice, because its multi layered
Definitely a creative tool what brings me to other Styles like:

- Glitch, Breakcore and special effect like Stutter or Repeat Steps, Reverse and Send Effects with Modulations. then going straight into Sugar Bytes Style

♡ I am really into it ♡ - Because Linux support.
_° ∆ ----- ••• ----- ∆ °_

Thanks a lot for the feedback, really appreciate it!
I’ve actually been thinking about pads already — just trying to figure out how to add them without breaking the overall balance of the generator.
As for the rest — I’ll definitely take a closer look at your suggestions.