Open Planet Software releases Sessions - A macOS plugin host for the fun of playing live

Open Planet Software has released Sessions, a new plugin host for live performers for macOS.

Open Planet Software says Sessions is refreshingly straightforward - nothing gets in the way when you just want to play or explore your plugin collection. Under the hood you'll find flexibility that scales from the creation of simple plugin chains to multi-layered/split keyboard patches all the way to mixing a live band with unlimited audio input, MIDI instrument channels and auxiliary channels, pre/post-fader sends, and multiple outputs.

Features like Plugin Widgets, Scenes and the Always-on recorder combine to create a musical hub that's equally at home in the practice room, the studio or on the stage.

As much as I love using DAWs to create and produce music, they're quite complex and not necessarily the best apps for playing live. I wanted something more straightforward where I could use my plugin collection away from the DAW for music practice, sound design and live performance. The simpler environment combined with the Always-on recorder have given my practice sessions a productivity boost and ideas for sound design flow much quicker.

Gordon Murrison, developer of Sessions

Key Features:

• Plugins:
  • Support for Audio Unit v2 and v3 plugins.
  • Independent instrument and effect plugin libraries with search and favourites filter.
• Mixer:
  • Support for multi-channel audio interfaces and multiple MIDI keyboards and controllers.
  • Unlimited number of Instrument, Audio and Auxiliary Channels.
  • Instrument channel MIDI filters to support the creation of layers and splits.
  • 8 sends per channel (switchable pre / post fader).
• Plugin Widgets:
  • Simple drag-and-drop interface.
  • Over thirty beautiful widget themes, many inspired by the classic hardware of yesteryear.
  • Control up to 12 parameters per plugin.
• Scenes:
  • 12 Scenes, each with its own independent Mixer.
  • Seamless switching between scenes.
• Macro Controls:
  • 16 Macros and 1 Big Knob per Scene.
  • Each Macro can control multiple parameters, each with its own scale and range.
• Always-on recorder:
  • Continuously record the last 5, 10 or 15 minutes of what you've been playing.
  • Looping payback of recorded region.
  • Export recorded region as M4A or WAV.
• Beat Clock:
  • Start / Stop, tempo and time signature control.
  • Internal, Ableton Link and external MIDI clock sync sources.
  • Metronome with selectable tick sound.
• Misc:
  • Record to file for unlimited recording duration.
  • MIDI controller support for switching scenes, controlling macros and more.
  • Light and dark modes.
  • Native support for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 13 and later.

Sessions is available on the Mac App Store and costs $29.99. A free trial is available on the Sessions website.