The current versions of Callisto (ver.1.8) bring the style based accompaniment to the computer + the traditional mechanisms that can be found in any hardware arranger, like the intros, fills, endings and main variations buttons that switch between it's 10 variations set, according to the well known arranger method. those features are backed by 10 sequencers per instrument which create the MIDI sequences for each. The sequences should be programmed manually by drawing MIDI notes in each of the variations piano roll tool and saved as a file. You'll also find one finger\fingered chord switching methods (+double click to switch between major and minor in one key mode), keyboard splitting button, start on key press feature, piano mode, multi solo mode, automatic crash system, hold variation mode and a tempo knob. You can also use automation to power up any significant button or knob straight from your hardware MIDI keyboard\controller (MIDI learn) and an easy to use "jump to" menu which determines which variation continues which sequence after a transitions.
We also added a new "global transpose" button and semitone and octave controls for the style instruments. In ver 1.8, we added a new floating style editing window and smoother chords transitions.
Callisto also released as a stand-alone version which allows user to connect it as a total independent software to any DAW by using virtual MIDI cables. Both versions, VSTi and stand-alone are attached to the download link.
Reviewed By Roman Wisniak [all]
December 2nd, 2021
Version reviewed: 1.0 on Windows
I would confirm Danny Space's observations.
Additionally I would add it could be just enough to have basic .mid import functionality implemented.
Anyway first simple to use and really fun to play auto accompaniament software available.
Reviewed By Danny Space [all]
June 29th, 2018
Version reviewed: 1.51 on Windows
First, I must say its a very interesting ceature. The developers made a quite reasonable attemp to deliver the main philosophy behind the hardware arranger to the plug-ins universe. This thing detects the main 24 chords (majors and minors) and also enables me using my modest MIDI keyboard's knobs and buttons quite easily (midi learn on right mouse click) and that's the good part. The so-so part is the style creating section. Its very basic and a little outdated compared to modern DAW MIDI editors and lack some features you expect finding in a decent MIDI tool, like drag&drop, note darging, combo note editing, etc. but once you get use to it, things become fun. As an arranger performer (nowadays with korg pa-900) and a style programmer, I've already saw worse style programming methods so this one is far from perfection, but quite easy to use with a very gentle learning curve. I used 4
of the 6 instrument slots and started creating some styles and somehow forgot about
the oppressive limitations, ones the playing part started. FUN. So, why I rated it 5 stars? Because the innovation itself worth it. For the first time in my live I used a DAW and some A-class vstis as an arranger organ with
mixing abilities. The sound is unbeatable, even compared to 4000$ hardware arranger. and that's a staggering X-factor. Nevertheless, you'll need to find a MIDI keyboard with as many as possible MIDI cc buttons (which is rare, since MIDI buttons are not quite popular in the EDM market. manufacturers prefer pads and knob), So that might be a problem, since this plug-in is button hungry. But for most of the live tasks, 8-16 buttons will do the trick. Anyway, since its the very first attempt to bring the most complex format to the DAW (and considering the ridiculous price too), It does has it's extra value and it does deserve the compliments. I'm having some good time.
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