BUFFR 1.0: Retrospective Audio & MIDI Recorder Released

Matari Audio has officially released version 1.0 of BUFFR, a retrospective multichannel recorder designed for macOS, Windows, and Linux. This innovative tool continuously captures audio, system audio, and MIDI data, ensuring that no performance is ever lost—even if you forget to press record. BUFFR is available as a standalone application and in CLAP, VST3, and AU plugin formats, offering flexibility for any workflow.

Never Miss a Take Again

The core concept behind BUFFR is simple: it always listens. Whether you’re jamming on a synth, recording a vocal take, or working with external gear, BUFFR keeps a rolling buffer of the last two hours of audio and MIDI. This means you can recover a brilliant improvisation or a perfect pass that you thought was lost. The buffer supports up to 16 audio channels and all 16 MIDI channels, making it suitable for complex setups.

Audio-to-MIDI Conversion

One of BUFFR’s standout features is its direct audio-to-MIDI workflow. Users can right-click any audio selection and convert it to melody or drum MIDI. The conversion includes chord detection, note-boundary identification, and rhythm analysis. Moreover, BUFFR can generate a tempo map from the recorded audio, allowing you to align your project seamlessly. The detected MIDI can be appended to an existing MIDI lane or dragged out as a new clip.

Spectral Editing and Non-Destructive Processing

BUFFR goes beyond simple recording with its spectral editing capabilities. The Spectral Grab tool lets you isolate specific time-frequency regions, making it easy to remove unwanted sounds or extract individual notes. Additionally, BUFFR offers a non-destructive processing chain that includes Smart Quantize (with Raw, Human, and Precision modes), Center Align, Ride, Peak/True Peak Normalization, and Adaptive Phase rotation. These tools allow you to polish your recordings without altering the original source.

Drag-and-Drop Integration

Integration with your DAW is smooth and intuitive. You can drag audio, MIDI, and spectral selections directly from BUFFR into your DAW, or even outside it. The software exports 24-bit FLAC files by default, but supports a wide range of audio formats. Furthermore, BUFFR includes crash recovery and an activity log, ensuring stability during long sessions.

Pricing and Availability

BUFFR 1.0 is available now at a launch price of $49, down from the regular $89. This perpetual license includes updates throughout version 1.x and can be activated on up to three computers. A 28-day free trial is also available for those who want to test the software before purchasing. For more information, visit Matari Audio’s website.