Geranium Production launches INS Browser for Live

Geranium Production has released INS Browser for Live, a standalone MIDI utility for macOS and Windows. The software makes hardware synthesizer presets easier to browse, search, audition and recall directly from Ableton Live.

Many classic hardware instruments, such as the Roland JV-1080 or E-MU Proteus, hold thousands of presets. However, Live only shows numbers. As a result, finding a specific patch often means navigating small displays or consulting MIDI charts. INS Browser for Live solves this by reading Cakewalk Instrument Definition (.ins) files and converting their bank and program data into named, searchable libraries.

Search and recall hardware presets

The workflow is straightforward. First, users choose an instrument definition and bank. Next, they filter presets by name or bank number. Finally, they can copy the Bank, Sub-Bank and Program values that Live expects, or send them directly to the synthesizer via MIDI. Therefore, no Max for Live devices or MIDI scripts are required.

In addition, the software includes a riff audition feature. It plays a patch at the right tempo, even without a master keyboard connected. Moreover, persistent favorites help users mark essential sounds and find them again between sessions.

Compatibility and instrument definitions

INS Browser includes more than 200 ready-to-use Instrument Definitions. Supported hardware includes ASM Hydrasynth, Access Virus TI, Roland JV/XV series, INTEGRA-7, Yamaha DX7, Roland D-50, E-MU Proteus 2000, Waldorf Blofeld, Korg microKORG and Arturia MicroFreak, among others.

Furthermore, the .ins format is open and text-based. Users can import their own files, adapt existing definitions, or create new ones using a step-by-step guide and a supplied AI prompt. Expansion cards, such as SR-JV80 and SRX boards, are also supported.

Features

• Reads Cakewalk Instrument Definition (.ins) files
• 200+ ready-to-use Instrument Definitions included
• Search across thousands of hardware presets by name
• Direct MIDI preset auditioning with configurable riffs
• Tempo and transpose controls
• Favorites and preset renaming
• Bank / Sub-Bank / Program values for Ableton Live
• MIDI controller access when documented in the definition
• Open, user-editable text-based .ins format
• No Max for Live required

It is worth noting that INS Browser is not an editor or librarian. It does not fetch or save SysEx data, and the .ins files do not contain the sounds themselves. Instead, the sounds stay in the synthesizer.

Pricing and availability

INS Browser for Live is available as a standalone application for Windows (32/64-bit) and macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon). It works offline and also functions without a DAW.

Price
Intro: 19.95 €
Regular: 29.95 € (until October 31, 2026)

More info: Geranium Production | INS Browser for Live