Noesis Max for Live: Chord Progression Generator

Dystopian Waves has introduced Noesis, a new Max for Live device designed to streamline the creation and exploration of chord progressions within Ableton Live. This innovative tool integrates music theory, generative algorithms, and genre-specific generation modes. Consequently, it assists songwriters, producers, and composers in developing harmonic foundations for a broad spectrum of musical styles. Users can generate complete progressions or define specific harmonic starting points. Furthermore, Noesis offers suggestions for substitutions, modulations, inversions, extensions, and alternative voicings, providing deep creative control.

Advanced Harmonic Generation Systems

Noesis features two primary generation systems that cater to different creative needs. Firstly, the Structural Mode is rooted in functional harmony and traditional music theory. This mode allows for classic and predictable harmonic movements. Secondly, the Flavor Mode provides genre-oriented generation. It includes more than 25 distinct styles such as Neo-Soul, Lofi, Dark Trap, Cinematic, Epic, and Synthwave. This variety enables producers to quickly find suitable harmonic palettes for their specific projects.In addition to these core systems, Noesis offers various generation options through five distinct logic modes. These include Diatonic, Chromatic, Advanced, Flavor, and Axis. Each mode presents unique approaches to harmonic movement, thereby expanding the creative possibilities significantly. For instance, the Diatonic mode focuses on chords within a single key, while Chromatic mode introduces more complex, non-diatonic movements.

Key Features for Enhanced Workflow

Noesis is packed with features designed to enhance a producer’s workflow. It offers over 100 chord formats and 20 scales, ensuring a vast harmonic vocabulary. Moreover, eleven intelligent suggestion modes are available for substitutions, modulations, voicing changes, extensions, and alterations. This functionality makes exploring new harmonic ideas straightforward. The device also boasts automatic transition detection with passing-chord generation, which helps create smoother musical phrases. An integrated Circle of Fifths interface further aids in key selection and progression development.Beyond generation, Noesis provides practical performance and editing tools. Chord performance styles include Block, Strum, Gated, and Chock, among others, allowing for diverse rhythmic interpretations. Timing and velocity humanization controls add a natural feel to generated progressions. Furthermore, MIDI controller mapping facilitates live chord triggering, making the device suitable for performance. MIDI export and chord import functionalities ensure seamless integration with other production tools. Global and per-chord editing options, such as transposition, octave control, voicing adjustment, and chord-format selection, offer granular control over every aspect of the progression.

Features

• Over 100 chord formats and 20 scales
• Eleven intelligent suggestion modes (substitutions, modulations, voicing changes, extensions, alterations)
• Automatic transition detection with passing-chord generation
• Integrated Circle of Fifths interface for key selection
• Chord performance styles (Block, Strum, Gated, Chock, etc.)
• Timing and velocity humanization controls
• MIDI controller mapping for live chord triggering
• MIDI export and chord import functionality
• Global and per-chord editing tools (transposition, octave control, voicing adjustment, chord-format selection)

Pricing and Compatibility

Price
Intro: $14 (60% off until June 30)
Regular: (Price not specified, but implied higher)

Noesis is currently available at an introductory price of $14, representing a 60% discount. This offer is valid until June 30. It is important to note that Noesis requires Ableton Live 11.3.0 or later, including the latest Live 12 version, to function correctly. This ensures compatibility with modern Ableton Live setups.

 

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More info: Dystopian Waves | Noesis