It’s also worth checking the website because there are some compatibility issues although these are being fixed as Scaler is updated. They are essentially the same except ScalerControl is designed for DAWs that use AU plugins that don’t allow you to route midi to other tracks. It’s worth noting that there are two versions, Scaler and ScalerControl. When you launch Scaler, you register the keyfile and enter your registered email address and you’re good to go. When you have purchased Scaler it is available to download from the ‘My Products’ section of your account where you will find a keyfile to download.
Registration is similarly straightforward. This is a straightforward process, the file is quite small so download and installation is quick. Ready to put together a progression? Simply drag and drop chords into Scaler’s sequencer, change up octaves and inversions, and record or drag the progression into your DAW. Theory buffs can also get an insight into each chord’s harmonic function. Once you’ve determined a scale, Scaler lays out basic diatonic chords for you to audition, and lets you take things further with dozens of chord variations and voicings to try out. With the onboard bank of 1,728 scales and modes including genre and artist presets, there’s more than enough to keep the juices flowing. It is typically priced at £39.95Ī first of its kind, Scaler can determine what key and scale you’re in and suggest chords that match your music, or it can inspire a tune from scratch by providing a set of initial chords in an unexplored key. It is available in AAX, VST and AU formats as 32 & 64-bit versions from PluginBoutique’s website. With note detection, scale selection and chord suggestions, Scaler is a comprehensive but easy-to-use toolbox that will help anyone make better music. But even so, MuLab 7 Free is still a fantastic freeware tool for completing simpler sequencing projects, or for going crazy with complex routings in the modular area.PluginBoutique have introduced Scaler, a unique and inspirational MIDI effect that makes finding chords and progressions intuitive and fun.
Back then, if I recall correctly, the Free version was limited to eight sequencer tracks (with unlimited mixer channels) which was certainly better than the four sequencer tracks that we get for free nowadays. I instantly fell in love with the minimal user interface that was placed on top of such a complex and versatile music production tool. MuLab Free was the first freeware DAW that I really liked back when I was making my first steps in the world of computer based music production.
It is also an incredibly powerful sound design tool that will allow you to chain up to eight VST plugins (combined with dozens of MuLab’s built-in devices) in almost and routing setup imaginable. Once you’re ready to upgrade to MuLab UL, you can purchase key in the MuTools Shop and enter it in MuTools 7 Free in order to unlock all of the program’s features. There’s A LOT you can do with the free version, though, especially if you intend on using it as your secondary DAW for starting new projects and experimenting with modular plugin setups.
There are no nag screens or other similar annoyances in MuLab Free, apart from the soft white noise that you’ll hear in case you hit one of its limitations (up to four sequencer tracks and eight VST plugins per session). There’s no installation or activation required and the application is actually fully portable (you can carry it around on a USB stick or an external hard drive and use it as a portable studio).
To use the freeware edition of MuLab 7, simply download the latest version of the software from the product page linked below and extract the ZIP archive to you hard drive. See also: Best FREE Digital Audio Workstations!