Scaler Music have just released a new, redesigned version of their innovative music theory plug-in. Scaler 3 promises to make it easier than ever for users to take new directions, solve musical puzzles and improve their work-in-progress projects in new and interesting ways.
A headline feature of the new version is that Scaler is now capable of hosting VST and AU instrument and effects plug-ins, eliminating the need for users to set up MIDI routing between multiple tracks and plug-ins. It’s also now possible to connect multiple instrument tracks to a single chord progression, with each track benefitting from its own notes thanks to a new Motions library that contains a selection of basslines, melodies, sequences and other pre-recorded performances. All Motions can be customised using a piano roll interface, and users are also free to create their own from scratch.
Scaler 3 has gained new Explore and Colors pages, which both provide new ways to experiment with new chords and different voicings, and there are now 860 chord sets and 929 Motions to choose from. Helpfully, the software is now available as a standalone application as well as a DAW plug-in.
Scaler's Arrange page now sports a timeline-based layout with dedicated chords, melody, bass and phrases lanes, all of which are synchronised with the main chord track.
New Features Overview
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the new features introduced in Scaler 3:
- Redesigned UX/UI: Scaler 3 has been fully redesigned to remain instantly familiar to Scaler 2 users, while providing a streamlined experience for newcomers. The interface is organised into three main pages: Browse, Create and Arrange.
- Standalone App: Scaler 3 can now run as a standalone application in addition to a plug-in within any DAW, offering a complete and flexible songwriting tool.
- VST/AU Hosting: Load third-party instrument and effects plugins directly on Chord Tracks and MIDI Lanes, supporting both MIDI and audio effects.
- Multi-Lane Timeline: The Arrange page now includes a timeline-based layout with dedicated lanes for chords, melody, bass and phrases. Each lane is synchronised with the main chord track, and clips are fully adjustable with independent control per lane or clip.
- Explore Page: Discover a Harmonic Universe of chords untied to any specific scale. Categorised by genre and feel (Dark, Bright, Neutral), the Explore Page suggests compatible and experimental chord progressions, unlocking new paths for unique and bold harmonic structures.
- Colors Page: Explore a comprehensive view of all chord voicings and harmonic alternatives in a single, unified page. Instantly access parallel and relative chords, as well as diverse voicing and substitution options, to add expressivity and creative flexibility to your compositions.
- Motions: Scaler’s beloved Phrases, Performances, Melodies and Basslines are reimagined as Motions, now with mood-based tags for easier browsing. Scaler 3 introduces hundreds of new Motions crafted by professional musicians, including the all-new Passages Motion.
- Note Editing & Harmonic Modifiers: a comprehensive note-editing matrix allows users to customise or create new Motions. MIDI lanes can be set to follow or run independently of Chord Tracks, with new Harmonic Modifiers and Motion Controls to adjust note range, density, pitch and clip rotation, all within the chosen scale.
- Advanced Keys Lock (Melody Lock and Tools): The full keyboard is now available for Keys Lock profiles, allowing basslines and melodies to align perfectly with scale and chord structures. The new Chord Scale profile dynamically detects chords and adjusts locked notes to fit the appropriate scale or mode.
- New Auto Voice Leading & Improved Voice Grouping: Select multiple chords to apply seamless voice leading automatically. Voice Grouping can now be applied to individual chord clips or even to individual notes.
- Expanded Content: Scaler 3 offers a significant content expansion, including new Chord Sets, Harmonic Universes, Motions and Scales, contributed by Samplify Studio and top-tier artists.
- Enhanced Categorisation: Improved filtering and search functionality enable quick navigation across Scaler 3’s content. Search by mood, energy, note count, scale and more.
- Enhanced Internal Sound Engine: Scaler 3’s sound engine now includes ADSR and Filter control, effects, and multi-layered sounds for deeper sound customisation.
- Improved Strumming, Arpeggios & Quantisation: Easily adjust note lengths, quantisation, density, swing and other parameters for strumming and arpeggios to achieve a more personalised rhythm.
- Refined File Management: Effortlessly save, share and manage audio files, songs and chords, with the ability to tag favourites across Motions, Chord Sets, and Harmonic Universes.
Compatibility
Scaler 3 is supported on PCs running Windows 8 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.14 and above. VST, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone application.
Pricing & Availability
Scaler 3 is available now, and is currently (26 March 2025) being offered at an introductory price of $79, reduced from its full cost of $99. Scaler 2 users will be able to upgrade at a reduced price by purchasing through the same vendor who supplied their version 2 license.
