Midinous is a grid-based non-linear MIDI sequencer usable with any Digital Audio Workstation or hardware that accepts MIDI messages. Midinous can also generate its own simple sounds either for reference, or for normal use.
The developers have crafted a radically different music sequencing system compared to traditional linear DAW-based tools. Instead of working within a timeline, users place "Points" on a grid and connect them with "Paths" to create complex, looping MIDI sequences. This grid-based, non-linear approach allows you to explore expansive, generative musical structures unbounded by strict temporal progressions.
The grid system provides granular control, with each tile representing a quarter note. You can precisely position notes and craft intricate rhythmic patterns. Zooming in and out of the grid enables fine-tuning of timing, empowering the generation of complex, polyrhythmic structures.
One standout feature is the ability to create "Portals" that allow sequences to branch off in different directions. You can also apply probability settings to individual notes, introducing chance-based variation that encourages an exploratory, generative approach to music creation.
To ensure your sequences remain harmonically coherent, the developers have included scale snapping functionality. You can lock the grid to a specific key and scale, ensuring all notes align with the chosen musical mode. The "Relative Signals" feature also allows for the transposition of melodic and harmonic ideas across multiple paths.
While the core concepts may seem complex, the interface is designed to be intuitive and approachable. The visual grid, color-coding, and keyboard-based controls make the sequencing process accessible for both seasoned musicians and newcomers. Furthermore, you can customize the UI to suit your preferences.
This is not a standalone music production tool, but rather a MIDI sequencer intended to work in tandem with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and other software. By creating its own virtual MIDI ports, it seamlessly integrates with your existing setup, allowing the generated MIDI data to be routed to various synthesizers and samplers.
Perhaps the most frequently cited aspect in user reviews is the tool's ability to inspire and unlock new creative possibilities. The non-linear, generative nature of the sequencing encourages experimentation, leading to the discovery of unexpected musical ideas that users may not have stumbled upon through more traditional means. Many praise it as a catalyst that sparks their imagination and enables the creation of compositions they would not have otherwise conceived.