TranceTools 0.9: drums, genre presets and a VST3/AU plugin

Three more TranceTools beta updates have landed since 0.6. The big one: TranceTools now runs as a VST3 and AU plugin, right inside your DAW. An idea also gets an eighth part, drums, and a genre preset can set the whole thing up in one click. If you're already on the beta, the app will offer the update itself.

A plugin, as well as an app

The app installs TranceTools as a VST3 and AU plugin for you. Load it on a track and you get the same window inside your DAW:

• Plays in time with your DAW's transport.
• MIDI out per part, on channels 1 to 8, so each part can play your own instrument.
• Built-in sound on its own output, if you just want to hear the idea.
• Saves with your project, so the idea is still there when you come back.

The app still works on its own, next to Bitwig Studio, Ableton Live or anything else.

Drums

The eighth part is Drums, with 8 kits: Four on the Floor, Uplifting 138, Rolling Psy, Progressive Groove, Tech Trance, Hard Trance, Breakbeat and Minimal Pulse. Every kit plays a fill every four bars.

Genre presets

Pick Uplifting, Progressive, Psy, Tech, Vocal, Hard Trance or Classic 90s, and TranceTools sets the tempo, scale, progression, chord colour, styles and feel to match. It's the fastest way to get an idea in the right ballpark, then roll from there.

Breakdowns, builds and drops that move

The sections in the Section menu now sound like real transitions:

• The breakdown states the hook, with a crash.
• The build has a snare roll that speeds up to 32nds, and the kick comes in halfway.
• The drop opens on a crash.

Filter sweeps (CC 74) are written into the breakdown and the build.

Gates and pump

Every part can have a trance gate pattern and a sidechain-style pump (CC 11). Both come with the part when you drag it into your DAW as a MIDI clip.

Variations that keep the hook

Mutate 25% or 50% on any part changes some of the notes and keeps the hook, for when a part is nearly right.

Continue a melody

Drop a 1 or 2 bar MIDI melody on the Lead lane, or play one on a MIDI keyboard. TranceTools turns it into a full lead that follows the chords.

Smaller things

• Camelot key codes (like 8A) in the display, for harmonic mixing.
• Hover a chord to see what it does in the key.
• Export audio stems: one WAV per part plus the mix (48 kHz, 24-bit), from the built-in sound.

What it doesn't do

There's no note editor, on purpose. Your DAW already has a piano roll you know, so drag the MIDI in and edit it there.

Try it

The beta is free and Mac only for now (macOS 11 or later, Apple silicon or Intel). Tell us what you think: just reply to the email with your product key.