Scaler 3 Scales Up to Plugin Hosting, Basslines and Arpeggios, More
5,0 / 5,0 | 
Scaler 3 takes the music theory plugin to new heights with standalone mode, AU/VST instrument and effect hosting, a DAW-like interface, and much more. Did the best chord app just get better?
Scaler 3
Scaler, everyone’s favorite music theory plugin, just got bigger with Scaler 3. I’m going to go out on a limb and say better even though I haven’t tried it yet, but judging by this new feature set, it looks pretty fantastic.
You’ll Be DAW-like
The latest version of Scaler from Scaler Music is a ground-up redesign, now with two big new features that give it a very DAW-like presentation.
The first is VST/AU plugin hosting. In Scaler 2, you were stuck using either the built-in sounds or setting up MIDI routing to a plugin instrument within your DAW. Number three does away with the middleman by allowing for plugin hosting directly within the app itself.
Plugin hosting works for both instruments and effects, with a new mixer-like page showing insert effects slots. Of course, Scaler 3 still allows for MIDI routing if you prefer that workflow – in fact, it supports multi-MIDI outs.
Multitrack Arrangement
The other new DAW-ish functionality in the new version is multitrack arrangements thanks to the Multi-Lane timeline. Choose your chord progression as before, then add additional lanes for bass and arpeggios. You can then fine-tune these with the comprehensive MIDI editor. Any changes you then make to the chord progressions will automagically transfer over to the additional lanes. Slick.
Explore Page, More
Also new in Scaler 3 is the Explore page, which gives you a new way to come up with chord progressions. The radial layout reportedly makes it easy to try out new chords in the chosen key or complementary ones outside it. You can also modulate between keys with the Dynamic Scale feature.
Other additions to Scaler 3 include a revamped UI, standalone mode for working outside your DAW, and new chord sets.
Price and Availability
Scaler 3 is available now from Plugin Boutique at an introductory price of $79, rising eventually to $99. Scaler 1 and 2 users can take advantage of the $29 upgrade price.
The plugin is available in VST, VST3, AU, AAX, and standalone formats for both Mac and Windows.
More Information
- Scaler Music Scaler 3 product page
- All about software
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