MusicDevelopments has updated RapidComposer to v6.3, adding a live chord mode that turns the composition tool into a playable arranger. Producers can control full musical phrases from a split keyboard, with each part adapting to the chords they play.
Here's how the new Chords Play Mode works. The right hand holds chord notes, while the left triggers parts of an existing composition. RapidComposer then adjusts those parts to fit the harmony in real time. Pretty handy for trying fresh chord changes without having to rewrite each phrase.
Melody creation gets some attention as well. The new Call & Response generator can build musical lines based on the Master Track's chord sequence. Users can shape how notes move, how much material repeats, and how closely each phrase fits the harmony.
Editing should take fewer clicks. Each track gets a dedicated Edit control, and CAPS LOCK can turn on note editing for whichever track sits beneath the mouse. That cuts down on mode changes when working across a busy arrangement.
Rhythm tracks get similar treatment, with their own editing controls and adjustable track height. A new Velocity Filter also lets users strip out notes that fall below a chosen velocity level, which could help clean up unwanted quiet hits.
Scene management has received a few useful tweaks. Producers can mark scenes with colors, add notes for reference, and reset them when needed. The changes make it easier to keep different sections or ideas organized in larger projects.
And the interface has some fresh options. Dark V6 and Light V6 themes join the selection, while a Quick UI Settings menu brings color, font size, and window dimensions into one spot. Quick Suggestions also gets a scrollbar, which helps when screen space is limited.
Keyboard shortcuts have expanded. Shift with the up or down arrow moves chosen notes by an octave, while Shift with the left or right arrow shifts them by a quarter note. Small changes, but useful when moving around a composition.
Plugin handling has been refined as well. Windows for loaded plugins should open and close more efficiently, and a VST3 state recall bug affecting certain instruments and effects has been fixed. Other minor repairs aim to keep the software more stable.
RapidComposer v6.3 is available for Windows and macOS. The main appeal of this release is its mix of live chord-driven performance, quicker note editing, and extra melody tools, giving producers more ways to test ideas before settling on an arrangement.
Here's how the new Chords Play Mode works. The right hand holds chord notes, while the left triggers parts of an existing composition. RapidComposer then adjusts those parts to fit the harmony in real time. Pretty handy for trying fresh chord changes without having to rewrite each phrase.
Melody creation gets some attention as well. The new Call & Response generator can build musical lines based on the Master Track's chord sequence. Users can shape how notes move, how much material repeats, and how closely each phrase fits the harmony.
Editing should take fewer clicks. Each track gets a dedicated Edit control, and CAPS LOCK can turn on note editing for whichever track sits beneath the mouse. That cuts down on mode changes when working across a busy arrangement.
Rhythm tracks get similar treatment, with their own editing controls and adjustable track height. A new Velocity Filter also lets users strip out notes that fall below a chosen velocity level, which could help clean up unwanted quiet hits.
Scene management has received a few useful tweaks. Producers can mark scenes with colors, add notes for reference, and reset them when needed. The changes make it easier to keep different sections or ideas organized in larger projects.
And the interface has some fresh options. Dark V6 and Light V6 themes join the selection, while a Quick UI Settings menu brings color, font size, and window dimensions into one spot. Quick Suggestions also gets a scrollbar, which helps when screen space is limited.
Keyboard shortcuts have expanded. Shift with the up or down arrow moves chosen notes by an octave, while Shift with the left or right arrow shifts them by a quarter note. Small changes, but useful when moving around a composition.
Plugin handling has been refined as well. Windows for loaded plugins should open and close more efficiently, and a VST3 state recall bug affecting certain instruments and effects has been fixed. Other minor repairs aim to keep the software more stable.
RapidComposer v6.3 is available for Windows and macOS. The main appeal of this release is its mix of live chord-driven performance, quicker note editing, and extra melody tools, giving producers more ways to test ideas before settling on an arrangement.
