Audiomodern Riffer is a creative MIDI sequencer plugin designed to generate musical riffs and melodic patterns. It combines pitch, duration, velocity, and density parameters to produce unique sequences that can inspire new musical ideas or add variation to existing compositions. Riffer aims to streamline the process of creating melodic content by offering randomization features within defined musical constraints. The plugin works by generating MIDI data that can be sent to virtual instruments or hardware synths, making it versatile for both studio production and live performance scenarios. With its intuitive interface and powerful generation engine, Riffer seeks to bridge the gap between algorithmic composition and hands-on musical creation, allowing producers and composers to quickly explore new melodic territories without getting bogged down in manual note entry.
Pros:
• Intuitive interface with visual feedback for easy pattern creation
• Extensive scale and mode options for diverse musical styles
• Powerful randomization features with fine-grained control
• Multi-riff engine for creating complex, layered patterns
• MIDI learn functionality for hardware integration
Cons:
• Learning curve may be steep for users unfamiliar with generative music tools
• Limited built-in sound generation capabilities
Riffer’s feature set is comprehensive and well-thought-out, catering to a wide range of musical needs. At its core is the pattern generation engine, which allows users to define the number of steps, note range, and musical scale. The plugin offers 57 predefined scales, ranging from common Western modes to exotic Eastern scales, providing ample tonal variety. Users can also create and save custom scales, further expanding the melodic possibilities.
The randomization features are particularly powerful, allowing for controlled chaos in pattern creation. Users can set probability ranges for pitch, velocity, and note duration, creating patterns that evolve over time while maintaining musical coherence. The “Density” parameter adds an extra layer of rhythmic complexity by introducing note repetitions and ratcheting effects.
Riffer’s multi-riff engine is a standout feature, enabling the creation of up to four simultaneous patterns. Each pattern can have its own settings, allowing for complex polyrhythmic and polyphonic sequences. This feature is particularly useful for creating layered arpeggios or interlocking melodic parts.
The plugin’s MIDI input capabilities allow for real-time transposition and triggering of patterns, making it suitable for live performance. The MIDI learn functionality extends this further, enabling users to map hardware controllers to Riffer’s parameters for hands-on control.
Riffer also includes a “Quick Load” preset system, allowing users to instantly recall up to eight different pattern configurations. This feature is invaluable for live performances or rapid idea generation in the studio. The ability to export MIDI patterns directly from the plugin streamlines the workflow, allowing users to easily incorporate generated ideas into their DAW projects.
The visual interface of Riffer deserves special mention. The main sequencer grid provides immediate visual feedback on the generated pattern, with color-coding for different note velocities. This visual representation makes it easy to understand and fine-tune patterns. The ability to lock individual steps or notes within the pattern adds an element of manual control to the generative process.
When compared to similar plugins, Riffer stands out for its balance of simplicity and depth. Unlike more complex generative tools like Ableton’s Max for Live devices or Native Instruments’ Reaktor ensembles, Riffer maintains a focused approach that prioritizes quick results. Its interface is more intuitive than many algorithmic composition tools, making it accessible to users who might be intimidated by more academic approaches to generative music. In comparison to traditional arpeggiators or step sequencers, Riffer offers more advanced randomization and pattern generation capabilities. While plugins like Sugar Bytes’ Thesys or Image-Line’s Gross Beat offer powerful sequencing tools, they lack Riffer’s focus on melodic idea generation and scale-based composition. Riffer shares some similarities with chord progression tools like Scaler 2 or Captain Chords, but its focus on individual note patterns rather than chord structures sets it apart. It complements these tools well, offering a way to generate melodic lines that fit within established chord progressions.
This plugin is best for:
• Electronic music producers seeking inspiration for new melodic ideas
• Film and game composers needing to quickly generate thematic material
• Live performers looking to add generative elements to their sets
• Producers working in genres that heavily feature arpeggios or sequenced patterns
• Musicians exploring algorithmic composition without diving into complex programming
Audiomodern Riffer is a powerful tool that successfully bridges the gap between manual composition and algorithmic generation. Its strength lies in its ability to quickly produce musically coherent ideas while still allowing for fine-tuned control. The multi-riff engine and extensive scale options provide enough depth for complex compositions, while the intuitive interface ensures that the creative flow is not interrupted by technical hurdles. While it may require some time to fully explore its capabilities, Riffer proves to be a valuable asset for both studio production and live performance. Its limitations in built-in sound generation are offset by its flexibility as a MIDI tool, making it a versatile addition to any producer’s toolkit. Whether used as a starting point for new ideas or as a way to add variation to existing compositions, Riffer offers a unique approach to melodic creation that can inspire and enhance the music-making process.