Noemi Documentation

This chapter gets you making music in under five minutes. For full details on any topic, see the rest of the manual.

Noemi is a non-deterministic composition machine. Instead of traditional linear sequencing, it uses a node-based graph where you wire together different composition building blocks to create evolving, generative music.

The canvas is your workspace for building compositions. Nodes appear as colored blocks that you can arrange freely.

The Pattern node is a MIDI piano roll with 4 independent playhead lanes.

The Generator node creates notes algorithmically using configurable musical rules. Instead of fixed notes, it generates new material each time it plays, guided by probability and music theory.

The Rhythm node is an 8-lane drum step sequencer.

The Waveform node is an audio sample player with 4 independent playhead lanes.

The Slicer node is a MIDI-triggered audio slicer. It loads an audio file, divides it into slices, and plays individual slices triggered by incoming MIDI notes.

The Granular node is a granular synthesis engine that generates clouds of tiny audio fragments (grains) from a loaded sample.

The LiveCode node is a text-based pattern generator inspired by TidalCycles and Strudel. Type patterns using a mini-notation syntax and hear them play back in real-time.

The Sequencer node automates state switching on a target Pattern, Generator, or Rhythm node. It holds a sequence of up to 32 steps, each referencing a state (A-P). When the target node completes a loop, the Sequencer advances to the next step and switches the target's active state.

The MIDI Output node sends generated notes to external MIDI hardware or other applications. It is a terminal MIDI sink on the canvas.

Noemi works as a generative MIDI plug-in: its Pattern, Generator, Rhythm, Sequencer and Transformer nodes produce notes, and a MIDI Output node set to "Host (DAW)" streams them back out to the host, where you route them to your DAW's own instruments.

The MIDI Input node receives notes from external MIDI controllers or applications and feeds them into the composition graph.

The MIDI Splitter routes incoming MIDI to multiple outputs by channel. Use it to split a multi-channel source - a hardware controller, or a hosted plugin like Maschine, Reaktor, or VCV Rack - across different instruments.

The MIDI CC Out node sends a modulatable value out as a MIDI controller. Noemi has always been able to receive CC - the Mod Matrix can map an incoming controller onto any node parameter - but until 1.0.4 it had no way to send any, which left LFOs, automation and mini-notation sources unable to shape a hosted plugin or an external synth.

Noemi supports Open Sound Control (OSC) for communication with external software and hardware.

Audio Input receives live audio from the system audio device (or from the DAW's effect chain in plugin mode). Use it to process live audio through Noemi's effects and modulation system.

Transformers process notes in real-time as they flow through the graph. Connect a source node's output to a transformer's input, then connect the transformer's output to an instrument. Each transformer can be enabled or bypassed.

Cantia is a voice synthesizer that models the human vocal tract using formant synthesis. A glottal pulse drives three parallel bandpass filters (formants F1, F2, F3) to produce vowel and consonant sounds.

The modulation system lets you animate any parameter over time using modulation sources routed through the modulation matrix.

Noemi supports microtuning via the MTS-ESP standard, allowing alternative tuning systems beyond standard 12-tone equal temperament.

The transport panel sits at the bottom of the window:

The mastering chain is a 4-stage processor on the master output, accessible from the Mastering button in the mixer panel header. Each stage can be independently bypassed, and the entire chain has a global bypass toggle.

The scene system lets you save and recall snapshots of your entire project state. Noemi provides 16 scene slots for storing and switching between different configurations during a performance or composition session.

The Song Arrangement system organizes your composition into a timeline of sections, each referencing a scene.

Performance View is a full-screen simplified interface designed for live performance.

Open with Cmd+Shift+P or the toolbar button. The browser shows a searchable library organized by categories with tags and favorites.

File > New Project (Cmd+N) creates a fresh empty project. If you have unsaved changes, you'll be prompted to save first.

File > Export Audio (Cmd+E) renders your composition to an audio file.

Alongside the standalone app, Noemi ships as audio plugins so you can run its generative graph inside a DAW.

Noemi includes a virtual QWERTY keyboard for playing notes without a MIDI controller.

All keyboard shortcuts can be viewed and customized via File > Keyboard Shortcuts.

Noemi includes 3 color themes selectable from View > Theme:

Noemi supports macOS VoiceOver for screen reader navigation across the entire UI.