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Phrase Mode

Enabled by default on new sessions. Set up your transforms on bars 1 and 2 to create a seed, then tweak the phrase parameters in TR-8 to generate a full 8-bar phrase. Once you have something you like, you can turn off Phrase Mode to fine-tune individual bars in Free Mode.

Free Mode

Each bar is edited independently. A good approach is call and response: start with bar 1, copy it to bar 2 and change something (subtly or drastically), then copy both to bars 3-4 and vary them, then copy all four to bars 5-8 and vary again. This builds a coherent phrase with natural development.

MIDI Import

Arguably the most powerful feature. Import proven melodies, then transform them using TR-1 to TR-7. You can go further by saving the contour, motion, and rhythm of each melody as separate presets and mixing them with other melodies to create entirely new compositions. Single-channel MIDI files work best; prepare your files in advance, focusing on the specific phrase you want.

Voice/Audio Import

Great for capturing instant inspiration. Works best with monophonic sources (single notes, no chords). If detection results are poor, try changing the voice range preset (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) to better match your input. Also accepts WAV and MP3 files.

Polymeter & Cross-Bar Melodies

You can create non-4/4 grooves by combining bars. For example, for a 7/4 feel, set bar 1 to 4 beats and bar 2 to 3 beats in TR-5, then set the contour span to 2 bars in TR-4 so the melody flows across both.

Double Mode (31 EDO)

Enable from the Project menu, then control in TR-2. This applies microtonal tuning to any scale, doubling the available notes. Uses seeds for reproducible results. Fine-tune in the note editor, where you can also add shimmer — playing a note alongside its nearest microtonal neighbour for a chorus-like effect.

Sections

Up to 24 sections, each containing up to 8 bars. Tap to select, drag to copy. Drag outside the row to deactivate.

Bars

Tap a bar to select it and edit its transforms. Drag a bar onto another to copy its settings.

Select Mode

Cycles through three states: inactive, select (tap to mark bars for playback), and note edit (opens the tracker editor).

TR-1: Key

Sets the root note (C through B) for the selected bar.

TR-2: Scale

Choose from 100 scales across 12 families. Filters by brightness, tension, and stability. Also controls Double Mode (31 EDO) when enabled.

TR-3: Motion

Slider controlling interval distribution — left for stepwise movement, right for wider leaps.

TR-4: Contour

25 contour patterns (5 basic + 20 compound). Set span (1-4 bars) to flow melody across multiple bars.

TR-5: Rhythm

54 presets across genres, or build custom patterns with a cell-based editor. Development modes: mirror, retrograde, augment, diminish. Tempo and beats-per-bar (2, 3, or 4) are set here.

TR-6: Ornament

Applies ornamental style (Classical, Baroque, Jazz, Folk, Modern, Clean) to generated notes.

TR-7: Instrument

Selects instrument, volume, reverb, pan, note range, and octave shift. Custom instruments from audio samples are a Pro feature.

TR-8: Phrase

Active in Phrase Mode only. Configure form template, DNA preset, mutation type, and phrase parameters like motivic return and energy direction.

Project (.kai)

Saves the full project including all sections, bars, transform settings, and your MIDI/voice presets. Loading a project restores everything.

Presets (.presets.kai)

Exports your MIDI and voice preset library as a standalone file. Share with other users or use as a backup. Importing adds the presets to your existing library.