MONO
by Thenatan · Utility · MIDI pattern generator and sampler
Not rated yet
MONO generates EDM basslines, leads and sequences from 20 genre scales, and plays them through a dual-layer sampler with 240+ samples or exports them as MIDI.
It adds an XY-controlled effects matrix, four LFOs and one-click randomizing; it costs $79.50.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Hip-Hop & Trap.
Keywords: bass, randomize, synths, inspired by, mixing, preset-driven, rhythmic, samples & loops, sidechain input, sound design, stutter, tempo-synced, utility.
What it does
MONO is a MIDI pattern generator for EDM with its own dual-layer sampler, so it can play its patterns itself or send them as MIDI to other instruments. Thenatan pitches it as a cure for "blank screen syndrome": you pick a scale, style and performance setting instead of drawing notes.
- Pattern engine: a 5-layer sequencer that builds basslines, leads, sequences and melodic patterns from scale, style and performance rules, with automatic downbeat velocity boosts, melodic look-back logic, and MPC-style swing and gate.
- Genre modes: Mainstage EDM, Melodic Techno, Hybrid Trap, Phonk, Future Bass and Tech House.
- 20 EDM scales: including Acid, Acid Plus, Dark Minor, Hypnotic, Machine, Octave Walk, Phrygish, Rave, Rave Dark, Tritone and Uplift.
- Dual-layer sampler: Layers A and B each draw on 120+ EDM samples (240+ in all) with their own gain, pan, tune, drive and 3-band EQ, plus 10 amp and 10 filter envelope presets.
- Hexa-FX matrix: eight effects (Crusher, Driver, Shifter, Ringer, Flanger, Fatter, WahTF, Stutter) blended on an XY pad, with reverb and tempo-synced stereo delay sends and a 4/4 sidechain-duck button.
- Quad-Motion LFOs: four LFOs with 15 presets each: Gainer (pumps and trance gates), Panner (stereo sweeps), Filtrator (resonant gates and LP/HP sweeps) and Pitcher (dive bombs, ripples, risers).
- Nuclear randomizer and export: one click re-rolls the sequencer, layers, scale and effects; drag the result into your DAW as MIDI. It ships with 650+ presets.
It includes the OPR8 Multi-FX plugin as a bonus. The store page does not mention a demo.
When to use it
MONO is the better pick when you want finished-sounding EDM lines fast: it writes the pattern, plays it through its own sampler and effects, and lets you keep the MIDI. Unlike Scaler 3, which is built around chords and harmony, MONO is aimed at basslines, leads and sequences in set EDM styles. Compared with LFO Tool, its four LFOs only move MONO's own sound rather than shaping other tracks, but they cover the same pump, gate and sweep moves. Its range is narrow by design: the scales and modes are all electronic dance styles, and the randomizer trades control for speed.
- Best for: sketching EDM basslines, leads and sequences, then dragging the MIDI to your main synth.
- Genres: mainstage EDM, melodic techno, tech house, hybrid trap, phonk and future bass.
- Look elsewhere if: you need chord progressions and harmony tools (Scaler 3 fits better), work in Pro Tools, or want to write patterns note by note in a piano roll.
Where to buy
- Thenatan: $79.50
- Plugin Boutique: $79.50
Tutorials and reviews
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