InstaScale
by W.A. Production · Utility · MIDI scale player
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InstaScale is a MIDI plugin from W.A. Production that lets you play instruments with 16 smart keys that follow a chosen scale.
Each key plays notes relative to the scale and the previous note, for $9.90 (regularly $69).
Best for: Keys & Synths. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: keys, experimental, live performance, utility.
What it does
InstaScale is a MIDI plugin for playing melodies with relative notes. Instead of fixed keys, 16 smart keys each produce a note based on the chosen scale, the previous note and the action assigned to that key, so you never leave the scale.
- Smart keys: 16 playing keys, each set to a static offset such as Home or a relative step such as +2 or -3 from the previous note; a Repeat action plays the same note again.
- Control keys: change settings over MIDI while you play, with up, down and switch actions for root, scale, home note and octave.
- Scales: Major, Minor, Melodic Minor, Harmonic Minor, Spanish, Arabic, Major and Minor Pentatonic, Blues, In Sen and Hirajoshi, plus user-editable custom scales in the full version.
- Modes: the home note can move to any scale degree, so one scale also covers its modes.
- Polyphony and pass-through: stacking keys builds chords, and a pass-through mode lets the keyboard play normally.
- Extras: input and output octave shifting, UI scaling (75%, 100% and 200%) and preset management.
The developer pitches it for learning scales, ear training, experimental composition and live performance. The current version is 1.1.6 (April 2024). The trial is limited to C major. It is on sale, with standard and commercial licenses.
Source: W.A. Production product page
When to use it
InstaScale is the better pick when you want to perform melodies in key with only a few keys or pads. Compared with a DAW's scale lock or the scale modes in Scaler, it works with relative steps rather than mapping each key to one fixed note, so a small set of keys can walk through a whole melody. Unlike W.A. Production's own InstaChord 2, it is built for single-note lines and simple stacked chords rather than full chord generation. Players who already know the keyboard may find plain scale snapping more direct.
- Best for: playing melodies in key on small controllers or pad grids, ear training and exploring exotic scales and modes.
- Genres: any style; the scale set suits world, film and experimental music.
- Look elsewhere if: you want chord generation and progressions (InstaChord 2 or Scaler), or a simple key-to-scale mapping (your DAW's scale lock).
Where to buy
- W.A. Production: $9.90 (regular $69)
- Plugin Boutique: $9.90 (regular $69)
- Best Service: $69
- AudioDeluxe: $69
Tutorials and reviews
- W.A. Production - INSTASCALE MIDI Plugin | Intro + Review
- W.A. Production InstaScale First Look | MIDI Routing in…
- InstaScale Tutorial
- An Inside Look at InstaScale From WA Production
- How To Use InstaScale (New) & Other MIDI Processors
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