Introducing Topiary

Topiary is a modular suite of (VST and other) plugins, for real time, live, musical pattern generation. The italic terms in the above are explained below.

Master Screen

Topiary Beatz Master Screen

  • “Suite”: Topiary is not one product, it consists of individual modules, each module a different and separate plugin, and each different module performs different kinds of functionalities.
  • “Musical Pattern Generation”: Topiary modules do not generate sound; they generate Midi data. This data can be note events, but it might also be midi CC events controlling balance, pan or what not, but also transport control events and so on.
  • Topiary modules are plugins, this implies:
    • You will need software to host these plugins. Topiary is primarily developed to use in Cantabile, but it should work in other hosts and even DAWs. To find out which Topiary plugin is confirmed to work in which host, see the release notes.
    • In order to generate sound, you will need sound sources/generators. These can be software synths (such as VST plugin synths) but these can also be external hardware.
  • “Real time”: the patterns Topiary generates are not static, but can be changed live & on the fly.
  • “Live” : reacts to live events in 2 ways:
    • Some Topiary plugins react live to what you play on your keyboard or controller. Some Topiary plugins will generate note data based on the notes or even chords you play, live and in real time, much like an arranger.
    • Topiary plugins are designed for live intervention with their configuration. Topiary plugins have many real-time parameters, that can be assigned to any real time hardware or host software controllers (buttons, sliders and knobs on your keyboard or any midi controllers). Tweaking these parameters live can dramatically change or influence the actual output of the plugin.
  • “Modular”: Topiary encompasses several (types of) plugins, and performers can mix and match which they do or do not use. Just like a modular hardware synth consist of modules like oscillators, envelope generators and filters, which you need to hook up to your needs, Topiary plugins need to be hooked up to your needs. You decide which Topiary plugins you use, and what inputs and outputs you connect them to in your host software.

Topiary is open source, which means you can download & use it for free, and you can even get the source code and change that. For details see the License page.