Nodal Version 1.1beta Released!
Version 1.1beta version of Nodal is now available for download. This version includes a number of enhancements and bug fixes over the previous 1.0 release. These include:
- Nodal is now cross-platform, working on both Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows platforms
- Nodal files can be freely interchanged between operating systems
- a redesigned user interface
- new keyboard shortcuts, including the use of the spacebar to start and stop playback
- Direct access to internal MIDI synths (Windows version only) so no external MIDI synth software is required.
It is important for further development that we know how many people are using the software and what features they would like to see developed. For this reason, we encourage you to register Nodal so we can keep you informed of updates as they are made available. Your registration information will not be used for any other purposes. A registration screen will be displayed the first time you run Nodal.
New Versions of Nodal on the Way!
CEMA is pleased to announce that we have received additional funding to continue the development of Nodal as a cross-platform generative composition tool. The current versions are free, but will expire on the 24th September 2009.
Further development of Nodal will continue in 2009, where we will move to charging a small fee to purchase an updated version of the software (Windows and Mac compatible). Fees collected will go back into further developments of the software. Updated versions will include technical support, a more detailed manual and tutorial guides. Please check back on this page throughout 2009 for updates. These updates will be available before the current version expires.
About Nodal
Nodal is a generative software application for composing music. It uses a novel method for the notation and playing of MIDI based music. This method is based around the concept of a user-defined graph. The graph consists of nodes (musical events) and edges (connections between events). You interactively define the graph, which is then traversed by any number of players who play the musical events as they encounter them on the graph. The time taken to travel from one node to another is based on the length of the edges that connect the nodes.
Nodal is free software available for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows computers.
Nodal Download
Download Nodal 1.1 Beta
The Nodal application and associated files are provided for free download from the CEMA web site. We ask that you only download this software for personal use and that you do not post it on other web or download sites, or copy it for any other form of distribution. The software and associated files are © Copyright by the Centre for Electronic Media Art, Monash University.
This software is provided "as is", without any warranty or guarantee of specific functionality or fitness for any particular purpose. We are not able to provide installation assistance or support for this software.
Mac OS X: Nodal1.1b.dmg [12.25Mb]
Windows XP or Vista: Nodal1.1b-Installer.exe [5.4Mb]
Working with Nodal
Nodal does not make any sound by itself – it only generates
MIDI data. You will need a MIDI synthesiser to hear the output that Nodal
is making. Nodal is compatible with any MIDI synthesiser. On Microsoft
Windows you can use the built-in midi synthesiser or any third party
MIDI synth (check the MIDI out list under the preferences dialogue box).
For simple demonstrations on the Mac, we recommend SimpleSynth.
Nodal will also work with Apple's GarageBand software
or any of the many third-part MIDI synths available for the Mac.
Tutorial
You can download the Nodal Tutorial [400k pdf] for guided information on how to use Nodal as a composition tool.
Newsgroup
A newsgroup to discuss Nodal development and share patches, tips and general discussion is available via Google groups.
Credits
Nodal is based on an original concept by Jon McCormack. The Nodal development team is: Alan Dorin, Aidan Lane, Jon McCormack and Peter McIlwain. The original funding for Nodal research and development was provided by an Arts/IT small grant from Monash University.
Nodal software was written by Aidan Lane.