What is Nodal?

Nodal is generative software for composing music, interactive real-time improvisation, and a musical tool for experimentation and fun. Nodal uses a new method for creating and exploring musical patterns, probably unlike anything you've used before. You can play sounds using Nodal's built-in synthesiser or any MIDI compatible hardware or software instrument.

Nodal is based around the concept of a user-defined network. The network consists of nodes (musical events) and edges (connections between events). You interactively define the network, which is then automatically traversed by any number of virtual players. Players play their instruments according to the notes specified in each node. The time taken to travel from one node to another is based on the length of the edges that connect the nodes. Nodal allows you to create complex, changing sequences using just a few simple elements. Its unique visual representation allows you to edit and interact with the music generating system as the composition plays.

Nodal is compatible with DAW software such as Ableton Live, Logic Studio, Digital Performer and Garage Band. It can transmit and receive MIDI sync. You can edit a network using the mouse and keyboard, and optionally a MIDI keyboard. Nodal recognises and sends notes, sync, continuous controller and pitch bend information.

Features

• simple but powerful interface
• change your composition while it is playing – great for improvisation and quickly creating new musical ideas
• compatible with any MIDI synthesiser and major Digital Audio software
• can run stand alone using the built-in synthesiser
• live performance tools: trigger complex sequences within the network using any MIDI keyboard or MIDI input device
• define your own interactive continuous controller curves (e.g. Volume, Pan, Modulation) for greater musical expression
• built-in examples and tutorial information to get you started and making music quickly

News

Nodal has been awarded the 2012 Eureka Prize for Innovation in Computer Science!

"Desktop Composition Software Changes the Face of Music" -- Wired Gadget Lab

Check out a review of Nodal and making music hands on with Nodal featured on Create Digital Music.

"Music in the air" -- Monash University News

Download Nodal

Download the free demo to see what you can create with Nodal!

What users are saying about Nodal
"Nodal is brilliant!"

"Thank you for absconding with so much of last night's sleep! Nodal is a truly gorgeous, elegant application."

"Thank you thank you thank you for this great piece of software. I have discovered it 2 two days ago, and basically just spent two nights playing with it and making songs and beats."

"This is a great tool for turning my kind of musical ideas into reality! Fantastic software!"

Nodal 1.8 – NEW!!

• New Note entry programming: nodes play chords, sequences and more!
• Improved cut/copy and paste
• Improved UI, editing and MIDI entry features
• Alternate colour palettes and many other improvements
• Mac OS X Lion (10.7) compatibility (Nodal also works with Mac OS 10.5 and 10.6)

Additionally, since 1.1:

• Continuous Controller Editing
• MIDI Triggering
• New improved manual
• Full cut, copy & paste
• Unlimited undo & redo
• Re-written MIDI engine for Windows
• Built-in MIDI synthesizer now also for Mac
• Full MIDI Synchronization (Master & Slave)
• Enhanced and refined user interface
• Customizable document colors
• Custom document templates

Buy Nodal

Buy a Nodal 1.8 license now to be entitled to:

• An introductory price of just $US30
• Free upgrades up until the next major version (that is, all 1.x versions)
• The benefits of helping support Nodal's future development

Updates and feature enhancements are expected over the next few months.

If you have any issues or queries, please contact Support.