Starts Guide
From idea to MIDI in seconds
Quick Start
Your first loop in 30 seconds
Pick Key & Scale
Major = bright, Minor = moody
Set Progression
Use Templates or build your own
Choose Styles
Pick algorithms for each instrument
Generate & Listen
Lock what works, iterate the rest
Export MIDI
Download and drop into your DAW
Main Controls
The toolbar at the top of Starts
Create a new loop using your current settings.
Shuffle all algorithms, then generate. Great for exploration.
Preview your loop in the browser.
Silence all audio output.
Adjust preview loudness (dB).
Set tempo for playback and export (40–200).
Set the musical foundation. Try modes for variety.
Load curated presets to jumpstart your workflow.
Lock randomness for reproducible results. Use -1 for random.
Export as MIDI-complete pack or individual parts.
Instrument Controls
Chord / Lead / Bass / Drums tabs
Isolate or silence individual instruments while previewing.
Change the preview sound preset for each instrument.
Freeze an instrument so it won't change when you regenerate.
Create a new variation for just that one instrument.
Choose the generation style for each instrument. Different algorithms create different rhythmic and melodic patterns-see below for details.
Progression Editor
Build custom chord progressions
How It Works
- • Click grid buttons to place chords at each step
- • Rows = scale degrees (I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, vii°)
- • Click chord names on the left to preview that degree
- • Toggle between 4 Steps and 8 Steps
Quick Actions
- Templates Load classic progressions (I–V–vi–IV, etc.)
- Double Expand to twice the length
- Half Compress to half the length
- Clear Start fresh with an empty grid
Generator Algorithms
Choose the right style for each instrument
Chords
harmonic foundationAlternating up/down arpeggios. Guitar-style movement.
Layered note groups with timing offsets. Syncopated feel.
Short, percussive hits. Great for EDM and dance.
Classic arpeggio sequences. Trance, synthwave, ambient.
Natural piano voicings. Musical, less mechanical.
Sustained chords with smooth voice leading. Atmospheric, slow-moving.
Lead
melody & hooksSmooth, singable melodies with small intervals.
Polyphonic riffs with multiple notes. Aggressive, rhythmic.
Question-answer phrasing. Conversational, dynamic.
Fills gaps in the arrangement. Complementary, not overwhelming.
2-bar tension → 2-bar resolution. Strong sense of completion.
Pluck
texture & supportArpeggiated patterns following the chord progression.
Melodic lines that weave around the lead. Second voice.
Fills rhythmic gaps in the arrangement. Supportive texture.
Harmonizes with the lead melody. Creates fuller, richer arrangements.
Bass
low-end grooveFollows root and chord notes. Simple, solid, locks in harmony.
Single-note riffs with rhythmic patterns. More melodic interest.
Stepwise movement through scale. Classic jazz/blues feel.
Off-beat rhythms with unexpected timing. Groove-heavy momentum.
Shorter notes, repeated rhythmic patterns.
Sustained sub-bass following chord roots. Pitch slides, heavy low-end.
Drums
rhythm & grooveKick every beat, snare on 2 & 4. House, techno, disco backbone.
Fast breakbeat with delayed second kick. Extra hi-hats.
Classic sample-based breakbeat patterns. Raw, organic feel.
Slowed feel with emphasis on beats 1 & 3. Space and weight.
Boom-bap style with ghost snares for groove and feel.
Hi-hat rolls with sparse half-time kick and snare. Modern trap.
Ride cymbal backbone with swung offbeats and ghost snares.
Drum Options
Instrument Options
Fine-tune how each algorithm behaves
Shared Options
Controls note density and velocity. Low = sparse and gentle, high = dense and loud.
Energy raises or lowers the overall intensity. Tension adds dissonance and complexity to note choices.
Algorithm-Specific Options
Quick double-hits for a human feel. Works with Four on the Floor, Break, etc.
Adds extra kick hits for denser, heavier patterns.
Controls hi-hat roll velocity patterns: mixed, ascending, or descending.
Adds glide notes between bass pitches for that classic 808 slide effect.
Occasionally doubles the bass one octave up for extra punch.
Extends previous chord into the next for smooth, blended transitions.
Genre Presets
One click to genre-authentic settings
How It Works
- • Open the Genres button at the top of Starts
- • Click any genre card to instantly set key, scale, algorithms, options, and progression template
- • Generation starts automatically — you'll hear your loop right away
- • All settings are fully editable after loading — use presets as a launching point
Available Genres
Pop
Major, bright, catchy
Rock
Power, drive, energy
EDM
Four on floor, big energy
Hip-Hop
Boom-bap, groove
Trap
808 bass, hi-hat rolls
Jazz
Swing, walking bass
Ambient
Pad chords, atmospheric
Classical
Formal, structured
Tip: Genre presets configure genre-specific algorithms like Trap drums with hi-hat rolls, 808 bass with pitch slides, Swing drums with ride cymbal, and Pad chords with voice leading — combinations designed to sound authentic for each genre.
Export & Workflow
Get your MIDI into your DAW
Download Options
- Complete Pack All instruments in one MIDI file with separate tracks
- Individual Parts Each instrument as its own MIDI file
- Include BPM Embed tempo info so your DAW auto-sets it
- ZIP Bundle everything into one download
In Your DAW
- 1. Load sounds - MIDI is just notes; add your VSTs/samples
- 2. Tweak velocities - Add expression and groove
- 3. Adjust timing - Quantize tight or humanize loose
- 4. Arrange - Loop it, add variations, build your song
Production Tips
Workflow advice from producers
Start With a Genre
Use Genre Presets to get genre-authentic settings instantly. Tweak from there.
Lock What Works
Found something you love? Lock it immediately. Iterate on everything else without losing your wins.
Try New Algorithms
Pair 808 bass with Trap drums, or Pad chords with Swing. Mix-and-match for unique results.
Ready to create?
You've got the knowledge. Now make something amazing.