Scaler 3
Scaler 3 is a music composition workstation for exploring harmony, arranging, and learning music theory.
What Scaler 3 is
Scaler 3 is a music composition workstation for exploring harmony, arranging, and learning music theory. It includes more than 1,000 chord sets, keys, and modes organized by mood, artist, and genre. The software can detect chords, keys, and scales from MIDI or audio, then suggest compatible chords. Its Arrange page places chords, melody, bass, and phrases in synchronized timeline lanes with adjustable clips. Scaler 3 hosts third-party VST and AU instruments and effects and can route MIDI to external instruments or plugins. Listed DAW compatibility includes Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, Reaper, and Reason. Desktop editions require 64-bit macOS 10.14 or later or Windows 8 or later. The iPad version is sold separately, supports AUv3 plugins, and allows projects to continue on desktop. A fully functional 14-day trial is available through a Scaler Music account.
Good
- Over 1,000 categorized chord sets, keys, and modes
- MIDI and audio chord detection
- Synchronized arrangement lanes
- Hosts VST and AU instruments and effects
- 14-day fully functional trial
Watch out
- iPad version is sold separately
- Desktop requires 64-bit macOS 10.14+ or Windows 8+
- Internet required for first activation
- License installations cannot be used simultaneously
Who it suits
It suits producers, composers, and musicians from beginners to professionals who want harmony tools and timeline-based arranging. Users of supported DAWs or iPad AUv3 plugins can integrate it into those workflows.
Verdict
Scaler 3 brings chord exploration, detection, arrangement, and plugin hosting into one workstation. Its separate iPad edition and supported DAW list provide options, while the trial lets users evaluate the full function set for 14 days.
Plans and prices
From Scaler 3's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Scaler 3 for iPad | $14.99, paid once | Introductory price; sold separately from desktop version · regular price $19.99 USD |
The facts
Each one read from Scaler 3's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Activation
- Scaler 3 requires an internet connection for first activation but does not require an ongoing online connection.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Arrangement
- Its Arrange page has synchronized timeline lanes for chords, melody, bass, and phrases, with adjustable clips.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Audience
- Scaler Music describes its software as serving producers, composers, and musicians, from beginners to professionals.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Chord detection
- It detects chords, keys, and scales from MIDI and audio, then suggests compatible chords.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Chord sets
- It provides over 1,000 chord sets, keys, and modes categorized by mood, artist, and genre.checked 8 Oct 2026
- DAW compatibility
- The maker lists Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, Reaper, and Reason among supported DAWs.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Desktop requirements
- The desktop version supports macOS 10.14 or higher and Windows 8 or higher, and is 64-bit only.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Instruments and effects
- Scaler 3 can host third-party VST and AU instruments and effects, and route MIDI to external instruments or plugins.checked 8 Oct 2026
- iPad version
- Scaler 3 for iPad is a separate purchase and supports AUv3 plugins; the maker says projects can be continued on desktop.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License limit
- A Scaler 3 license permits installation on up to five computers for the primary user, with installations not used simultaneously.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The privacy policy says Scaler Music takes reasonable steps to comply with Australia’s Privacy Act and Australian Privacy Principles, and with the GDPR where applicable.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Scaler 3 is a music composition workstation for exploring harmony, composing, and learning music theory.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- Support is available through FAQs, a community forum, support chat, and support tickets.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Australiachecked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Trial
- Scaler Music says its product trials are fully functional for 14 days and are accessed through a Scaler Music account.checked 8 Oct 2026
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