SongEngine
SongEngine is a plug-in for building chord progressions and generating matching basslines, phrases, and melodies.
What SongEngine is
SongEngine is a plug-in for building chord progressions and generating matching basslines, phrases, and melodies. Chords can be made with Chord Pads, imported as MIDI progressions, or generated inside the plug-in. The free core includes more than 60 presets for basslines, arpeggios, phrases, and melodies. Live Mode turns MIDI chords sent from a keyboard or DAW into new MIDI phrases in real time. Generated parts can be dragged into a DAW as standard MIDI files, and an optional MassExporter can save hundreds of phrases to a computer folder. SongEngine runs as a VST2, VST3, or AU plug-in, so it requires a compatible host such as FL Studio or Ableton Live. Windows support covers versions 7, 8, 10, and 11 in 64-bit; macOS support starts at 10.13 and requires a 64-bit Intel or Apple Silicon processor. There is no official Linux build. The maker says the software is not an AI tool and that its algorithms were created by human musicians. Generated MIDI files may be used in commercial releases.
Good
- Free core includes 60+ presets.
- Build, import, or generate chord progressions.
- Live Mode creates MIDI phrases from incoming chords.
- Exports generated parts as standard MIDI files.
- Generated MIDI files may be used commercially.
Watch out
- Requires a compatible VST2, VST3, or AU host.
- There is no official Linux build.
- No mobile apps are listed.
Who it suits
SongEngine suits musicians and producers who want to create or develop chord-based MIDI parts inside a compatible DAW. It may also suit users who want to export those parts for commercial releases.
Verdict
SongEngine offers several ways to create chord progressions and build related MIDI parts, with a free core and optional expansions. Check that your operating system and DAW host meet its requirements before using it.
Plans and prices
From SongEngine's own pricing page, checked 30 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| SongEngine core | Free | Core plug-in · 60+ presets |
The facts
Each one read from SongEngine's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Chord input
- Users can build chords with Chord Pads, import MIDI chord progressions, or generate progressions in SongEngine.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Commercial use
- The maker says generated MIDI files may be used in commercial releases.checked 30 Sep 2026
- DAW compatibility
- SongEngine is a VST2, VST3, and AU audio plug-in that requires a compatible host such as FL Studio or Ableton Live.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Export
- Generated parts can be dragged into a DAW as standard MIDI files, and an optional MassExporter can write hundreds of phrases to a computer folder.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Extensions
- Optional expansion packs add generators and patterns tailored to genres including Trance, Hip Hop, House, and Chillout.checked 30 Sep 2026
- How it is made
- The maker says SongEngine is not an AI tool and that its algorithms were crafted by human musicians.checked 30 Sep 2026
- License use
- The manual says add-on and extension licenses can be used on as many computers as the user owns, including Windows and macOS computers.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Live Mode
- Live Mode transforms MIDI chords sent from a keyboard or DAW into new MIDI phrases in real time.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Presets
- The free core includes 60+ presets for basslines, arpeggios, phrases, and melodies.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- SongEngine creates chord progressions and generates basslines, phrases, and melodies that fit them automatically.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- The developer invites users to email with questions, bug reports, or ideas and says he can be contacted in English or German.checked 30 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Linux limitation
- There is no official Linux build; the manual says users have reported it working with Wine.checked 30 Sep 2026
- macOS support
- The download page lists macOS 10.13 and later, requiring a 64-bit Intel or Apple Silicon processor.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Windows support
- The download page lists Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, with 64-bit support.checked 30 Sep 2026
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