FeelYourSound has introduced version 4.0.0 of Sundog Song Studio, their standalone composition software for Windows and macOS.
Sundog features a collection of tools, designed to streamline music composition. Songs can be exported as standard MIDI files for further development in your favorite DAW.
Here’s what’s new in Sundog 4.0:
- New layout and updated themes.
- Time signature options: Sundog supports more than 4/4 now. New “Meter” choices: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/4.
- Actions-Menu: Create and transform patterns easily. Create basic arpeggios, basslines, chord rhythms, etc., with one single click. Then use transformer actions to shape the melodies.
- Right-click on the Pattern area for Pattern Actions. Transform and randomize existing sequences with just a few clicks.
- New “Bass settings” combobox in the Chords View: Different options to automatically add dedicated bass notes when you click on a chord button.
- New settings sub-menu: “Chords View: Flow settings”. Options to automatically invert a chord when you click on a chord button.
- Drag and drop Pattern steps. Hold down Ctrl to create a copy.
- New Source mode: Chord Notes (dense). Stacks other notes on top of the bass note. Duplicates across octaves are removed.
- New Source mode: Chord Notes (shift). Folds wide chord spreads into a tight cluster (useful to avoid large jumps).
- New Source mode: Scale + Chords. All scale notes combined with all chord notes. Starts at the root note of the scale.
- New Source mode: Scale + Chords (safe). Same as “Scale + Chords”, but removes any notes that are too close to each other.
- New Source mode: Chords + Scale. All chord notes combined with all scale notes. Starts at the bass note of the chord.
- New Source mode: Chords + Scale (safe).Same as “Chords + Scale”, but removes any notes that are too close to each other.
- New Advanced Chord FX: Move 4th note one octave up.
- Scale combobox: Quickly switch between over 300 scales via arrow buttons.
- Removed in macOS version: File -> Render WAV file with Preview Synth.
Pricing and Availability:
Sundog Song Studio 4.0 is available now for 59 EUR / $69. The update is free for all customers.
Introductory deal: Use the code “sundog4” at the checkout page to get 20% off.
I’m not going to be the “get off my lawn!” guy, not today. These kinds of compositional tools are not for everyone (including me).
I feel compelled to comment because I have such mixed feelings. On one hand, I think these tools have massive potential to help young or inexperienced music makers learn about chords, etc. and to learn what works well in terms of progressions, root-movement, etc. It provides an very interactive way to experience music. I should say: more interactive than just listening to music.
I think for more advanced/experience music-makers, this tool won’t offer enough rhythmic options– step-rates, triplets and other tuplets, custom chords, etc. Also, it kind of automates the fun parts of composing music.
But all that said, what is there looks pretty nicely designed
Easy music is like easy exercise. A contradiction that leads to atrophe.