Comments on: Do You Want To Use AI As A Tool For Synthesis Or Composition?

By: Anig Browl

Anig Browl — Sat, 23 May 2026 05:43:50 +0000

I do not care to use an LLM to generate patches, but it’s worth noting that the Model Context Protocol is basically a JSON API to the synthesizer, meaning that if you are so inclined you can write your own scripts/software to control the synthesis engine. Normally to do this you would need to write code that generates MIDI and then point it at the plugin or device of your choice, but that will only as good as the synthesizer’s MIDI implementation (whcih as we know is often lacking).

The MCP means you can directly control all the internal parameters and they will be correctly names as oscillator_1.pulse_width.modulation_source or whatever. If you want to do super-complex sequencing/modulation but you don’t want to get into the weeds of doing fourier transforms and writing the DSP to synthesize the audio in real time then this could be very useful. You don’t HAVE to connect it to an LLM to do this, the point of the Model Context Protocol is that it’s open to the outside world.

HAving said that I think this trend is probably going to be become ubiquitous and there will be a lot of craptacular AI-prompted patch libraries generated by people who have no real interest in or experience at synth programming.

By: Alexander Wahl

Alexander Wahl — Sat, 23 May 2026 02:26:13 +0000

In reply to S-Trigger Dave. Some people might argue that if turning knobs is involved, you’re not making music to begin with.

By: jg

jg — Sat, 23 May 2026 01:22:23 +0000

Just watched the video. Why in god’s name would I ever want to use such unmusical “sound effects” in my compositions? Is this supposed to be “Gas Music From Jupiter”? Plus, the second example effect has some really awful clipping.

By: Jerome J

Jerome J — Fri, 22 May 2026 23:53:55 +0000

I don’t see why the hate. The video looks super cool. Great way to test some complicated intellectual ideas.

By: QnDJ

QnDJ — Fri, 22 May 2026 22:34:33 +0000

Nope. Getting my harmonies commented on is ok but I am in charge of my own glitches.

By: S-Trigger Dave

S-Trigger Dave — Fri, 22 May 2026 22:34:01 +0000

For the most part, using AI for composition feels like wearing three condoms at once. I can see some interesting housekeeping uses for it, but I feel that I should turn the knobs until I find what I need. You need to be selective about where you use it. Making music shouldn’t be too easy.

By: Hammy Havoc

Hammy Havoc — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:43:44 +0000

No. These AI posts may mean I unsubscribe from Synthtopia, just like when I bulk unsubscribed from people peddling crypto and NFTs. Planet destroying snake oil BS.

By: momo

momo — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:01:41 +0000

Again with the AI posts? Read the room, synthhead.

By: eivind

eivind — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:28:08 +0000

No. Why should I? If I fail to come up with my own ideas I simply stop doing music. It’s quite easy.