Scaler Detector by Scaler Music music theory plugin interface

Scaler Music·Music Theory ToolsFree trial

Scaler Detector: Key and Chord Detection Plugin by Scaler Music Free Download

Rated 4.5/5 on Plugin Boutique (102 ratings)

Scaler Detector is a music theory plugin by Scaler Music that identifies the key, scale and chords of audio tracks, loops, MIDI streams and live performances, and runs as a VST3, VST2, AU, AAX or standalone app.

VST3VST2AUAAXStandaloneWindowsmacOSiOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Scaler Detector is built to answer one question quickly: what key is this music in? You can load a whole song, a polyphonic audio track or a live MIDI stream and get the key, scale and chords. Scaler Music describes it as the detection engine from Scaler 3 in a separate tool. Results can be used as a starting point for chords and harmony, and the detected chords can be dragged out to your DAW or desktop. It is aimed at producers, composers and anyone learning harmony.

Best for

Finding a song's key
Chord ideas for songwriting
Harmony and theory practice
Ear training with favorite tracks
Analyzing loops and samples

Developer: Scaler Music
Category: Music Theory Tools
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Detects key, scale and chords from audio or MIDI
Real-time detection from a MIDI keyboard or audio input
Drag and drop audio or MIDI files for instant results
Chord Panel shows notes and chords as you play
Bind Keyboard for one-finger chord triggering
Voice Grouping for automatic voice leading
Scale notes highlighted on the on-screen keyboard
Runs as VST3, VST2, AU, AAX or standalone

03In depth

Key, scale and chord detection from audio or MIDI

Scaler Detector identifies the key, scale and chords of whatever you feed it. You can play in audio or MIDI in real time, or drag and drop audio and MIDI files for results. Watch notes and chords appear as you play on a MIDI keyboard, shown in the Chord Panel.

Once a key and scale are detected, the plugin can bind notes to one-finger chords and suggest chords that fit the music. Voice Grouping adds automatic voice leading to make chords sound richer. Scale notes can be highlighted on the on-screen keyboard, and compatible scales and their diatonic chords can be browsed for new progressions.

Using Scaler Detector in your DAW or standalone

Scaler Detector runs as a VST3, VST2, AU or AAX plugin inside a DAW, or as a standalone application that needs no DAW. Scaler Music lists Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, Studio One, Bitwig, Reaper and Reason among supported hosts.

Detected chords can be dragged straight to your DAW or desktop. Scaler Music also notes that the plugin can be used to play along with favourite music to build familiarity with scales, chords and harmony.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Scaler Music
Type	Plugin
Category	Music Theory Tools
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone
Operating systems	Windows, macOS, iOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does Scaler Detector support?

Scaler Detector is available as VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and standalone. It is 64-bit only.

Which operating systems can run Scaler Detector?

Scaler Detector runs on Windows and macOS. Scaler Music has also scheduled an iOS version for release in Q4 2025, available exclusively through the Apple App Store.

What do I need to use Scaler Detector?

On macOS you need 10.14 or higher, with native support for Apple Silicon. On Windows you need Windows 8 or higher. A DAW is optional because it can run in standalone mode.

Do I need to buy Scaler Detector if I own Scaler 3?

Scaler Music states that Scaler Detector is included with all existing and new Scaler 3 purchases. Scaler 3 owners can download it for free from the My Products tab in their Scaler Music account.