TONIC 2 key and scale detection plugin interface by zplane

TONIC 2: Key and Scale Detection Plugin by zplane

TONIC 2 is a music theory analysis plugin by zplane that detects the key and scale of any audio source or MIDI and suggests compatible notes and chords.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

TONIC 2 is aimed at producers who need to know the key of a loop, sample, recording or song idea. Insert it on a track, press play in your DAW, and it returns up to three possible key and scale matches, each with a percentage probability. A virtual keyboard then shows notes and chords that fit the selected scale, so you can audition them on the plugin or on external instruments. It also works offline, letting you drag an audio file in for analysis.

Best for

Sample key detection
Melody writing
Chord progression ideas
Remix harmony
Music theory practice

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

02Key features

What you get

Real-time or offline key and scale detection for audio and MIDI
Three key and scale matches, each with a percentage probability
Virtual keyboard with Fold Keys mode for scale-only notes
Chords mode to find keys and chords compatible with the scale
Note and chord auditioning limited to matching pitches
MIDI input and output for external keyboards and instruments
Tuning display in cents and hertz relative to A = 440 Hz
Available in VST3, AU and AAX formats, 64-bit

03In depth

Key and Scale Analysis for Audio and MIDI

TONIC 2 analyzes both audio and MIDI, either in real time while the track plays or offline from a dropped audio file. For each analysis it displays three key and scale matches, with a percentage probability for each. Switching between the suggestions updates the virtual keyboard immediately, so you can see which notes and chords belong to each candidate key.

The plugin also includes a tuning display that shows deviations from A = 440 Hz in both cents and hertz, which helps when working with material that is not at standard pitch.

Fold Keys and Chord Modes for Writing Melodies and Harmonies

Fold Keys mode shows only the notes of the selected scale and maps them to the white keys of your MIDI keyboard, so you can play melodies that stay in key. Chord mode finds chords compatible with the chosen scale. You can play them through MIDI input, or drag them straight into your DAW as MIDI clips.

TONIC 2 also sends MIDI to external instruments, so the scale-matched notes and chords can drive hardware or other software synths.

04Specs