Rendition is a MIDI plugin that adds chord and arpeggio zones to any track, with scale-aware generation and humanization for expressive, layered performances.
Purpose and Overview
Rendition, Nightfox Audio’s first MIDI plugin, is designed to help producers build rich chords and animated arpeggios without deep programming. It can be placed on MIDI or instrument tracks, sending MIDI output as if it came from a physical controller while syncing to the DAW clock. This makes it a flexible tool for adding musical layers to any session.
The plugin includes a large library of MIDI presets for instant inspiration. Setlists allow you to create and reorder custom banks of up to 30 presets, saving multiple Setlists for different projects or styles. This organizational feature helps streamline workflow, especially for producers who work across varied genres or need quick access to different musical setups.
Key Capabilities
Rendition splits the keyboard into four assignable zones: Chord, Arpeggiator, Modifier, and Normal. Each zone can behave differently, so one range might play chords in a scale, another might trigger modifiers, and a third could arpeggiate notes. Zone stacking is flexible: Arpeggiator and Chord modes can combine, while Normal and Modifier are exclusive, giving you control over layering.
Chord mode is scale-aware, offering a selection of 28+ scales including Ionian, Dorian, Harmonic Minor, Pentatonic, and Raga Bhairav. Extensive chord modifiers allow for inversions, octave spreads, voicing tweaks, power chords, suspended, and extended chords. Playback options include Hold, Relatch, Momentary, Polyphonic, or Monophonic, for different performance styles.
Arpeggiator and Humanization
The arpeggiator features latch, hold, MIDI thru, and 21 pattern shapes. Swing control and humanized velocity and note length add movement and a less mechanical feel. Input Delay randomization further enhances organic timing variations, making performances sound more natural.
All important parameters are automation-capable and CC mappable, providing full integration with your DAW. This allows you to automate changes over time or map controls to hardware, useful for live tweaking or precise production adjustments without manual re-programming.
Workflow and Practical Applications
Typical use involves dropping Rendition onto a track, then assigning keyboard zones to create layered performances. For example, lower keys could play chords, middle keys could apply modifiers, and upper keys could trigger arpeggios. This setup works well for beat-making, songwriting, or live sessions where you want to build arrangements in real time.
For beginners, the preset library and scale options reduce the learning curve. Experienced producers can use automation and Setlists to craft complex arrangements or organize presets by project. It suits genres like EDM, pop, hip-hop, and cinematic scoring, offering quick results with deep customization.
Key features
- Four assignable keyboard zones: Chord, Arpeggiator, Modifier, Normal
- Scale-aware chord generation with 28+ scales
- Arpeggiator with latch, swing, MIDI thru, and 21 pattern shapes
- MIDI humanization: velocity and input delay randomization
- Setlists with custom banks of up to 30 presets
- Flexible zone stacking for combined behaviors
- All parameters automation-capable and CC mappable
Best for
Ideal for producers seeking to add expressive chords and dynamic arpeggios to MIDI tracks without manual programming. Perfect for live performance, creative experimentation, and genres like EDM, pop, hip-hop, or cinematic scoring, balancing quick presets with deep customization options.