Help

Get into Sound Machine fast and recover quickly when something feels off.

Sound Machine is free and open — no purchase or unlock needed. The web app is live at soundmachine.pro/app with all features available immediately. This page covers getting started, MIDI setup, and troubleshooting.

All features free & unlocked · no key required

Documentation hub

  • Full docs live at /docs
  • Covers workflows, interface reference, and troubleshooting
  • Download the PDF manual from the docs page
  • Use this Help page for quick-start and support guidance

Quick start

  • Open the app at /app — no login or key entry
  • Press Start to initialize audio
  • Choose a starter or synth preset
  • Turn ARP off and GRID on when you want the Melody Grid to play
  • Factory synth presets seed guide notes into Pattern A for immediate editing
  • All pattern banks (A–D) are available from the first load
  • All export formats (WAV, OGG, MIDI, Stem, Chain) are unlocked
  • Save your project locally before closing

Features & access

  • Everything is free — no trial timer, no pattern lock, no paywall
  • Melody Grid banks A, B, C, and D are all editable
  • Arrangement tools and chain-building are fully available
  • WAV, OGG, MIDI, Stem, and Chain export are all unlocked
  • Sampler, XY pad, MIDI input, and mixer are all active
  • No account or key is needed — ever

Common issues

  • No audio: press Start and confirm browser audio permissions
  • Melody Grid not sounding: make sure ARP is OFF and GRID is ON
  • XY pad feels one-sided: horizontal = filter cutoff, vertical = motion depth
  • Sampler pitch confusion: SONG sets Melody Grid note content; SAMPLE ROOT sets the imported audio's original pitch
  • MIDI unavailable: confirm browser exposes Web MIDI and page is on HTTPS
  • Save/load: projects download as JSON files — keep them locally

MIDI setup

How detection works

The app auto-detects available MIDI inputs on load and watches for hot-plug changes. The top-bar shows MIDI: -- for no device, a device name for one controller, a device count for multiple inputs, or MIDI: N/A if Web MIDI is unavailable.

Recommended setup flow

  • Connect your controller before opening the app if possible
  • Open the app over HTTPS and press Start
  • Grant browser MIDI permission if prompted
  • Watch the MIDI indicator in the top bar
  • Play notes directly into the live synth layer

Current support

  • Note on and note off messages supported
  • Sustain pedal CC64 supported
  • Best browser: Chrome, Edge, or Opera (Chromium-based)
  • Safari does not reliably support Web MIDI
  • See full guide at Docs → MIDI controller setup

Support

Direct support is available at helpdesk@soundmachine.pro for install notes, workflow questions, and anything else. The docs cover the full interface and common workflows.