Node-based arrangement
Connect MIDI sequences, group them into sections, and set their timing and repeats.
Version 5.0.17 | Free Player available | Windows and Mac
Orch
Orch is a node-based DAW for MIDI composition and sound design. Record performances, arrange sequences in nested containers, and route VST3 instruments and effects on a visual canvas.
Local projects
Project files, instruments and audio processing run on your computer.
Node-based
Arrange MIDI sequences in containers with shared timing, repeats and routing.
VST3 hosting
Connect instruments, effects, buses and audio outputs in a signal graph.
Extensible
Add composition tools and editors from the module catalog.
Track walkthrough
Remembering the Ancients
A composition walkthrough with Ruchir Shah, showing the track and its arrangement in Orch.
Remembering the Ancients — track walkthrough
A look inside a working Orch project.
Core Workflow
MIDI composition and recording
VST3 routing
Host VST3 instruments and effects. Connect them to buses and outputs, then save the routing with your project.
Orch Synth Patch Builder
Build patches from oscillators, filters, envelopes and physical models. Orch Synth runs as a separate VST3 instrument with a visual patch editor.
Sample Browser
Browse local sample libraries, search instruments and organize them into collections.
Piano Roll Editing
Edit notes and velocities with quantize, trim, legato and staccato tools. Draw controller and expression curves alongside the notes.
Live MIDI Recording
Record MIDI into a routing container, then edit the performance in the Piano Roll. MIDI 2.0 data includes per-note expression.
MCP automation
Connect an MCP-compatible assistant to inspect and edit projects, or automate supported interface controls.
Orch Synth
Modular synthesis and physical modelling
Orch Synth combines synthesis and physical modelling in a visual patch editor. Connect oscillators, filters, envelopes and modulation sources, or work with models of strings, tubes, membranes and resonators.
The editor sends patch changes to the OrchSynth VST3 instrument. Save patches as presets and audition them with the MIDI test keyboard. The editor is available from the module catalog, including in Player.
- Availability — install the editor from the module catalog and download OrchSynth separately for Windows or Mac
- Patch updates — send editor changes to the VST3 instrument
- Physical modelling — string, tube, membrane, body and resonator models
- Preset management — save, load, rename, and delete patches from the editor
- Built-in MIDI keyboard — test patches without leaving the editor
Arrangement and control
Composition tools
Signal routing
Connect VST3 instruments, effects, buses and outputs on the routing canvas. Trace each signal path and save it with the project.
Nested arrangements
Group sequences into containers and nest them into larger sections. Set timing, repeats and routing at each level.
Tag-based routing
Use tags to assign musical material to instruments. Change the assignment without rewriting the MIDI sequence.
MIDI 2.0 expression
Record and edit high-resolution controller data and per-note expression with MIDI 2.0 support in the audio bridge.
Python modules
Develop custom composition tools and editors in Python. Distribute them as signed modules through the catalog.
DAWProject export
Export arrangements in DAWProject format for use in compatible applications, including Bitwig and Tracktion Waveform.
OSC control
Use the OSC API to control playback, parameters and routing from external software or controllers.
Orch Synth
Build instrument patches with oscillators, filters, envelopes and physical models in the Orch Synth editor.
Raga & Indian Classical Tools
Work with directional raga scales, pitch constraints and generated meendh curves. Edit ragas and Tal patterns with the included tools.
Project references
Linked projects
Reference another project as part of an arrangement. Reuse sections across projects while retaining their MIDI content, instruments and routing.
- Nested references: link a project that contains references to other projects.
- Routing and instruments: retain the referenced section's instrument assignments, effects and plugin settings.
- Refresh references: update a linked section after changes to its source project.
- Independent copies: import or detach material when you need to edit it separately.
- Dependency view: inspect project links and missing files in Project Xrefs.
Quick Start
Getting started
Configure Orch
Set your project and library folders in the configuration page. Add your license if you are using the full version.
Open Orchjs
Open the browser interface and create an arrangement on the Orchestrator canvas.
Switch Views
Use Orchestrator for composition, VST Routing for signal paths, and Samples for instrument libraries.
Build Your Library
Scan your instrument folders, then organize the results in Sample Browser collections.
Everyday workflow
Arrange and edit
Record a phrase, edit its notes and expression, then place it in the arrangement. Assign instruments and route their audio in VST Routing.
- Drag, connect, tag, filter, and arrange orchestration containers.
- Edit notes with velocity, quantize, trim, legato, staccato, and undo/redo.
- Draw CC, pitch bend, poly aftertouch, and channel aftertouch expression.
- Record live MIDI performances directly into routing containers.
- Save projects and export arrangements for use in compatible DAWs.
Screenshots
Inside Orch
Screenshots include third-party instruments, libraries and artwork from the developer's setup. These are not included with Orch; no endorsement is implied.
Documentation
Manuals and reference
Setup instructions and reference material for composition, sample libraries, VST routing, OSC, MCP and module development.
Open documentation
Quick Start
Configuration, main views, sample browser, VST routing, and MCP.
Module Guide
Module layout, manifest fields, routes, handlers, mixins, and globals.
OSC Control API
OSC message addresses, payloads, bridge data, project and transport commands.
Privacy
How Orch handles license verification and user data.
License
EULA and copyright terms for Orch, Orchjs, and bridge components.
Local Setup
Libraries, routing and automation
Sample Browser Canvas
Search and preview instruments, browse libraries, and group samples into collections.
VST Routing Graph
Add instruments and effects to the routing canvas, connect their audio paths, and save the graph with your project.
MCP automation
Enable MCP to connect a compatible assistant for project editing and interface automation. See the documentation for setup and supported commands.
User Module Plugins
Open Modules and choose Discover Online Modules to install or update signed tools individually.
Modules
Composition tools and extensions
Install modules from the built-in catalog, including in the free Player. Open Modules and choose Discover Online Modules to browse available tools.
Generator
Generate call-and-response phrases and counterpoint from existing MIDI material. Set pitch ranges, rhythmic output and response strategies.
Texture
Generate drones, pedal patterns, clusters and pads from captured notes, with controller lanes for dynamics and motion.
Risset Rhythm
Apply the Shepard–Risset accelerando effect to a phrase, using layered repetitions to create the impression of continuous acceleration.
Ecosystem Engineer
Compose with sustained texture beds, distinct species voices and rhythmic assemblies in a musical ecology.
Raga
Constrain melodic material to directional raga scales and work with microtonal tuning, meendh curves and Tal patterns.
Harmony Transposer
Derive source harmony from existing MIDI and convert sequences into transposed containers. Combine source harmonies into a score-wide harmony track.
Performance Maps
Apply reusable timing, velocity and duration offsets to a passage.
Live Phrase Transformer
Create and edit MIDI phrase transformation maps, then send them to the audio bridge for real-time playback.
Enhanced Routing
Sequence child containers in a routing timeline and manage project references from a dedicated editor.
Orch Synth Editor
Build VST3 instrument patches with synthesis, modulation and physical modelling nodes.
Sound Designer
Use dedicated sound-design tools and manage sound-design projects within Orch.
Enhanced Sample Browser
Browse libraries by vendor and use card stacks to navigate instrument collections.
Playback Activity
Highlight containers as their scheduled MIDI notes and audio events play.
Canvas Background
Choose a canvas image and adjust its fit and opacity.
MCP Automation
Connect a compatible assistant to inspect and edit projects and control supported frontend views.
Tutorial Videos
Video tutorials
Walkthroughs of MIDI recording, instrument assignment, sample collections and VST routing. May include those made with older versions of the app.
VST Instrument Setup
Create a VST instrument node and assign a recorded phrase to it.
Record, Collect, Assign
Record a phrase, build an instrument collection, and assign instruments.
Swapping Orchestration
Change instruments and assignments while retaining the recorded MIDI.
More lessons in the full walkthrough playlist →
Before you download
Platforms and licensing
Windows and Mac
Orch runs locally on Windows and Mac with VST3 hosting through its audio bridge. Try Player with your plugins and audio hardware before purchasing.
Project storage
Projects and sample libraries are stored on your computer. License verification uses Gumroad.
Documentation and tutorials
The documentation covers setup, editing and routing. Video tutorials demonstrate the main workflows.
Get Orch
Try Orch Player
Player is free to download with saving disabled. Purchase the full version to save your work. Application and OrchSynth downloads are available on Gumroad.