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DAW Integration

MNodes works as a plugin in your Digital Audio Workstation with full automation and MIDI support.

MNodes loaded in a DAW

Supported Formats

FormatPlatformVariants
VST3Windows, macOSFX (audio in/out) and Instrument (accepts MIDI, outputs audio and MIDI)
AU (Audio Unit)macOSInstrument, FX, and MIDI FX (MIDI in/out, Logic Pro's format for MIDI effects)
StandaloneWindows, macOSAll signal types (audio, MIDI, CV, data)

Loading in Your DAW

  1. Ensure MNodes is installed in your plugin directory
  2. Scan for new plugins in your DAW
  3. Insert MNodes on a track choosing the appropriate format:
    • Instrument: For synthesizers and instruments that receive MIDI and output audio. Load on a MIDI/instrument track
    • FX: For audio processing. Load as an insert effect on an audio track: audio comes in and goes out
    • MIDI FX (Logic Pro only): For MIDI processing. Insert as a MIDI effect: receives MIDI and outputs MIDI. Use this for arpeggiators, chord generators, MIDI routing, and other MIDI transformations

Audio I/O

MNodes receives and sends audio through the Audio In and Audio Out nodes:

  • Audio In: Receives audio from the DAW track input
  • Audio Out: Sends processed audio back to the DAW

Transport Sync

MNodes syncs with your DAW's transport:

  • Play / Stop state
  • BPM (tempo)
  • Position (bars, beats)

Use the Transport node to access these values in your patch. Tempo-syncable nodes (LFO, Delay, Clock) can lock to the host BPM.

When running standalone, MNodes provides its own internal transport with adjustable BPM.

Multiple Instances

MNodes supports multiple instances on different tracks. Each instance runs independently with its own graph, preset, and automation state.

Tips

  • Use Audio In + Audio Out for effects processing on audio tracks
  • Use MIDI In for instrument patches on MIDI/instrument tracks
  • Freeze or bounce tracks with complex patches to reduce CPU load
  • Save frequently: your DAW's own preset management works alongside MNodes presets

MNodes Documentation