What is MNodes?

MNodes is a modular audio plugin that lets you design custom synthesizers, effects chains, and sound processors using a visual node-based interface. Connect building blocks together to create anything from simple effects to complex instruments.

Key Concepts

Nodes

Nodes are the building blocks of MNodes. Each node performs a specific function: generating sound, filtering, adding effects, modulating parameters, processing MIDI, or performing math and logic operations. MNodes includes over 250 node types organized into categories.

Four Signal Types

MNodes uses four distinct connection types, each with its own color:

Type	Purpose	Rate
Audio	Carries audio signals between nodes	Sample-rate
CV	Control Voltage for fast modulation	Audio-rate
MIDI	Note, CC, and clock messages	Event-based
Data	Control values (floats, ints, bools, strings, events)	Event-based

The Graph Panel

The main workspace where you place and connect nodes. Pan, zoom, and organize your patch freely. A minimap provides an overview of the entire graph.

The Front Panel

A separate control surface where you can place widgets (knobs, sliders, XY pads, keyboards) for hands-on control. Switch between Edit mode and Perform mode for live use.

Subgraphs

Encapsulate groups of nodes into a single reusable subgraph node. Build your own instruments and effects that can be saved, shared, and reused.

Plugin Formats

MNodes ships as several plugin variants so you can pick the right one for the job in your DAW. The same patches load across all of them.

VST3 (Windows, macOS)

• MNodes Instrument: receives MIDI, outputs audio and MIDI. Use it for synths, samplers, sequencers and any patch that generates sound from notes.
• MNodes FX: audio in, audio out. Use it on any track or bus to process incoming audio.

Audio Unit (macOS)

• AU Instrument: same role as the VST3 Instrument.
• AU FX: same role as the VST3 FX.
• AU MIDI FX: a special Logic Pro format that receives MIDI and outputs MIDI. Use it as an arpeggiator, a generative MIDI sequencer, or any patch that transforms or generates MIDI without producing audio.

Standalone (Windows, macOS)

A self-contained app that runs MNodes without a DAW. Accepts and sends all signal types (audio, MIDI, CV, data) and is the most flexible variant for sound design and live use.

Node Categories

Nodes are grouped by what they do, the same way as the in-app node browser. See the full Node Reference for every node in each category, with its parameters and connections.

Group	Categories
Sound Sources	Oscillators, Instruments, Samplers, Envelopes
Processing	Filters, Effects, Dynamics, Distortion, Stereo Tools
Control & Modulation	Modulation, Sequencers, Pitch, Math & Logic, Values, Routing
MIDI	MIDI (keyboard, chord, arpeggiator, note & CC tools) and Convert (Audio / CV / Data / MIDI bridges)
Building & Interface	Widgets, Subgraphs & Modules, Utilities, Analysis, Plugin Host