Cales
Key Features
- Maps keyboard input to a selected musical scale for scale-aware playing.
- Includes more than 20 scales for exploring different melodic patterns.
- Supports custom scales for note collections beyond the included choices.
- Easy mode places the selected scale on white keys with C as the controller's tonic.
- Displays a virtual keyboard with visual scale guides for learning note layouts.
- Routes MIDI to a compatible instrument within a host that supports MIDI routing.
Description
Cales by CodeFN42 is a MIDI scale-mapping plugin that adapts a keyboard to a chosen musical scale. Route its MIDI output to an instrument in a compatible host to explore melodies while keeping the played notes within the selected scale.
The plugin includes more than 20 scales and supports custom scales, giving players a way to explore familiar modes or define their own note patterns. Its on-screen keyboard provides a visual guide to the notes, which can help when learning how a scale is laid out.
Easy mode maps the selected scale to the white keys, with C acting as the tonic on the controller. That makes it possible to try different scales from a consistent hand position without needing to memorize a new keyboard pattern for each one.
Bedroom Producers Blog describes Cales as useful for beginners studying scales and notes that keys outside the selected scale are disabled in the normal layout. It is a MIDI utility rather than a sound source, so the result depends on the instrument receiving its output.
Version 1.04 is available for Windows as a 32-bit or 64-bit VST2 plugin. Check that your host supports VST2 and MIDI routing before adding it to a project; the developer licenses it for commercial and non-commercial use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cales make sound on its own?
Cales is a MIDI scale-mapping utility, so use its output to play an instrument. The setup depends on your host's MIDI routing.
How does easy mode work?
Easy mode maps the selected scale to the white keys. C on the controller acts as the tonic, even when exploring different scales.
Can I add my own scales?
Yes. CodeFN42 says Cales includes more than 20 scales and lets users add custom scales.
What systems and plugin formats are supported?
The developer lists Windows 7 or higher and a VST2-compatible 32-bit or 64-bit host. Check your DAW's VST2 support and MIDI routing before installing.
