Z
Zachary Judd
Description:
Add a lightweight widget that listens to a chosen MIDI source and shows the currently detected chord (root, quality, extensions, inversion) in real time on the main canvas/template.
Problem:
When using generative MIDI tools (e.g., Scaler 2) or external keyboards, the chord name is only visible inside the AUv3 window. Keeping that window open is bulky, clutters the layout, and breaks the “single-screen performance” workflow—making it easier to lose track of the harmonic context.
Proposed Solution:
A “MIDI Chord Display” widget that can be placed anywhere in a template. It lets users select a MIDI source (track, bus, virtual input), filter by channel, and displays detected chords with low-latency smoothing and an optional “hold” time. Support common/extended chords, slash chords, and enharmonic preferences (C♯/D♭). Provide size/color/font controls, optional HUD overlay, and an action/variable to expose the current chord for labels, scripting, OSC, or automation.
Benefits:
  • Single-screen performance without AUv3 windows.
  • Immediate harmonic feedback while playing or practicing.
  • Works with any MIDI source (plugins or hardware).
  • Useful for teaching, live looping, and backing-track workflows.
Examples:
  • Scaler 2 drives a chord progression; the widget shows “Bm7 → E7 → Amaj7” on the main page.
  • External keyboard input is monitored; the widget displays “D/F♯” as you play.
  • Use the exposed “current chord” variable to label sections, trigger scene changes, or send OSC to a lighting rig.
This summary was automatically generated by GPT-5 Thinking on 2025-08-09.
Original Text:
My request is for a simple widget that can detect and display incoming Midi Chord information to display on the main template screen. I feel like it would be very helpful when utilizing generative midi apps like Scaler 2, to have the current chord displayed in Loopy pro without having to have the AUv3 window open. Personally I like to have Scaler 2 generate and play a base chord progression that I play along with. the AUv3 window for scaler 2 is a bit bulky and it is so nice to have no windows open to utiliize the full functionality of my LP template. having a small widget that could detect and display the incoming chord in real time would make playing along and not getting lost really easy.