Announced last month for a March release, Scaler 3 is shaping up to be something special, with exciting new reveals — including VST/ AU integration.
Scaler Music, the team behind the acclaimed Scaler 2 and DC Snares plugins, unveiled Scaler 3 last month. The plugin has become a fan favourite over the years for helping with chord progression, harmony and theory and with the latest update on the horizon, it looks to be getting a whole lot better.
After five years of development, the main announced features of Scaler 3 have been revealed. However, since the initial announcement, the company has introduced additional features through its ‘Prerelease Reveals.’ One standout addition is the ability to host VST/AU instruments and effects directly within Scaler 3.
This works similarly to Catalyst, but takes things a step further. For example, you can load Pigments inside Scaler 3 and then add an external effect — such as an Arturia’s Pigments — all within the same interface. This new workflow makes Scaler 3 even more powerful and convenient for producers. Watch it in action below.
Key Features of Scaler 3
1. Intuitive Interface Overhaul
Scaler 3 introduces a refined design centred around three core sections — Browse, Create, and Arrange.
2. Standalone Mode
Scaler 3 can now run as a standalone application.
3. Advanced Multi-Lane Timeline
Manage multiple lanes for chords, melodies, basslines, and phrases with the timeline bases Arrange View. Each element is synchronised to the main chord track, with independent control over individual clips.
4. Enhanced Chord Exploration
The Explore page has been upgraded with a broader selection of genre-based and mood-specific chord sets. It also provides intelligent suggestions for experimental progressions.
5. Expanded Harmony Options
The new Colours page simplifies the process of modifying chord voicings and harmonic alternatives. Users can quickly add parallel and relative chords or explore a variety of substitution techniques.
6. Revamped Motions Engine
Scaler 3’s phrases, performances, melodies, and basslines have been consolidated into a new ‘Motions’ category, featuring hundreds of fresh patterns and mood-based tags to inspire creativity.
7. Smarter Search and Filtering
Finding the perfect chord or progression is now easier, thanks to improved filtering and search functionalities.
8. Expansive Chord Libraries and Scales
A vast selection of additional chord sets, harmonies, and scales has been introduced.
9. Drag-and-Drop MIDI
MIDI sequences can now be dragged from Scaler 3 into a DAW.
10. Customisable UI
Scaler 3’s interface is now resizable! Finally!
Release Date, Pricing, and Upgrade Information
Scaler 3 is scheduled for release in March 2025. The introductory price is set at £49
Customers who purchased Scaler 2 after 15 January 2025 will receive a free upgrade to Scaler 3 upon release and users who bought Scaler 1 or Scaler 2 before 14 January 2025 will have the option to purchase a discounted upgrade (price TBC).
Find out more on the Scaler website.
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