Chordcat

Ideas Machine

I love how intuitive the Cruiser mode is on the Chordcat. Just use your ear to find interesting paths to take. I've been using it exclusively as a midi controller into Logic to generate phrases that I chop up and arrange. It would be amazing if there was an update that added articulation to the chords. There's only so much you can do with block chords, so I've been running the midi out from the Chordcat through another VST that adds the articulation I'm looking for. It's the device I've been looking for to suit my production approach.

Fresh and fun

Just had it a week or so. It's cool. One thing I have to mention is that the screen is really small. So small I have to use a magnifying glass to see it, and the midi is a little wonky, but I'm still working with it. My scenario is that I am composing on a Roland mc 707 and using this to feed it chords, and it's working great. I just tag the note that I want on the 707, then play the note on the chord cat and it works great. I really like the variations on the chords being right there and because of the new tricks this thing gives me I am already planning a new composition in the horror-core space as the multiple minor chords (which I would never have figured out without it) are so easy to check and choose. The Chord Cat definitely has a valuable place on my table, it lets me do something I could not otherwise and it's educational and easy to use. I feel it's a very good value, and would recommend it. For the next iteration... a bigger screen would be a much needed improvement.

Chords Galore

Picked this up on a whim. I was pleasantly surprised that it was standalone, but this is also its hindrance. Standalone, the Chordcat is lacking in sounds. The sounds can be manipulated to kiiind of make them interesting, but I wish there were more sound banks. This unit really shines when used with a DAW or other hardware. You can easily create chords with any of your favorite sounds in a DAW or with an external unit. Some downsides: -The instructions are vague, like extra vague. -The build quality is absolutely horrendous for a 300$ piece of equipment. -If you do use it standalone, be prepared to go through a ton of batteries, as this unit is not rechargeable. You can carry a usb c battery and power it that way but I would like only 1 chord, my headphones, going to the unit. -limited internal soundbank and features. In Summary: Would I purchase this again? Sure. I have a very specific use case for this with a DAW. It is sad how cheap this unit is in regards to that price tag. It would fit in the 150-200 dollar range easily. If it can be updated, I can't wait. This needs a new soundbank badly and some other features tweaked in regards to connectivity to DAW's.