Quick Start Guide

System Requirements

• macOS with Apple M-Series or Intel chip
• Surge XT synthesizer plugin (auto-installed by setup wizard)
• Internet connection for AI generation features
• Google Account for login
• Audio interface with 4+ outputs (recommended for Audience Mode with headphone/main separation)

Installation

1. Download Signals & Sorcery

Choose the version for your system:

• Apple Silicon Mac (M1/M2/M3/M4) - Download for Apple Silicon Macs
• Intel Mac (x64) - Download for Intel Macs

Note: The app is signed and notarized by Apple for security.

2. Install and Launch

1. Double-click the downloaded DMG file to open it
2. Drag Signals & Sorcery to your Applications folder
3. Launch the app from Applications
4. The setup wizard will guide you through installing Surge XT and configuring everything automatically

The Performance Workflow

Signals & Sorcery is designed around a DJ-inspired workflow where you generate and preview content privately before sharing it with your audience.

Core Concepts

• Loop A (Composition Deck) - Generate and preview clips in your headphones
• Loop B (Performance Deck) - Play approved clips for your audience
• Transition Deck - Preview transitions before performing them

Basic Workflow

1. Generate - Use natural language to create clips:

   "create a dark sub bass"
   "add a 4 on the floor kick"
   "add glitchy hi-hats"
   

2. Preview - Generated clips play in your headphones (cue output)

3. Approve - Push clips you like to the performance deck

4. Perform - Audience hears only the performance deck (main output)

Audio Routing Modes

Solo Mode (Single Output)

For practicing or single-speaker setups. Listen to one source at a time.

Audience Mode (Recommended for Performance)

Requires a 4+ channel audio interface:

• Cue Output (channels 1-2) → Headphones for private preview
• Main Output (channels 3-4) → Speakers/PA for audience

This is the core workflow: generate in headphones, push to audience.

Stream Mode

For Twitch/YouTube streaming:

• Cue Output → Your headphones
• Main Output → Stream audio (via BlackHole virtual audio)

See Audio Routing for detailed setup instructions.

Troubleshooting

Audio Not Playing

• Check Audio Settings - Ensure your audio output device is correctly configured
• Verify Surge XT Installation - The setup wizard should have installed Surge XT automatically
• Restart the App - Close and reopen Signals & Sorcery

Surge XT Not Loading

• Re-run Setup Wizard - Go to Settings and re-run the plugin installation
• Check Architecture - Ensure you installed the version matching your Mac (Apple Silicon or Intel)
• Manual Installation - See the manual installation section below

Clips Not Generating

• Check Track Has Instrument - Ensure the track has Surge XT loaded
• Verify Track Is Not Muted - Unmute the track and check volume levels
• Check Playback - Press play to start playback
• Rate Limits - Daily token limits are set per user for the free tier

Tips for Best Results

• Be Specific - Describe sounds in detail: "punchy techno kick with long decay" works better than just "kick"
• One Task at a Time - Break complex requests into steps
• Iterate - Generate, listen, then ask for adjustments
• Use Musical Terms - The system understands keys, scales, chord progressions, rhythmic patterns, etc.

Next Steps

• Experiment with different sound descriptions
• Set up Audience Mode for private preview workflow
• Explore the Audio Routing options for your setup
• Check the Features section for advanced capabilities

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Manual Dependency Installation (Optional)

Note: The setup wizard handles dependency installation automatically. The steps below are only needed if you prefer to install dependencies manually.

Install Surge XT

1. Download Surge XT from https://surge-synthesizer.github.io/
2. Download the version matching your Mac:
   • macOS (Apple Silicon) for M-Series Macs
   • macOS (Intel) for Intel Macs
3. Run the installer - it will install the VST3 plugin to the correct location