Signals & Sorcery

getting-started

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
  • Solo and Performance modes (Audio interface with 4+ outputs required for performance with headphone/main separation)

Installation

1. Download Signals & Sorcery

Choose the version for your system:

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

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The Performance Workflow

Signals & Sorcery is a Generative Audio Workstation (GAW) built around contract-based composing. Define a musical contract, generate content, preview privately, and perform to your audience.

Core Concepts

  • Musical Contract - Key, chords, BPM, and bars that define the compositional framework
  • Loop A (Composition Deck) - Generate and preview clips in your headphones
  • Loop B (Performance Deck) - Play approved clips for your audience

Basic Workflow

  1. Define a Contract - Set key, chords, tempo, and structure for your scene

  2. Generate - AI creates clips that fit your contract:

    • Gemini generates MIDI for synth tracks
    • Lyria generates audio for texture tracks

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

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

  5. 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.

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: compose 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 an instrument loaded (Surge XT or a custom VST3/AU plugin)
  • 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"
  • Use Contracts - Set key, chords, and tempo before generating for coherent results
  • 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

  • Watch the Video Tutorials to see each feature in action
  • Experiment with different sound descriptions and musical contracts
  • Set up Performance Mode for dual-deck workflow
  • Explore the Audio Routing options for your setup
  • Check the Features section for advanced capabilities
  • Read the Plugin SDK documentation to build custom generators

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/open in new window
  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

getting-started

Last Updated:
Contributors: shiehn