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✦ Free & open sourceAudio & Music

NeuralNote

Transcribes audio files and live track signals into multi-instrument MIDI using local deep learning models.

Audio-to-MIDI transcription plugin powered by local AI

Convert recorded tracks and audio files into multi-instrument MIDI inside your DAW without cloud dependencies.

Free forever · open source · Apache-2.0
✓ Light setup✓ Browser-based✓ Real-time collaboration
8.5
ZEKAI
Essential local audio-to-MIDI
Free & open source · Audio & Music
Ease of setup8
Usefulness9
Maintenance9.5
Community7.5
★ 3,087
GITHUB
Oct 2026
UPDATED
Apache-2.0
LICENSE
🛠 Don't want to self-host? We can set it up →
⚡ Quick answer

NeuralNote is an audio-to-MIDI transcription plugin and standalone application powered by deep learning models. It runs locally on your computer, allowing music producers and sound designers to convert polyphonic audio and multi-instrument mixes directly into editable MIDI.

Runs on
Cross-platform
Hosting
Desktop
Languages
C++
License
Apache-2.0

What it is

The plugin captures audio from live DAW playback or imported audio files and transcribes it using embedded MuScriptor transformer models. It separates distinct instruments into grouped MIDI notes, includes a built-in synth with gain and solo controls for quick auditioning, and lets you drag the resulting MIDI straight onto your timeline.

Who it's for

It suits music producers, composers, and audio engineers who want to extract MIDI notes from audio recordings without sending project data to external servers. It does not suit users on legacy computer systems lacking a dedicated GPU or those who prefer cloud-hosted automatic transcription.

Key features

Multi-instrument transcription

Separates and transcribes distinct instrument parts from full polyphonic audio mixes into grouped MIDI notes.

Built-in audition synth

Includes an integrated soundfont synthesizer with per-instrument gain, mute, and solo controls to preview transcription accuracy.

Flexible local compute

Runs entirely on your machine using Metal or Vulkan GPU acceleration without external API dependencies.

Direct DAW workflow

Functions as a VST3, AU, or standalone application supporting audio file drag-and-drop and direct MIDI exports.

How to start

Up and running in 3 steps

1
Download and run the installer for macOS or Windows, or build from source on Linux.
2
Open NeuralNote in your DAW or standalone mode and download a MuScriptor model file from the top bar.
3
Record incoming audio or drop a file onto the plugin window, select target instruments, and click Transcribe.
Real talk

Our honest verdict

What's great

  • Runs 100% locally on your machine so your audio data never leaves your device.
  • Supports multi-instrument separation with per-instrument preview controls.
  • Provides direct drag-and-drop workflow for audio file import and MIDI export.
  • Offers three selectable model sizes to trade processing speed for higher accuracy.

Where it falls short

  • Large models demand a dedicated Metal or Vulkan GPU for reasonable processing speeds.
  • Requires downloading external model files up to 2.7 GB on initial setup.
  • Prebuilt binary installers are currently missing for Linux and Intel-based Mac systems.
  • Windows installer is not code signed, triggering operating system warnings on first run.
Cost

Pricing & license

NeuralNote is free and open source under the Apache-2.0 license. There are no subscription tiers, paid upgrades, or cloud server charges, making your hardware hardware local compute the only cost.

Paid work

Open remote AI-training roles

880 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 15, 2026; most pay $20–$175 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.

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Questions

FAQ

Does NeuralNote require an internet connection during transcription?

No. Transcription processes entirely offline on your local machine. Internet access is only required when initially downloading model files or checking for updates.

Which audio formats can be imported?

NeuralNote supports dragging and dropping WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, and OGG Vorbis audio files directly into the plugin interface.

Which GPU acceleration frameworks are used?

NeuralNote uses Metal on macOS systems and Vulkan on Windows and Linux machines for GPU-accelerated model processing.

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