Description

Pendolo

Physics-Based MIDI Generator & Sound Design Tool for Ableton Live

Pendolo is a Max for Live device that transforms the natural motion of pendulums and springs into expressive musical output. By simulating physical systems in real time, Pendolo generates evolving MIDI patterns and modulation signals, bridging the world of physics with generative composition and sound design.

Whether you're crafting ambient textures, designing complex polyrhythms, or diving into experimental soundscapes, Pendolo offers an intuitive and inspiring playground for sonic exploration.

🆕 What’s New in the Latest Update

Project Sync Options: Sync pendulum motion to your Live session with selectable timing: 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 bars.

Oscillation Range Control: Set each pendulum’s motion limit between 180° and 0°, with real-time visual feedback on the swing amplitude.

Improved MIDI Triggering: Smoother and more consistent note output, especially for fast and overlapping events.

Resizable Arms: Dynamically scale pendulum arm lengths for better physical and visual balance.

MIDI Bug Fixes: Polished velocity handling and improved MPE note response.

UI Performance Boost: Faster visuals and smoother interactions.

CORE FEATURES

Physics-Driven Sound Generation

Simulate pendulums and springs with adjustable physical properties like mass, length, gravity, and damping to shape how each pendulum moves—and how it sounds.

15 Independent Pendulums

Trigger up to 15 unique note generators, each with 1–2 spring-connected nodes for complex motion and musical behavior.

Wire & Mass Tabs

Deeply customise the system: tweak spring stiffness, connection types, pendulum grouping, and note mapping for rich evolving textures.

Bi/Uni-Directional Motion + Range Control

Choose Bi-directional (360°) or Uni-directional (180°) motion per pendulum, now with a customisable swing range from 180° to 0°—perfect for controlling rhythmic precision and expressive intensity.

Motion-Based Modulation Signals

Each pendulum outputs a unique modulation signal based on its movement, which can be mapped to any Ableton Live parameter. Physical motion becomes a powerful control source.

🖱️ Interactive Interface

Click & Drag pendulums to manually set them in motion

Shift + Click any bob to edit its note

Double-click to inject energy into the entire system and start the fun

Real-Time Visual Feedback

See your sound: every movement is visually represented in a vivid animated display, from velocity arcs to oscillation amplitude.

High-Precision Harmonic Mapping

Pendulum frequencies are translated into accurate MIDI pitches using real-world physics. Includes MPE support and high-resolution pitch output for expressive control.

Responsive, Adaptive UI

Scales beautifully with your screen, clean, readable, and interactive no matter your setup.

Why Pendolo?

Pendolo is more than a MIDI generator, it’s an audio-visual instrument rooted in the poetry of physics. With deep customisation, real-time control, and fluid modulation, Pendolo offers an endlessly creative approach to generative music, sound design, and performance.

Minimum Requirements:

Ableton Live Suite 10.1.18 or higher

Max for Live installed