Aurally Sound has introduced Prism: Drums, an audio-to-MIDI plugin designed to convert recorded drum performances and loops into editable MIDI. The software uses a machine-learning engine to identify individual drum components, capturing their timing and dynamics so that recorded performances can be edited, rearranged or played through different drum instruments.

Prism: Drums recognizes nine drum components: kick, snare, closed hi-hat, open hi-hat, crash, ride, high tom, mid tom and low tom. The resulting MIDI can be used to replace recorded drum sounds, layer samples alongside an existing performance, or extract a groove from a recording for further production work.

Prism: Drums supports two workflows. In compatible DAWs, it can operate using ARA integration, allowing the host to provide audio directly to the plugin. It can also be used as a standard insert effect in DAWs without compatible ARA support. The plugin supports VST3, Audio Unit and AAX formats on Windows and macOS.

Aurally Sound says that all audio processing takes place locally on the user’s computer, rather than sending recordings to remote servers. The developer designed the software primarily for acoustic drums, noting that clean recordings generally produce the best results. Audio from stem separation tools can also be used, although artifacts in separated recordings may affect detection.

Features:

• Audio-to-MIDI conversion designed specifically for drum recordings and loops.
• Machine-learning detection of nine drum components: kick, snare, closed hi-hat, open hi-hat, crash, ride, high tom, mid tom and low tom.
• Detection of individual drum hits with timing and velocity information.
• Built-in MIDI editor for reviewing and refining converted performances.
• Built-in drum sampler for auditioning generated MIDI.
• ARA integration in compatible DAWs.
• Standard insert-plugin operation for DAWs without compatible ARA support.
• Drag-and-drop MIDI export for transferring converted performances into a DAW project.
• Support for VST3, AU and AAX plugin formats.
• Local audio processing, with recordings remaining on the user’s computer.
• No subscription or recurring fees, and no limit on the number of tracks that can be converted.

The software is intended for producers who want to retain the feel of a recorded drum performance while gaining the flexibility of MIDI.

Pricing & Availability:

Prism: Drums is available for Windows and macOS for $79 USD as a one-time purchase. More information, audio examples and downloads are available from the official Prism: Drums product page.