Version 3.1 | Windows and Mac local workflow

Orch

A useful alternative DAW for composers who prefer structure, routing, and node-based MIDI orchestration over a conventional track-first timeline.

Download View screenshots

Local first

Runs on your machine with local project files, a browser interface, and a native audio bridge.

Node-based

Plan musical structure as containers, relationships, and reusable sections.

VST3 capable

Route instruments, effects, busses, and outputs without leaving the composition workspace.

Core Workflow

A DAW for building music from connected ideas.

Graph-Based Orchestration

Sketch sections, variations, layers, and routing containers as a graph instead of starting with empty linear tracks.

Visual VST Mixer

Patch VST3 instruments, effects, audio busses, and outputs on a routing canvas that stays with the project.

Sample Browser

Catalog local libraries, browse instruments with artwork, build collections, and keep sample choices visible.

Piano Roll Editing

Edit notes, velocity, quantize, legato, staccato, triplets, trimming, undo, zoom, and articulations.

Expression Lanes

Draw CC, pitch bend, poly aftertouch, and channel aftertouch data where the musical material lives.

MCP Agent Control

Optionally expose controlled project actions to MCP-compatible tools for assisted editing and navigation.

Orch v3

A composition workspace with a separate audio engine.

Orch keeps the arrangement and editing interface separate from plugin hosting. The browser workspace handles structure; OrchMidi2Bridge handles VST3 instruments, effects, and routing.

VST3 hosting: run instruments and effects in a dedicated C++ bridge.
Visual mixer graph: keep instrument, FX, bus, and master-output routing inspectable.
MIDI expression: shape velocity, CC ramps, pitch bend, aftertouch, and per-note expression.
Modular composition: combine containers, harmony, routing, and variation in larger projects.

Quick Start

Start with a local project and build outward.

Configure Orch

Open the configuration page, enter your license, confirm save locations, then save the generated config.

Open Orchjs

Launch the browser interface and start in Canvas, where composition and orchestration graphs are built.

Switch Views

Use Canvas for orchestration, VST Routing for the mixer graph, and Samples for browsing and managing instrument libraries.

Build Your Library

Set your instrument root, scan folders by file extension, add artwork, then use the Samples tab to preview and organize sounds.

Everyday workflow

Compose, edit, route, and revise.

Orch is meant for repeated local work: building sections, editing streams, trying routing ideas, and keeping project structure visible.

Drag, connect, tag, filter, and arrange orchestration containers.
Edit notes with velocity, quantize, trim, legato, staccato, and undo/redo.
Draw CC, pitch bend, poly aftertouch, and channel aftertouch expression.
Save, load, import, export, and manage projects from the local backend.

Screenshots

The main work areas.

Orch orchestration canvas with node-based composition controls — **Orchestrator** Arrange sections, containers, and relationships on the main canvas.

Orch routing container timeline showing child blocks and playback controls — **Routing Timeline** Sequence child containers, offsets, repeats, and routing structure.

Orch piano roll editor with notes, expression lanes, and quick actions — **Piano Roll** Edit notes, expression lanes, performance data, and quick actions.

Orch VST routing canvas with instrument and audio nodes — **VST Routing** Patch instruments, FX, busses, and outputs into a signal graph.

Orch sample browser and library flow canvas — **Samples** Browse local libraries, preview sounds, and organize collections.

Orch is designed to work with your existing installed instruments, plugins, and sample libraries. Screenshots show examples from the developer's own local setup; third-party libraries, plugins, sounds, and artwork are not included with Orch and are not shown as endorsements.

Documentation

Reference material for setup and daily use.

Find setup guidance, sample library workflows, VST routing notes, MCP instructions, module authoring references, and license information.

Open documentation

Quick Start Configuration, main views, sample browser, VST routing, and MCP. Module Guide Module layout, manifest fields, routes, handlers, mixins, and globals. OSC Control API OSC message addresses, payloads, bridge data, project and transport commands. Privacy How Orch handles license verification and user data. License EULA and copyright terms for Orch, Orchjs, and bridge components.

Local Setup

Useful when your writing setup has moving parts.

Sample Browser Canvas

Use Library Flow to search, preview, pin samples, focus libraries, and manage collections.

VST Routing Graph

Drag VST3 instruments and FX onto the routing canvas, wire busses and outputs, and save the graph with the project.

MCP Agent Endpoint

When enabled, Orch exposes an MCP endpoint at http://127.0.0.1:8765/mcp for controlled project inspection and edits.

Tutorial Videos

Learn the workflow at your own pace.

Follow the walkthrough playlist for setup, sample browser, routing, and project workflow lessons.

Install and Configure Orch

License setup, project paths, backend launch, and opening Orchjs.

Watch course

Instrument and Sample Browser

Build a searchable instrument database, browse libraries, and use sample artwork inside Orch.

Watch lesson

Route VST3 Instruments and FX

Use the C++ bridge, create busses, connect FX, and save routing graphs.

Open playlist

Practical Notes

Focused on practical results.

Runs Locally

Orch is built for local use on Windows and Mac. The Windows version currently has the fullest VST/audio workflow; Mac users should test the demo before buying.

Your Projects Stay Local

Project work is managed by your local backend. License verification is handled through Gumroad.

Docs and Course Included

Use the documentation hub and walkthrough course to learn the workflow gradually.

Get Orch

A local alternative DAW for structure-first composition.

Purchase and download Orch through Gumroad. The product page hosts the latest installer and license delivery.

Open Gumroad