Melody Sauce 3 User Guide

1. Introduction

What is Melody Sauce 3?

Melody Sauce 3 (MS3) is a melody and chord progression generator plugin for Mac and Windows, compatible with all major DAWs. It is a complete rebuild of Melody Sauce 2, designed to boost your music making with an unlimited supply of high-quality musical ideas that you can control in detail.

Where previous versions focused only on quick melodic inspiration, MS3 adds a complete chord progression engine, a piano roll editor, MIDI import with automatic key and chord detection, a redesigned interface, and many other features that put you front and centre of the creative process.

Key New Features in Version 3

Chord Progressions	Generate chord progressions with bass accompaniment. Nearly 1,000 progressions across 8 genres. Fully editable with expanded chord types.
Upgraded Algorithms	More natural, flowing melodic lines. Now 8 bars (vs 4 bars previously).
3 Independent Layers	Melody, Chord and Bass generated simultaneously. Over 140 chord and bass rhythms.
Chord Fit & Movement	Two new controls for fine-tuning melodic character.
300+ Sounds	New sounds across melody, chords and bass. Upgraded FX including Wobble.
350 Style Presets	All-new presets across 8 genres, plus a style randomiser.
MIDI Chord Import	Drag a chord MIDI file in and MS3 detects key and chords automatically.
Piano Roll Editor	View and edit melody notes directly.

2. Installation & Setup

System Requirements

	Mac	Windows
OS	macOS 10.14 or higher	Windows 10 or higher (64-bit only)
CPU	Intel or Apple Silicon (native)	Intel / AMD 64-bit
RAM	4 GB min (8 GB recommended)	4 GB min (8 GB recommended)
Disk	1.5 GB free space	1.5 GB free space
Formats	VST3, AU, AU MIDI FX	VST3

Installing the Plugin

Download the installer from evabeat.com or your retailer account. Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps.

Mac — VST3	/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/
Mac — AU	/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/
Windows — VST3	C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\

Loading in Your DAW

After installation, rescan plugins via your DAW’s plugin manager if the plugin does not appear automatically. Load Melody Sauce 3 as an instrument plugin on a MIDI or instrument track.

An internet connection is required for licence activation.

New Licence (Full Purchase)

Select the New Licence tab.
Enter your Melody Sauce 3 serial number.
Click Activate.

Upgrading from Melody Sauce 1 or 2

Click the Upgrade tab.
Enter your MS1 or MS2 serial in box 1.
Click Verify.
Enter your MS3 upgrade serial in box 2.
Click Activate.

Lost your serial? Visit accounts.evabeat.com. Each licence allows up to 4 devices. Use De-Authorize This Computer in Settings before transferring.

3. Interface Overview

UI Layout at a Glance

1 — Toolbar	Master Volume, Settings, Undo / Redo, Revert
2 — Generation Controls	Genre, Style (+ Dice), Key, Key Lock, Movement, Chord Fit, Generator Pads
3 — Melody Bank	Clip slots, Clip controls (Play, Drag, Favourite, Delete), Add New Clip, Favourites
4 — Piano Roll	Melody note view, Chord regions, Loop region, Melody Lock, Chord Lock, Phrase Editor
5 — Layer Controls	Melody, Chord and Bass controls — sounds, octave, rhythm, volume, effects

4. Core Concepts

Genre & Style

Genre and Style work as a two-level preset system. Selecting a Genre unlocks Styles for that genre. Each Style configures all generation settings. Changing Style clears the current chord progression.

Style presets do not mean the output is pre-programmed — melodies are unique and generated from scratch every time.

Choose Free for a genre-neutral starting point with manual control over all parameters.

Use the Dice button to randomly pick a style across any genre.

Key & Scale

All output is locked to a musical key, shown as major/minor pairs. With Key Lock off, MS3 randomly selects a key each time. Selecting a key or enabling Key Lock fixes it for all subsequent generations.

Chord Progressions

Every pad click generates a matched chord progression alongside the melody. Chord progressions appear as blue regions in the piano roll. Drag edges to change length, right-click to split/delete, click to open the chord selection menu.

Use Chord Lock to keep the progression while generating new melodies.

Key Lock: Enabled automatically when you select a key or import MIDI chords. All generations stay in that key until you turn it off.

Chord Lock: Enabled automatically when you edit a chord or import MIDI chords. All generations use those chords until you turn it off.

The Melody Bank

Every melody is stored as a clip in the Melody Bank. Clips can be favourited or deleted. Use Add New Clip before generating to avoid overwriting.

Ctrl-click (Mac) / Cmd-click (Win) on Add New Clip to duplicate the current clip.

5. Generating Your First Melody

Generating your first melody in Melody Sauce 3

Load the plugin — Add MS3 to an instrument track.
Set your Key — Pick a key, or leave Key Lock off for random.
Choose a Genre — Click a genre, or select Free.
Select a Style — Choose from the dropdown, or hit Dice to randomly select a style across any genre.
Click a Pad — Mood (Light/Dark) vs Complexity (Simple/Complex). Only compatible pads are available.
Audition — Melodies play automatically. Use play/pause or your DAW transport.
Edit — Tweak notes in the piano roll or adjust controls.
Iterate — Try different pads, styles or genres.
Keep or move on — Favourite the clip, or Add New Clip to keep it.
Export to DAW — Drag the Clip Drag icon onto a MIDI track.

MS3 has its own internal sequencer — audition melodies independently of your project timeline.

6. Controls Reference

6.1 Generation Settings

Genre & Style

Genre	Select a genre to unlock its Style presets. Choose ‘Free’ for no style constraints.
Style Selector	Nearly 350 presets, or hit Dice for random style selection. Changing style clears current chords.
Dice	Randomly selects a style from any genre.

Key Settings

Key Selector	Select a key (shown as major/minor pairs). Enables Key Lock automatically.
Key Lock	On: all generations in the locked key. Off: random key each time.

Movement

Controls how many melodic leaps occur between phrases.

Flowing	Smoother, more stepwise melodies.
Dynamic	More angular, dramatic melodies with larger leaps.

Movement only applies to new melodies you generate — it has no effect on existing melodies you’ve already created.

Chord Fit

Determines how closely the melody follows the chord progression.

Balanced	Natural flow with good harmonic fit. Good all-purpose setting.
Strict	Tightly locked to chords. Good for chordal/arpeggio styles.
Relaxed	Loose chord following, maximum melodic flow. May produce harmonic tension.

Chord Fit only applies to new melodies you generate — it has no effect on existing melodies you’ve already created.

6.2 Pads

Generator pads — mood vs complexity grid

Vertical (Mood)	Light (top) = brighter. Dark (bottom) = moodier.
Horizontal (Complexity)	Simple (left) = sparser. Complex (right) = denser.
Availability	Only compatible pads are highlighted. Greyed-out = unavailable for this style.
Free Mode	Unlocks all pads.

6.3 Melody Bank & Clips

Melody Bank	Stores all melodies. Each slot holds melody, chords and bass.
Favourites	Favourited clips appear here. Access via the star icon.
Play/Pause	Plays or pauses via the internal sequencer.
Clip Drag	Drag onto a MIDI track in your DAW to export. Creates separate MIDI files for Melody, Chord and Bass. Toggle layers on/off before dragging to control what is exported — for example, to drag only the Chord MIDI to your DAW, switch off Melody and Bass layers before dragging.
Favourite	Adds the clip to Favourites.
Delete	Removes the clip. Cannot be undone.
Add New Clip	Creates an empty slot. Ctrl/Cmd-click to duplicate.

Some DAWs (notably Cubase) only accept a single MIDI file. Export each layer separately: switch off 2 of the layers so you can export one layer at a time. For example, switch off the melody and chords to leave the bass on, then when you drag the melody clip to Cubase you will have the bass.

6.4 Piano Roll

Piano roll with melody notes and chord regions

Melody Notes	Drag up/down for pitch, left/right for timing. One note at a time.
Chord Regions	Blue regions. Drag edges to resize. Right-click to split/delete. Click to change chord.
Chord Menu	Colour-coded chords. Lighter = common, darker = less common.
Loop Regions	Click and drag above the piano roll to set a loop.
Melody Lock	On: generates new chords while keeping the melody.
Chord Lock	On: generates new melodies over the same chords.
MIDI Import	Drag a MIDI chord file in. Key and chords detected automatically.

Chord and bass notes are visual reference only — use the chord menu to change chords.

6.5 Melody Layer

Melody On/Off	Enables or disables the melody layer.
Sound Selector	300+ sounds (piano, lead, synth, strings, pluck, keys etc).
Octave	Shift up or down by octave.
Slow / Medium / Fast	Sets playback speed.
Harmonise	Adds harmony: Low, Medium, High or Octave (8vb).
Volume	Output level for the melody.
Effects	Reverb, Delay, Chorus and Wobble.
Groove	Adjusts rhythmic feel.
Syncopation	On: off-beat accents. Off: straight feel.
Triplet	Converts to triplet feel.
Swing	Classic swing feel.
Legato	Removes gaps between notes.

6.6 Phrase Editor

Edit individual sections without regenerating. Select notes first, then apply a function.

Light	Brighter pitches, same rhythm.
Dark	Moodier pitches, same rhythm.
Rhythm	New rhythm, same pitches.
Pitch	Shifts pitch up/down, stays in key.
Mute	Silences without deleting.
Delete	Removes the phrase.
Copy / Paste	Copy to clipboard, paste at playhead position.

Duplicate a clip, then use Light or Dark on a section for instant verse/chorus contrast.

6.7 Chord Layer

Chord On/Off	Enables or disables chords.
Sound Selector	Select a chord sound.
Chord Rhythm	Wide variety of rhythmic patterns. 5 or 6 note voicing.
Octave	Shift up or down.
Volume	Chord layer output level.

6.8 Bass Layer

Bass On/Off	Enables or disables bass.
Sound Selector	Select a bass sound.
Bass Rhythm	Rhythmic patterns. Plays the root note of each chord.
Octave	Shift up or down.
Volume	Bass layer output level.

Experiment with different layer combinations — melody with chords only, or chords and bass without melody.

6.9 MIDI Settings

Internal	Default. Plays using internal sounds.
MIDI In	MS3 receives incoming MIDI from your DAW, like a synth — Melody receives MIDI from DAW channel 1, Chords from channel 2, Bass from channel 3.
MIDI Out	Routes generated MIDI to other instruments. Toggle layers to control output.

See Section 7 — Working with MIDI for more information on MIDI In, MIDI Out and importing chord MIDI.

6.10 Global Controls

Master Volume	Output level for all internal sounds.
Settings	Opens the settings menu.
Undo / Redo	Undoes or redoes the last action.
Revert	Restores the melody to its originally generated state.

Settings Menu

Import MIDI Chords	File browser alternative to drag-and-drop import.
Play Melody on Creation	Auto-play after generation.
On DAW Play, Start from Bar 1	On (default): plays from bar 1. Off: follows DAW playhead.
Auto-switch to MIDI In	Switches to MIDI In after dragging MIDI out.
Reset Free to Default	Reverts Free style settings.
Show Tooltips	Toggles tooltips on hover.
Clear Melody Bank	Deletes all clips. Cannot be undone.
Export Favourites	Exports all favourited clips as MIDI.
Check for Updates	Opens accounts.evabeat.com.
De-Authorize	Removes this computer from your licence (up to 4 devices).
Save FX To	Saves current sound settings as new defaults.
Export / Import Clip	Save and reload clips across sessions.

FL Studio: Make sure “On DAW Play, Start from Bar 1” is enabled to hear the full output.

7. Working with MIDI

Exporting MIDI to Your DAW

Drag the Clip Drag icon from the Melody Bank onto a MIDI or instrument track in your DAW. MS3 creates separate MIDI files for the Melody, Chord and Bass layers. Toggle layers on or off before dragging to control exactly what is exported.

Some DAWs (notably Cubase) only accept a single MIDI file on drag. Export each layer separately by switching off two of the three layers, then dragging once per layer. For example, switch off Melody and Chords to export just the Bass, then repeat for each remaining layer.

Importing Chord MIDI

To import a chord MIDI file, drag it from your desktop (or file browser) directly into the piano roll area of the plugin. MS3 will detect the key and apply it to the Key setting in the UI. It will also detect the chord progression and apply the chords to the blue chord regions in the piano roll, ready for you to generate a melody to fit. After importing, Chord Lock is enabled automatically to prevent your chords from being overwritten when you click a pad.

If the MIDI file does not appear to import, first check that the file itself is working correctly — try importing it into your DAW and confirm it appears there. If it works in the DAW, try the drag again, making sure you drop it directly over the piano roll area.

Important: MS3 imports chord types only — it does not import the MIDI notes themselves. Chord notes will only be visible in the piano roll if you already have a melody clip selected in the Melody Bank and the Chord layer is switched on. If you import a MIDI chord file before creating any melody — for example, immediately after loading the plugin — you will not see chord notes in the piano roll. You will see the chord regions displaying the detected chords, ready for you to create a melody to fit.

Supported chord types: MS3 can play 13 chord types in every key — Major, Major 7, Major 9, 7th, 9th, Augmented, Minor, Minor 7th, Minor 9th, Diminished, Diminished 7, Sus2 and Sus4. Because MS3 does not support more complex chord types (e.g. m7b5), it will occasionally simplify an imported chord to the closest harmonic match — for example, “A add9” becomes “A”. Even if the chords displayed in MS3 differ from your source on import, MS3 will still generate melodies that fit the original harmony. Note that chord identification is not an exact science: the same chord can often be described in several ways depending on context. Additional chord types will be added in future updates.

MIDI import works best with MIDI files containing full chords (3 or more notes) that are cleanly arranged. Single-note melodies or two-note intervals may not be detected accurately due to insufficient harmonic information. Files containing a mix of melody, chords and bass may also lead to inaccurate detection.

MIDI Out Mode

In MIDI Out mode, MS3 outputs its generated MIDI so you can route it to other instruments in your project instead of using its own internal sounds. Toggle the Melody, Chord and Bass layers on/off to control which streams are output.

The exact routing method depends on your DAW. Common approaches include setting the MIDI input of a second instrument track to Melody Sauce 3, or using your DAW’s internal MIDI routing. Consult your DAW documentation for the specific steps.

MIDI In Mode

When MIDI In is selected, MS3 bypasses its own generation engine and receives MIDI from your DAW like a synth plugin. MS3 automatically receives MIDI from your DAW on 3 separate channels:

Melody layer: MIDI channel 1
Chords layer: MIDI channel 2
Bass layer: MIDI channel 3

This means you can drag MS3’s 3 MIDI layers to your DAW to edit them there, then route the 3 MIDI layers back to the same single instance of MS3. To do this, once you’ve dragged MS3’s 3 MIDI layers to 3 MIDI tracks in your DAW, route each of those 3 MIDI tracks out via either MIDI channel 1, 2 or 3 back to MS3. Please refer to your DAW’s documentation on how to set up MIDI out channels in your DAW.

Sound controls remain active; all other controls are disabled. To exit this mode, switch MIDI Settings to Internal or MIDI Out.

Multi-channel Audio Output

MS3 outputs audio as 3 stereo pairs so that you can process audio from MS3’s 3 layers separately in your DAW.

To set this up in your DAW, set the audio input on 3 audio tracks to receive audio from the separate Melody, Chords and Bass audio outputs provided by MS3. Please refer to your DAW’s documentation on how to set up audio inputs in your DAW.

Routing MIDI to Multiple Instruments

Routing MIDI from MS3 to 3 different instrument tracks in your DAW is not currently possible, as DAWs are unable to handle 3 incoming MIDI streams from a single plugin. In the near future we will be releasing a standalone version of MS3 which will allow your DAW to receive 3 separate MIDI streams from MS3 on Mac.

Logic Pro — AU MIDI FX

In Logic Pro, Melody Sauce 3 can be loaded in two ways. The standard approach is to load it as an instrument plugin on a Software Instrument track, where it generates both audio and MIDI internally.

The second approach — exclusive to Logic — is to load the AU MIDI FX version of MS3 into the MIDI FX slot of a Software Instrument track. In this mode MS3 outputs MIDI only (no audio), which is passed directly to the instrument loaded in the same track’s instrument slot. This means you can use MS3 to generate melodies and chord progressions that are played back by any software synth or sampler of your choice, all within a single track.

Create a new Software Instrument track.
Click the MIDI FX slot (located above the instrument slot in the channel strip) and select Melody Sauce 3 from the AU MIDI FX category.
In the instrument slot below, load the synthesiser or sampler you want MS3 to drive.
MS3 will now send its MIDI output directly to that instrument.

Keeping MS3 in Sync with Your Project

If your melodies are out of sync with other elements in your DAW, this is usually because MS3 loops 8 bars by default, and your project sections are a different length. To fix this, open the Settings menu and switch off “On DAW Play, Start from Bar 1” (enabled by default). This makes MS3 follow the DAW playhead position rather than always restarting from bar 1, which resolves most sync issues.

8. Workflow Guide

Quick Sketch Workflow

Set Genre and Style, or use Dice.
Leave Key Lock off.
Click pads, change styles, explore.
Favourite the best results.
Use your favourite as the foundation.

Chord-First Workflow

Have your chord MIDI file ready.
Drag it into the MS3 piano roll.
Chord Lock enables automatically.
Adjust Chord Fit.
Click pads to generate melodies.
Use Phrase Editor to fine-tune.
Export melody MIDI back to your DAW.

Editing & Refining

Piano Roll — Drag notes to adjust pitch or timing.
Phrase Editor — Swap pitches (Light/Dark) or rhythms.
Melody Lock — Generate new chords beneath your melody.
Groove — Syncopation, Swing or Triplet feel.
Harmonise — Add harmony voices.
Sounds — Experiment across all layers.
Rhythms — Try different Chord and Bass rhythms.
Mix — Balance layer volumes.

9. Tips & Tricks

Break out of your routine — Try genres you don’t normally use, or hit Dice.
Duplicate before editing — Ctrl/Cmd-click New Clip first.
Relaxed Chord Fit + imported chords — Often the most interesting melodies.
Export layers separately — Toggle off two, drag once per layer.
Loop Regions for hooks — Set a 2-bar loop for quick auditioning.
Free genre + manual settings — Total control, all pads available.
Revert after edits — Restores the original generated version.
MIDI Out for sound design — Route to any synth or instrument.
Export Clips across sessions — Settings > Export Clip / Import Clip.

10. Troubleshooting & FAQ

Plugin missing in DAW	Rescan plugins in your DAW’s plugin manager. On Mac, check AU or VST3 is installed in the standard system paths. On Windows, confirm the VST3 folder is in your DAW’s scan locations.
No sound	Check a clip is loaded, at least one layer is on, Master Volume is up, and your DAW’s audio output is working. In MIDI Out mode, ensure the receiving instrument is set up correctly.
Only one MIDI file on drag	Some DAWs only accept one. Export each layer separately: switch off two layers, drag once, then repeat for each remaining layer.
Chord Lock turned on automatically	Activates automatically when you edit a chord region or import MIDI chords, to prevent your changes being overwritten.
Pads greyed out	Not compatible with current style. Click Free to unlock all pads, or try a different style.
Out of tune with project	Confirm the Key matches your project. Check your DAW’s master tuning and any track transpose settings.
MS3 out of sync with DAW	Open the Settings menu and switch off “On DAW Play, Start from Bar 1” (enabled by default). This makes MS3 follow the DAW playhead position rather than always restarting from bar 1.
Standalone use?	MS3 is a plugin and requires a DAW or plugin host. It does not run standalone.
How to update	Download the latest installer from evabeat.com or your Plugin Boutique account and run it over the existing installation.
Apple Silicon?	Yes. Universal Binary, native on Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.

Serial Code Issues

Make sure you’re connected to the internet — an internet connection is required for serial activation.

New orders: Enter your MS3 serial under the “New Licence” tab in the plugin’s licensing window. Check there are no spaces at the beginning or end of the serial when you paste it, then click “Activate”.

Upgrades: Click the “Upgrade” tab, enter your Melody Sauce 1 or 2 serial in the first field, click “Verify”, then enter your MS3 upgrade serial in the second field and click “Activate”. An MS3 Upgrade serial requires a valid Melody Sauce 1 or Melody Sauce 2 serial.

If you still have problems, email support@evabeat.com.

Purchase Issues

We use FastSpring for our checkout. Occasionally its security measures may block an order attempt. Please try an alternative payment method (e.g. a different credit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay), or purchasing from a different browser or device. If you’re still unable to place an order, email support@evabeat.com.

Troubleshooting MS3 on Windows

Windows Controlled Folder Access
If you’re experiencing any issues with files, presets or samples not loading, this is often the cause. Open Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection → Ransomware Protection → Allow an app through Controlled Folder Access, and add your DAW’s executable file. Restart your DAW and try again.

Install pending Windows updates
Install any pending Windows updates, including graphics driver updates. Outdated graphics drivers in particular can prevent MS3 from operating correctly.

Error 126

64-bit check — Make sure you’re running 64-bit Windows and the 64-bit version of your DAW.
Rescan plugins — Restart your DAW, open a fresh project, and rescan plugins.
Antivirus / Firewall — Temporarily disable security software, reinstall MS3, then restart your DAW.
Visual C++ Redistributables — Download and install both x64 and x86 versions of the 2015–2022 redistributable from Microsoft.
OneDrive — OneDrive’s “Known Folder Move” feature can redirect folders to cloud storage. Pause OneDrive sync, ensure MS3’s install path is local (e.g. C:\Program Files\VSTPlugins), and check your DAW’s plugin scan path is not cloud-synced.
If none of the above help, contact us — Windows Registry corruption is another known cause.

“No internet connection” during activation (when internet is working)

Disable any VPN or proxy and try again.
Check your system date and time are correct.
Try running your DAW as Administrator.
If still stuck, contact us — your firewall or ISP may be blocking MS3’s validation server.

DAW freezes when loading MS3
If you have an Nvidia graphics card on Windows 10, open Device Manager, expand Display adapters, right-click your Nvidia GPU and select “Update driver”. If the issue persists, try rolling back to an earlier driver version from the Nvidia website.

Installer fails

Install all pending Windows updates, restart, then try again.
Right-click the installer and select “Run as administrator”.
Temporarily disable antivirus, firewall, and SmartScreen.
Press Win+R, type %temp%, delete as many files as you can, then try again.
If still stuck, contact us with your MSI log: open an Administrator command prompt and run msiexec /i [installer-filename].msi /lv c:\setup.log.

For more help, see our FAQs at evabeat.com.

11. Support

If you run into any issues or have questions not covered in this guide, email us at support@evabeat.com. A support ticket will be logged and we will get back to you within 24 hours.