Superset Manual

Superset Manual

Superset is a MIDI/AI motion engine that generates expressive CC values and timing movement for multi-channel MIDI. It does not generate audio.

Quick Start (2 minutes)

  1. Install the demo set.
  2. Setup virtual MIDI ports (two ports IN/OUT to avoid feedback).
  3. Select MIDI IN/OUT in Superset.
  4. In Ableton: enable the ports in Preferences and route tracks.
  5. Press Random, Validate x10, Learn, Superset.
Tip

Keep Superset open while you route MIDI in Ableton so device ports appear instantly.

Routing MIDI

Windows (loopMIDI)

  • Install loopMIDI.
  • Create two ports: "Superset OUT" and "Superset IN".
  • In Superset: set MIDI OUT = "Superset OUT" and MIDI IN = "Superset IN"
  • In Ableton: set the track MIDI input from "Superset OUT"
  • If you need note-on reset from Ableton/clavier: route notes to "Superset IN"

Mac (IAC Driver)

  • Open Audio MIDI Setup → IAC Driver.
  • Check Device is online.
  • Add two buses: "Superset OUT" and "Superset IN".

Two ports are required to prevent MIDI feedback loops. Superset writes motion to the OUT port and listens for performance data on the IN port so the data never re-feeds into the engine.

Important

Never route Superset OUT back into its own input, or motion can spiral uncontrollably.

Ableton Demo Pack

The included demo set contains a bass wobble motion lane, lead movement, arpeggio textures, and a beat track. You also get 3-5 motion bundles that are compatible with the Superset engine for fast iteration. Bundles export/import as a single file (model + presets).

Workflow

Random → Tweak → Validate (x10) → Learn → Superset

Random generates starting motion, Tweak edits the curve, Validate x10 runs quick checks, Learn trains the engine on the selected range, and Superset regenerates expressive multi-channel motion.

Motion modes include ramp, loop (triangle LFO), and note-on reset for consistent performance triggers.

Videos

Watch Superset in real production scenarios.

Getting Started

Quick overview of routing and first generation.

Watch

Workflow Demo

Random → Validate → Learn → Superset in action.

Watch

Troubleshooting

  • No MIDI devices in dropdown: confirm your virtual ports are running.
  • No sound changes in Ableton: verify track routing and monitor mode.
  • MIDI feedback loop: ensure OUT and IN ports are separate.
  • macOS won't open the app Superset beta builds are not notarized yet: Right-click the application → Open → Confirm. If needed, go to System Settings → Privacy & Security and allow the app manually.
  • loopMIDI not installed / ports missing: reinstall loopMIDI and re-create ports.
  • Ableton MIDI preferences not enabled: enable Track/Remote for the ports.
  • Wrong channel/CC mapping: confirm bundle mappings match the device.

FAQ

Does Superset generate audio?
No. Superset generates MIDI CC values and motion. Your synth/DAW produces the sound.

Do I need internet?
No. Training and generation run locally.

Why do I need two virtual MIDI ports?
Using separate IN/OUT ports helps prevent MIDI feedback loops and keeps routing predictable.

Can I use Superset with hardware synths?
Yes, as long as your setup can route MIDI to your hardware device.

Will there be an Android / iOS version?
Mobile versions are planned, but the current focus is shipping a solid desktop engine first.

Why is Superset standalone and not a VST/AU plugin?
Superset is designed to control multiple channels/devices with explicit routing. A plugin version would add DAW-specific MIDI routing constraints and slow down iteration.

How do bundles work?
Export/import saves everything together: the trained model plus the presets associated with it.

How large are trained models?
Models are lightweight and typically range from a few hundred kilobytes to around 1 MB depending on channel count and dataset size.

Does Superset replace sound design?
No. Superset reshapes parameters and motion. The sound engine remains your synth or DAW.

Can I train multiple channels at once?
Yes. Superset can train and regenerate motion across multiple MIDI channels simultaneously, as long as routing and CC assignments remain consistent.

Do I need the demo Ableton set?
No. The demo set is provided for quick testing. You can use Superset with any properly routed device or hardware synth.

What happens after beta expires?
Beta builds automatically close after 4 months. Approved users may receive access to updated builds.