Have you ever wanted to trigger three different hardware synths from a single sequencer track—scaling the volume on synth #2 to 50% for background texture, while automatically transposing synth #3 up a perfect fifth (+7 semitones) on every second note?
Traditionally, complex multi-synth patch routing required rat-nests of hardware MIDI patchbays, cumbersome DAW routing sub-mixes, or external MIDI processor boxes.
Today, we are thrilled to announce the Dynamic Synth Routing Matrix & Per-Route Modifiers in closeby.1! Inspired by iconic hardware matrix routers, this upgrade gives you total freedom to layer, transpose, filter, and attenuate MIDI signals across all your connected Web MIDI hardware synths and internal web audio engines with zero friction.
What is the Synth Routing Matrix?
The Synth Routing Matrix is a dynamic grid interface where your active tracks run along the Y-axis and your connected hardware MIDI synths, Web MIDI ports, and internal engines dynamically line up along the X-axis.
Instead of restricting a sequencer track to driving just one synth, the Routing Matrix allows any track to simultaneously play multiple hardware synths (like your Moog Minitaur, Behringer Model 15, or Pro-800) alongside internal web audio engines.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Informational Primary Synth (
MAIN): Your track's primary assigned synth is clearly badged with a cyanMAINlabel. It stays permanently active as your baseline instrument so you never accidentally lose your core track patch. - Dynamic 1-Click Layering: Click any secondary synth pad in the matrix column to layer it instantly into your pattern's output stream.
- Native Route Inspector: Double-click any active secondary pad or click its
⚙️settings icon to fine-tune per-route modifiers. - Real-Time Visual Badges: Applied modifiers (like
50% vol,+7st,2nd note) render directly inside matrix cells for instant visual feedback.
Step-by-Step Workflow
1. View Your Connected Rig
Open the Synth Routing Matrix tab. Your active tracks appear on the left, while your connected physical USB/MIDI ports and instrument profiles line up on top dynamically. Your primary configured synth displays a cyan MAIN badge.
2. Layer a Secondary Synth
Want your bassline track to also trigger a lush analog lead? Simply click the pad corresponding to your secondary synth (e.g., Behringer Model 15). The pad lights up in vibrant cyan—now every step event in your track triggers both synths in lockstep.
3. Tune Per-Route Modifiers
Click the ⚙️ gear icon or double-click the secondary pad to open the Route Inspector:
- Velocity / Volume Scaling: Pull the slider down to 50% so the secondary synth provides subtle background support without overpowering your primary patch.
- Pitch Transposition: Set a semitone offset (like +7 st for a 5th harmony or +12 st for an octave layer).
- Rhythm & Trigger Filters: Set trigger rules such as Every 2nd Note, Odd Steps Only, Even Steps Only, or 50% Probability for evolving polyrhythmic patterns.
- Mute CC Automation: Toggle CC muting if you want to keep CC knob automation on your main synth while keeping the secondary synth's filter untouched.
3 Creative Applications to Try Today
1. Instant Dual-Voice Harmonies (+7st Fifth Layer)
Layer a secondary synth onto your main lead track and set its pitch transpose to +7 semitones. Every melody line you play or sequence instantly creates lush, organ-like 5th interval harmonies without adding extra notes to your grid.
2. Call-and-Response Polyrhythms (Every 2nd Note Filter)
Route a melodic pattern to two synths: keep your primary synth playing every step, but set the secondary synth's rhythm filter to Every 2nd Note with a -12 st octave drop. The secondary synth will punctuate the sequence every second beat, creating rhythmic counter-melodies automatically.
3. Soft Texture Layering (50% Volume + CC Muted)
Add an analog poly-synth layer behind a drum machine rhythm or arp. Scale its velocity down to 30–50% and toggle CC Muted. The secondary synth acts as a soft, ethereal pad background while your main track retains dynamic control.
Start Experimenting Now
The Synth Routing Matrix is live in your closeby.1 workspace right now. Open up the matrix, connect your hardware gear or virtual web synths, and start crafting rich, multi-layered soundscapes!