Obsidian Neural

Introduction to Obsidian Neural

Obsidian Neural is an AI-powered VST3 plugin designed for real-time music generation within a digital audio workstation (DAW). Unlike traditional AI music tools that simply generate full songs with a single click, Obsidian Neural positions itself as a creative partner for musicians, offering a flexible and dynamic approach to AI-assisted composition. It empowers users to generate loops, samples, and musical ideas on-demand, while maintaining full control over the creative process.

The plugin integrates seamlessly into live performance and studio workflows, providing a range of features that allow for immediate musical expression. Whether through MIDI controllers, visual drawing inputs, or text-based prompts, Obsidian Neural offers multiple pathways for generating and manipulating sound in real time. Its focus on live performance and adaptability makes it a powerful tool for producers, performers, and experimental artists alike.

Takeaways

• AI-powered VST3 plugin for real-time music generation
• Designed as a creative partner, not a replacement
• Real-time generation with MIDI and visual input support
• 8-track sampler with individual outputs and DAW sync
• Draw-to-audio functionality for visual-to-musical translation
• Supports live performance with beat-synced triggering and background processing
• Auto BPM synchronization using SoundTouch algorithm
• Open source and cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Featured at AES AIMLA 2025 as a research demo

How Obsidian Neural Works

Obsidian Neural operates by combining visual input, text prompts, and MIDI control to generate musical content in real time. Users can sketch patterns on a 512x512 canvas using various tools and colors, which are then interpreted by an AI vision model to create corresponding audio samples. Additionally, users can type musical keywords or describe desired sounds, and the AI generates matching loops or samples based on those inputs.

MIDI controllers allow for live triggering of AI-generated samples, making it ideal for performances. The plugin also supports real-time generation during playback, enabling artists to create new material while performing. With an 8-track sampler and individual track outputs, users can route each track to separate DAW channels for independent processing and mixing.

Core Benefits and Applications