“Intuitively select chords without needing advanced musical knowledge”: The AlphaTheta Chordcat is a smart groovebox with over 110,000 chord combinationsAlphaTheta has lifted the lid on the Chordcat, a new ultra-portable groovebox designed to help producers find inspiration for chord progressions, and quickly develop new ideas.
The unit – which when we say it’s portable, we mean it measures under 10 inches across, and weighs just 400 grams – features an eight-track sequencer at its core for experimenting with progressions, as well as 145 instrument sounds to play with, 16 drum sounds, and a series of advanced music arrangement tools.

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Learning music theory and chord progressions is a notoriously laborious process, but AlphaTheta is confident the Chordcat takes some of the pain out of the equation.
The device also features a Chord Cruiser mode, which, in real time, suggests multiple musically compatible chords to go to next from its database of over 110,000 chord combinations. Simply assign your favourite to the keyboard, and the next suggestion is triggered.

“The Chord Cruiser function suggests seamless and intuitive chord transitions, putting creative harmonic choices right at your fingertips,” says AlphaTheta. 
“So, you can intuitively select recommended chords while playing to compose your own tracks without needing advanced musical knowledge.”
Additionally with the Chordcat’s key and scale settings, only notes that belong to a selected key are mapped to the keyboard.
You’ll notice the Chordcat features a 4×4 XY grid of 16 buttons for step-sequencing. The playback order of this, courtesy of the unit’s Running Direction feature, can be changed with a single button, with choices between right, down, clockwise and counterclockwise.

While the Chordcat is absolutely marketed as a portable device, it’s easily integratable into a studio setup, or with a DAW or external synthesizers via MIDI In, MIDI Out/Thru and USB-C connections. 
Additionally, chord data and sequencers can be outputted in real time, and exported as patterns using the Chordcat manager. You’ll also be able to download a software app for managing and configuring the device.
The Chordcat uses six AA batteries, and AlphaTheta says it boasts five hours of battery life, so you can feel assured taking it anywhere.
Credit: AlphaTheta
 “Wherever inspiration strikes – at home, in the studio, or on the go – Chordcat helps you transform your ideas into music,” continues AlphaTheta. 
“From its intuitive chord creation to versatile sound design, this groovebox is your ultimate tool for unlocking creative potential and fuelling your musical imagination.”
In terms of price, the Chordcat clocks in at €279 / $279 / £239 and is available now via selected retailers.
For more information, head to AlphaTheta.
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