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Play-a-Synth

Elevator Pitch

Play-a-Synth

Product Description

Play-a-Synth

Play-a-Synth, an online platform, revolutionizes musical instrument access by enabling musicians to play expensive hardware synthesizers remotely through any web browser or our DAW plugin. This innovative system transforms physical instruments into globally accessible resources, breaking down geographical and financial barriers to professional-grade synthesizers.

The platform leverages cutting-edge web technologies like WebRTC for ultra-low latency audio streaming, Web MIDI API for seamless controller integration, and Opus compression optimized for musical content. Musicians can control remote synthesizers in real-time with full parameter access through custom control panels, while advanced features like smart plug integration, session recording, and adaptive buffering ensure professional-quality performance. The system supports comprehensive MIDI implementations, including NRPN, CC messages, and program changes, making it compatible with any MIDI controller or DAW workflow.

Play-a-Synth creates a win-win ecosystem where musicians gain affordable access to rare vintage and boutique instruments, while synthesizer owners can monetize their equipment by sharing it with the global music community. This democratization of access enables “try-before-you-buy” experiences, remote collaboration between artists worldwide, and transforms idle expensive equipment into revenue-generating assets.

This platform represents a significant MIDI innovation by extending the protocol’s capabilities beyond local connections to enable global, real-time musical collaboration. By making professional hardware synthesizers accessible regardless of location or budget, Play-a-Synth opens new possibilities for music education, production, and community building while preserving the authentic sound and tactile experience that only real hardware can provide.


How It’s Innovative

Play-a-Synth is the first of its kind, an online platform dedicated to allowing users to share and play any MIDI-capable synthesizer or instrument in real-time through the internet and receive real-time audio feedback. Users can access the synthesizers remotely by simply opening their web browser or through their DAW using our free VST and AU plugins. Additionally, Play-a-Synth offers users the ability to monetize their instruments which can be from a well-established brand or something unique that only they have.

See MIDI Innovation In Action

Most Inspiring Use Cases

A music technology student used Play-a-Synth to remotely validate a virtual analog model they created for an analog synthesizer as a student research project.

Expansion Plans

While Play-a-Synth allows users from anywhere in the world to share their synths online for others to play or for their own use, we plan to expand the monetization next to USA, Canada and Australia. We are also exploring adding hardware sound effects to the platform.

Commercialization

We currently allow users located in EEA region to monetize their own MIDI capable hardware synthesizers, be it from a well known instrument brand or an unique, one of a kind, instrument. Play-a-Synth takes a portion of the payments paid by the users to play the instrument. The payments are available for users located in the EEA and USA regions.