Documentation
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
I connected my keyboard but it doesn't appear in the I/O menu
Make sure that other software accessing the midi ports are closed before you open Spectral Piano.
Does this software work on Mac or Linux?
No, at this time only Windows 10 and 11 is supported.
Can my computer run this software?
This software should run on most modern cpus (intel 3rd gen and up). If you have an older processor or do not have a discrete gpu you may need to reduce the number of visual effects. You can also download the software before purchasing to see how your computer performs (see below).
Can I test the software before purchasing?
At the moment there is no free mode where you can test the software. However in the license activation menu there is a song that auto plays. You can view the effects and move the camera in 3D space. This is helpful if you are not sure if your computer can run the software.
Performance
If you want to lower your computer's gpu and cpu usage follow these tips:
Lighting
Turn off key lights, sky lights and set shadows to zero. You can also turn off the spot light if you set a light background and have transparent keys.
Particles
Reduce or turn off particles.
Post Processing
Reduce or turn off post processing effects.
Frame rate
In the settings menu set the framerate to "half".
Particles
Threshold
Sets the key pressure required for activation. This allows particles to be launched based on dynamics, which can give more interesting and varied effects. Keep it at zero if you want particles to always be emitted.
Burst mode
(toggle) When burst mode is selected particles are launched at the moment the note starts. In contrast, continuous spawn mode launches particles during the entire duration the key is pressed.
Color styles
Choose between three color options: default colors, custom mono color, or random colors
Unlit Particles
Unlit particle presets are not self illuminating, and require a light source (sky lights, or spot light). This is useful for making more realistic smoke effects for example (unlit smoke).
Saving
Your particle effects can be saved by creating a visual preset. This preset contain your current particle settings along with all other visual settings.
Note Visualizer
Material Style
Adjustable surface material (solid, smokey, wavey etc..).
Roundness
Curviness of the note blocks.
Speed
The speed at which the note blocks fall to the keys.
Width
The width of note block.
Rotation
In 3D mode the rotation can be changed so the notes fall along the z or y axis.
Fade
Transparent fade to the note blocks based on distance to the keys (adjustable opacity, distance).
Hide On Impact
Note blocks can be hidden or visible after striking key (when visible they will continue to fall as the piece progresses).
Delay
Time in seconds from when note visuals begin moving towards the keys and the first note is played.
Brightness
Brightness of the note block material.
Post Processing Effects
Color Filter
A color filter for the display.
Bloom
Bloom effect for brightly lit objects.
Exposure pro
Lighten and darken the environment.
Lens Flare pro
Flare effect for brightly lit objects (flare distance, intensity).
Chromatic Aberation pro
Chromatic aberation effect to the display (intensity).
Video Renderer
Create videos of your playing. Before rendering first select a song for playback and choose an output folder. The following parameters can be adjusted:
Frame rate
The frame rate can be adjusted to your liking. Most monitors have framerate of 60, which is the recommended value if you plan to share on youtube. Note that the higher frame rates result in much larger file sizes.
Resolution
At the moment the maximum resolution is determined by your monitor. To select a resolution go to application settings.
Bit rate
The bit rate determines the video quality and the size of the file. The value you choose represents the maximum bit rate (the actual bit rate will depend on resolution and frame rate).
Fade
Add a black fade to the start and end of the video.
Wait duration
Set how much time you want to wait after the final note is played and before the video ends, or fade to black starts.
End black screen
Add a black screen to the end. This is useful for YT end screens if you want to display other videos.
Audio
There are 3 audio options: (custom file, built in, or none). Note - if you choose a custom file (.mp3, or .wav) the first note must start at time zero (to correctly sync with video). Also note that in "built in" mode audio clipping (distortion) can occur if you set the volume high.
Midi Output
You may want to output the midi to a DAW such as Abelton. To do this a virtual midi application is required. Download Loop Midi and create a virtual midi port.