Polymeter is a specialized MIDI sequencer for composing music in polymeter, meaning music that uses multiple meters simultaneously. The application doesn't generate audio directly, instead it outputs a stream of MIDI messages to a device that converts MIDI to audio, such as a hardware or software synthesizer. By default, the application outputs to the GS Wavetable Synth that ships with Windows. The application also exports a Standard MIDI file that can be imported into most music software.
A Polymeter document consists of an array of tracks, each of which produces a single MIDI note or control message at a time. Each track has its own length and loops independently through its own array of equal-sized steps. For note tracks, the steps determine the starting times, durations, and velocities of notes, but steps are interpreted differently for other track types. Tracks of differing lengths can be juxtaposed, and then edited while they're looping. Tracks can also modulate other tracks, and can be arranged into songs.
The application features multiple views, corresponding to different stages of the composing process, and various docking windows. Most application parameters can be remotely controlled by mapping them to MIDI messages.
The Polymeter MIDI Sequencer has its own website. It also has a comprehensive user manual which is available in various forms:
- One HTML page per topic with a navigation frame
- Single HTML page suitable for printing
- PDF document also suitable for printing
- Single Wiki page
- Also available within the application as context-sensitive F1 help
MacOS or Linux users should check the FAQ for possible solutions. A virtual desktop running Windows is best, but Wine may work acceptably. The release notes are here.
The Polymeter MIDI Sequencer evolved from software I developed in the 1990s in order to compose polymeter electronic dance music. I have used Polymeter exclusively since 2019, and it continues to evolve as my story unfolds.