OBSIDIAN from InnerMost47 is a free and open-source AI-powered jam partner for macOS and Windows (VST3 plugin).
If you’ve read any of my posts on artificial intelligence, you’ll know I approach it with caution.
I don’t think AI is inherently bad, and I know we aren’t at the stage of being replaced by robot musicians.
However, I believe AI, in some cases, is on the verge of reducing the need for creative thought, and that’s a dangerous path to go down.
The counter-argument often references musical snobbery as a reason to fear the advent of AI, and that’s probably true at times (there’s still too much snobbery in certain areas of music).
For me, whether they are virtuosos or four-chord strummers, my favorite musicians are my favorites because I can tell them apart from anyone else. I never want to see personality get lost to AI.
I started with that unsolicited rant (apologies) because I want to show that, despite my caution, I can be positive about AI, too. The reason for my positivity, in this case, comes directly from the developer.
Innermost47 says, “Many bedroom producers work solo and could benefit from an intelligent AI collaborator that adapts to their style rather than replacing their creativity.”
Too many AI projects focus on the things AI can save you from doing rather than how AI can help you get better at what you do.
OBSIDIAN utilizes an LLM (Large Language Model) with contextual memory to learn from your sessions.
It generates new, tempo-synced loops in real time that complement your performance. In theory, it’s like having bandmates who will follow your creative direction, and that’s a very interesting use of AI.
OBSIDIAN features an eight-track multi-sampler with MIDI triggering and intelligent prompt enrichment based on musical content.
It also offers multi-output mixing with dedicated effects per AI-generated track, waveform editing, and custom prompt management for personalized AI responses.
It will take some time with OBSIDIAN to see how smoothly it works, but the idea of jamming through ideas without having to stop and adjust drummer/harmony/backing tracks every time you change direction is pretty cool.
Innermost47 captured the first live performance with his innovative Neural Sound Engine, and at the very least, it looks like a whole lot of fun!
In other AI-related news, you can pick up Baby Audio’s TAIP plugin for $24.99 for a limited time at Audio Plugin Deals (the offer ends on June 18, 2025).
Download: OBSIDIAN (FREE)
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Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
