Does PlantWave Work with DAWs and Synths? Yes!Updated 14 days ago

This is going to get technical…

Please note, if you’re looking to simply use PlantWave to listen to plants, we’ve built a great app for you with everything you need to enjoy plant music (learn about that here). Meanwhile, this post is intended for pro musicians and music producers who want to use PlantWave in the studio with specialized equipment.

For a step-by-step guide to connecting, turning MIDI on, and recording, see Using PlantWave with MIDI and your DAW.

PlantWave’s Basic Functionality

You probably already know about PlantWave’s basic functionality, but it’s worth re-stating:

• translates plant biodata to music

• connects wirelessly to phone

• switch between sets of instruments

• Free iOS and Android apps

• change sensitivity of device

• built in rechargeable battery

• 24 hours battery life

• can be externally powered for endless listening

• broadcast your plant (currently iOS only)

• change tuning frequency (free on Android; Plus version of the iOS app)

• record audio and video in app (free on iOS and Android)

• change scale and key (with Plus version of iOS app)

• connect multiple devices to the app (with Pro version of iOS app)

• sound design tools (with Pro version of iOS app)

PlantWave Advanced Use

Now, on to the good stuff. In addition to the basic functionality, PlantWave has a TON of features for advanced use. Please note that you can access all advanced features of the device, itself, without the app and without any type of subscription.

• translates plant biodata to MIDI note and CC messages

• connectivity to DAWs and synths via:

  • 3.5mm TRS Type A MIDI Out

  • WiFi MIDI

  • USB-C MIDI

• MIDI configuration via free app or web browser

  • change sensitivity of device

  • edit scale / key on device

  • change MIDI channel routing on device

  • change MIDI CC# routing on device

• Power

  • isolated sensor circuit from main board to eliminate signal noise

  • built-in rechargeable battery

  • 24-hour battery life

  • can be externally powered for endless listening

• Other

  • record MIDI to phone via our app (free on Android; Plus subscription on the iOS app)

Hear an Example of Using PlantWave with a DAW

Plants FM is an online streaming service delivering live music generated by plants. It uses PlantWave connected to Ableton Live to create complex and lush soundscapes that are a real-time expression of plant biodata.