Splice launches its own DAW, with voice control and a built-in tutor

Splice Create, a new DAW from Splice, is out in beta as a Mac app with the company’s library of more than three million human-made, fully licensed sounds built in. Users can search that library from inside the Create timeline, MusicTech reported.

An assistant takes voice or text commands. It groups drums, applies effects, adds string or instrument tracks and handles repetitive tasks. It also answers production questions and hunts through the library for samples that fit the harmonic or rhythmic structure of a project.

Point Mode adds an interactive pointer that walks users through the interface and demonstrates techniques step by step. For people switching from another DAW, shortcut presets match Ableton Live, FL Studio, Pro Tools and others. Create also includes a built-in synth, effects and presets.

It connects to Splice INSTRUMENT virtual instruments and native VST integrations, and audio can be exported for use in other DAWs. Splice says creators keep ownership of their original work and that the AI features follow its established AI guidelines and principles.

“Most music tools either make the song for you, or assume you already know how to do everything,” CEO Kakul Srivastava said. “Create is different—it’s a music creation studio that helps you make the music you want.”

Grammy-nominated MC and producer Skepta, who won the Mercury Prize in 2016 with Konnichiwa, released on his own label, says a Splice breakbeat helped his latest single, “Innocent Smile,” come together. The track features Chase & Status and Suggs. “I’d been messing with Innocent Smile for years, added a break beat from Splice, and it came alive,” he said.

Splice Create is in beta on Mac and is free to get started. Create Pro, for users ready to share their music, costs $9.99 a month at the introductory price.