Muse
Muse: A free, open-source choice for local piano and multitrack transcription. Ranked #18 of 29 in AI Audio-to-MIDI Software by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free local piano and multitrack transcription.
At a glance
- Editor score7.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree local piano and multitrack transcription
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Polyphonic transcriptionYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Transcribes solo piano with left/right-hand separation
- Supports multitrack transcription across up to 13 tracks
- Processes audio locally with CUDA and Apple Silicon MPS acceleration
Where it doesn't
- No notation export
- Desktop-only workflow across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- No listed integrations with external music platforms
Our verdict on Muse
Muse is a free, open-source desktop application for musicians and producers who want editable MIDI from recorded or imported audio. It supports solo-piano transcription with left/right-hand separation, as well as multi-instrument transcription across up to 13 tracks. Audio can come from a microphone or from MP3, WAV, OGG, and FLAC files. With versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux, Muse is suited to users who prefer local processing over uploading performances to an online service.
Its strongest advantage is the combination of transcription scope and local operation. Muse can handle piano-focused work while also supporting multitrack arrangements, and its built-in MIDI playback includes per-track mute and solo controls for reviewing the result. CUDA and Apple Silicon MPS acceleration can support compatible hardware, while local processing keeps audio on the desktop. This makes Muse a practical fit for producers and musicians working with recorded performances who want a direct path from audio to MIDI.
The main trade-off is focus: Muse produces MIDI rather than notation, and it is centered on a desktop workflow instead of a broader connected ecosystem. Users who need notation export or integrations with other music platforms should choose an alternative designed around those capabilities. Muse is the better fit for free, local transcription across solo piano and up to 13 tracks, particularly when microphone recording, common audio formats, and built-in MIDI playback matter more than cloud collaboration or notation tools.
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Muse pricing
Muse fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Polyphonic transcription | Yes |
| Notation export | No |
| DAW plugin | Not verified |
| Audio input formats | MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC |
| Maximum audio length | Not verified |
| Batch processing | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Muse
- Klangio Transcription StudioA broad audio-to-score workspace with multi-instrument transcription and flexible exports.9.4
- SongscriptionA broad browser-based transcription tool with strong export and instrument coverage.9.2
- AnthemScoreA flexible AI transcription tool for turning recordings into editable notation and MIDI.9.1
Also Ranked In
Muse is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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