NeuralNote

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.5 / 10
• Pricing
  Open source
• Best for
  Open-source DAW plugin transcription
• Paid from
  Free
• Polyphonic transcription
  Yes
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Transcribes polyphonic, multi-instrument audio with instrument grouping
  • Runs locally in VST3, AU, or standalone formats
  • Imports common audio files and exports MIDI via drag-and-drop or saving

• Where it doesn't

  • NeuralNote v2 is a work in progress
  • Current v2 builds require compilation and have no installers or binaries
  • MuScriptor weights are non-open and limited to non-commercial use

Our verdict on NeuralNote

NeuralNote is an open-source audio-to-MIDI plugin and standalone desktop application for musicians and producers who want to turn recorded performances into editable MIDI. It supports polyphonic, multi-instrument transcription with instrument grouping, then presents the result in a piano roll for review. Users can record from a live input or DAW playback, import WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP3, and OGG Vorbis files, and save or drag MIDI into a MIDI track. It is aimed at DAW-based workflows across Windows, macOS, and Linux releases.

Its strongest distinction is local processing. Audio stays on the user's computer rather than being sent to a server, and selectable small, medium, and large models provide a way to balance model choice with the workflow. VST3, AU, and standalone formats also make NeuralNote adaptable across compatible desktop setups. The combination of multi-instrument grouping, piano-roll review, and MIDI export gives it a broader scope than a tool focused only on single-instrument melody extraction.

The main trade-off is the current v2 delivery state. The v2 work-in-progress requires compilation from source and has no installers or prebuilt binaries; Linux support is planned for v2, while the v1.1.0 release includes Linux support. The MuScriptor model weights are non-open-source and restricted to non-commercial use under CC BY-NC 4.0, despite the application itself being open source. NeuralNote suits technically comfortable users who want local, open-source DAW transcription and can manage build requirements. Users seeking a ready-to-install package, a finished v2 release, or unrestricted commercial model rights should choose an alternative.

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NeuralNote pricing

NeuralNote fact sheet

Alternatives to NeuralNote

• 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

See all NeuralNote alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

NeuralNote is listed in our AI Audio-to-MIDI Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update