A Scaler alternative for playing, not browsing
Scaler is where you go to find chords. still.synth is where you go to play them — with a bassline and a drummer already in the room.
Compared in November 2026. Prices and features change — check each maker’s site for the latest.
Scaler 3 is a theory and composition workstation: scales, chord sets, an Explore page for progressions, voicings, and it can bind chords to single keys. still.synth is narrower and more hands-on: a shape pad and a root pad give you a chord in key, a bassline and drums play along in tempo, and a looper lets you build a part as you play. It’s quicker to play, adds drums, and costs less.
Side by side
| Scaler 3 | still.synth | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Music-theory and composition workstation by Scaler Music | Playable chord instrument with bass, drums and a looper |
| Playing chords live | Bind to Keyboard plays chords, melodies and arpeggios from one finger | Shape pad plus root, always in key; Smart picks the smoothest voicing |
| Bass | Bass Follow track | A bassline under every chord, 12 presets, its own register |
| Drums | Not included | 8 kits, 10 patterns, fills on the beat |
| Recording ideas | Record performances to a track; Multi-Bind loops lanes | 32-layer looper; WAV and MIDI export, one track per layer |
| Price | $99 regular, often on sale | $39 during beta ($59 after) |
Why producers pick still.synth
Play, don’t browse
Two pads and you’re playing a chord in key — no libraries to dig through before the first sound.
Drums included
A drum engine with 8 kits, 10 patterns and fills, in the same tempo as your chords and bass.
Catch ideas as they happen
A 32-layer looper snapped to the bar, then drag the take into your DAW as WAV or MIDI.
Play it before you buy it
The home page has a live version of the chord pads — tap a shape and a root and listen.
Other comparisons
Set it up in your DAW
Sources for Scaler 3: Scaler 3 product page · MusicTech on the Scaler 3 launch. Scaler 3 is a trademark of its owner; still.synth isn’t affiliated with it.