Static Lab: turn the radio into an instrument

Turn the radio into an instrument.

Press one button. Static Lab tunes into live radio stations around the world, records eight short snippets and puts them on eight pads. Play any of them across your keyboard.

FREE Mac and Windows. VST3, AU and standalone.

Free download

01Scan

Scan and record 8 pads of sound

One button sweeps the dial across FM and AM, and each station lands on a pad as a 2 to 3 second snippet at a random pitch. Lock the pads you love, save one as a WAV or drag it into your DAW.
02Keys

Play it like an instrument

The selected pad plays across the keyboard, with C3 as recorded. Warp off plays faster like a tape; on, it keeps its length. Or set MIDI Plays to Pads and trigger all eight.
03Loop

Seamless loops

Switch on Loop and Static Lab finds the smoothest stretch and crossfades the join, so held notes sustain like a pad instead of stuttering.

FAQ

Is it really free?

Yes. No trial, no account.

Will it run on my computer?

Mac: VST3, AU and standalone app. macOS 12 or later, Apple Silicon and Intel. Signed and notarized by Apple.
Windows: VST3 and standalone app. Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit. Needs Microsoft Edge WebView2 (built into Windows 11; the installer adds it if missing).

Which DAWs?

Any DAW that loads VST3 or AU plugins.

Why does it need the internet?

It finds and records real radio stations as they broadcast, so scanning needs a connection.

Can I release music made with it?

Only with permission for any recognisable material you use. See the note at the bottom of the page.

Which version is this?

0.1.2.

Scan and record 8 pads of sound

Play it like an instrument

Seamless loops

FAQ

Download Static Lab