PulseMIDI
Real-time MIDI diagnostic tool for macOS
Monitor, visualize, and debug your complete MIDI signal chain from a single interface. Built for keyboard players and live performers who need to know exactly what's happening inside their system — in real time.
Features
Everything you need to debug MIDI
Real-time MIDI Monitor
See every MIDI message as it happens — Note On/Off, CC, pitch bend, aftertouch, and system messages. Filter by channel, type, or device. Zero-latency display with configurable message history.
88-Key Keyboard Visualization
Full 88-key keyboard display showing active notes in real time. Color-coded by channel. Velocity sensitivity shown with key brightness. Perfect for diagnosing stuck notes and double-triggers.
CC & Sustain Diagnostics
Monitor all 128 CC values simultaneously. Real-time sustain pedal state, modulation wheel position, expression pedal tracking. Identify noisy controllers, stuck pedals, and parameter drift instantly.
MIDI Routing Visualization
Visual map of all MIDI devices, connections, and routing paths. See which devices are sending to which destinations. Diagnose routing conflicts and feedback loops in complex setups.
Chord Detection Engine
Identify chords, voicings, and harmonic content as you play. Displays root, quality, extensions, and bass note. Supports slash chords and polychords. Real-time with configurable latency window.
Device Connection Status
Monitor hardware connectivity in real time. Get alerts when devices connect or disconnect. Track port activity. Essential for live performance setups where equipment changes happen mid-show.
Architecture
Built with modern Apple tech
PulseMIDI is a native macOS application built with Swift and SwiftUI. The MIDI engine uses CoreMIDI for zero-latency message handling. Plugin formats are implemented using standard AudioUnit v3 and CLAP SDKs.
Installation
Up and running in 2 minutes
Download the .pkg installer from the download page
Run the .pkg and follow the installer steps
Launch PulseMIDI from Applications or Spotlight
Grant MIDI access permission when prompted
Connect your MIDI devices — they appear automatically
Compatibility
Supported DAWs
PulseMIDI works as a VST3 or CLAP plugin inside all major DAWs, or as a standalone diagnostic tool alongside any software.