Maolan Features
A modern open-source digital audio workstation designed for flexible music production, deep MIDI editing, powerful routing, and transparent development.
From Recording to Export
Maolan supports the entire production workflow from recording and editing to mixing and final export.
Recording
Capture audio and MIDI across multiple tracks.
Editing
Arrange clips and refine performances on the timeline.
Automation
Control parameters across time using automation lanes.
Mixing
Use routing, plugins, and aux sends to shape your mix.
Export
Render your mix or stems in multiple formats.
Core DAW Workflow
Maolan provides a flexible multi-track environment for recording, arranging, and managing sessions.
Multi-track Sessions
• Multi-track audio + MIDI sessions
• Track selection and reordering
• Track templates and session templates
Session Management
• Session save/open/save-as
• Recent session tracking
• Session metadata editing
Clip Editing
Intuitive clip manipulation tools for precise audio and MIDI arrangement on the timeline.
Drag & Drop Placement
Move audio and MIDI clips freely across tracks and timeline positions with precise snap-to-grid alignment.
Clip Resizing & Fades
Resize clip boundaries and add crossfades for smooth transitions between audio segments.
Clip Splitting
Split clips at any position to create separate segments for independent editing and arrangement.
Warp Markers
Add time-stretch markers to audio clips for tempo matching and creative time manipulation.
Clip Management
Mute, rename, and organize clips with comprehensive metadata and visual feedback.
Audio & MIDI Support
Work seamlessly with both audio recordings and MIDI sequences using unified editing tools.
Advanced MIDI Editing
The piano roll and MIDI editing tools support expressive composition and detailed performance editing with professional-grade precision.
Note Editing & Composition
• Note editing with precise timing and pitch control
• Chord generation and harmonic tools
• Scale snap for modal composition
• Legato and articulation controls
Performance & Expression
• Velocity and controller editing
• Velocity shaping and dynamics
• Humanize for natural feel
• Groove swing and timing adjustment
Advanced MIDI Features
• SysEx editing for hardware integration
• Quantize with multiple grid options
• Multi-channel MIDI support
• Real-time MIDI input recording
Automation System
Maolan supports track and plugin automation with multiple writing modes and detailed editing for dynamic mix control.
Track Automation Lanes
Dedicated automation lanes for volume, pan, and send levels with visual curve editing and breakpoint manipulation.
Plugin Parameter Automation
Automate plugin parameters with smooth interpolation and multiple curve shapes for expressive control.
Automation Ramp Drawing
Draw automation curves directly on the timeline with freehand ramp tools and smoothing.
Automation Point Editing
Adjust individual automation points with detailed value editing and curve tension controls.
Automation Modes
Read, Touch, Latch, and Write modes support different recording and playback workflows.
Automation Writeback
Capture real-time parameter changes during playback and write them back to automation lanes.
Routing and Mixing
Flexible routing supports complex signal chains and professional mixing workflows.
Track Controls
- Track arm, mute, and solo
- Volume, pan, and sends
- Aux buses and submix routing
Mixer Workflow
- Insert effects and signal chains
- Pre-fader and post-fader routing
- Session-wide mixing organization
Track Freeze and Performance
Reduce CPU load with render-based workflows that keep sessions responsive as projects grow.
Freeze tracks
Render processing-heavy tracks to audio while keeping the arrangement intact.
Keep original sources
Maintain unfrozen backups so you can return to live editing when needed.
Flatten frozen tracks
Commit frozen audio permanently to reduce project complexity and file size.
Export and Rendering
Professional export options for final mixes and stems in multiple delivery formats.
Export Features
- Mixdown and stem export
- Pre-fader and post-fader stems
- Normalization modes
- Master limiter support
Supported Formats
Session Safety and Recovery
Comprehensive protection for your work with automatic backups and recovery tools.
Autosave Snapshots
Automatic session snapshots protect your work without interruption.
Unsaved Changes Protection
Smart change detection helps prevent accidental loss of work.
Startup Recovery Prompts
Recovery options appear after unexpected closures.
Fallback Snapshot Recovery
Multiple recovery points let you restore earlier states.
Diagnostics and Developer Tools
Troubleshooting and configuration features for developers and power users.
Session Diagnostics Report
Analyze session health, performance, and potential issues.
Diagnostics Bundle Export
Export support-ready diagnostic packages.
MIDI Mapping Reports
Inspect controller mappings and configuration status.
Configuration via config.toml
Use a text-based configuration layer for advanced customization.
Recent Sessions Menu
Jump back into recent work quickly.
Platform Notes
Unix Plugin Support
Unix builds support CLAP, VST3, and LV2 plugins.
Window Backend
Linux and FreeBSD builds currently use the X11 backend.
Known Boundaries
Transparent development includes the current limitations and active areas of improvement.
Plugin Compatibility
Compatibility can vary depending on plugin implementation and system configuration.
Evolving Integration
Some integration paths are still developing as the project continues to grow.
Explore Maolan
Join the open-source audio production revolution. Contribute to development, support the project, or follow our progress.