Finding patches

You can search for patches by device, category and descriptive tags. If you want to get specific ("give me all the patches with two MS-20s, an O-Coast and a Sherman"), just hit to bring up the advanced search options.

How do I create a patch?

Start by clicking New Patch up there on the top menu. You will be presented with a clean slate, an endless vista of potentiality.

Now, click the big and choose a device to add. Once you've added a device;

• Click/tap to toggle switches and buttons
• Click/tap and drag to move knobs and sliders
• Click/tap a socket to begin a connection
• Click/tap another socket to make a connection, or click the same socket to cancel the connection
• Double click/tap a socket to remove all cables connected to that socket.
• Click/tap the device panel to bring up the device actions to the left, where you can reorder or delete a device.

Give the patch a name and select a category. It's also a nice idea to add a few descriptive tags like or "soft" or "crepuscular" or "merzbow-ish".

When you're ready to go, click to save our work.. Voila! Well done. Take a breather, or dive right back in.

PS - You'll note that when patching cables, cables may be connected from an input to another input - this is to allow "stackable"-style signal chaining.
That said, it's usually easier to follow the signal flow of a patch if you run cables from the same output to multiple inputs, rather than between inputs.

What else can I do?

Glad you asked. Here's a quick rundown of the various toolbar buttons:

Toggle the patch information pane (this won't be visible if the patch you are viewing has no info attached).

Bring up the view settings window.

Copy the current patch to a new, unsaved patch (useful for making quick variations).

Delete the current patch.

Add the current patch to your favourites.

View Settings?

Determines how the user interface is displayed.

• Devices in a patch can be sized proportionally, or to a fixed width.
• You can choose virtual cables, or numbered points (connections originating from the same output share the same number). This can make complex routings easier to read.
• You can also choose to colour code connections by signal type, or by group (connections originating from the same output share the same colour).

Can I make a patch private?

This is one of the perks of Wizard memberships.

While private patches are useful for documenting very specific patches that may not mean much to anyone else, please keep in mind the spirit of sharing knowledge in the community. The free flow of knowledge and ideas empowers us all :)

Can I make add more than one device to a patch?

This is another Wizard membership perk.

The exception is the Patchbay device, which may be added to any patch regardless of membership type. Its purpose is to help you document sources and destinations outside of the patch itself (eg: external instrument inputs).

What's this Wizard thing then?

A paid account that lifts all restrictions placed on free accounts (you can create as many patches as you like, add multiple devices, make private patches, add videos..). You can also bask in the warm glow of appreciation and self righteousness, by helping offset the cost of developing and hosting Metapatch.

Payments are one-off (no recurring subscriptions) and last for one year. You'll get a reminder email a few days before your subscription expires.

If don't want to renew it you can ignore this - your membership will just change back to a free account. All your existing patches will remain as-is, even the ones that make use of Wizard features like multiple devices (you just won't be able to add any more devices to these).

I have a great idea for an extra feature, will you add it?

I'm totally open to any feature requests that would make Metapatch a more useful tool. Please get in contact and we can talk about it.

Who chooses what devices are available?

Initially, me, the developer of Metapatch. The first few available devices are based on my own small collection, and some others that people have requested. Ideally, I'd like this to become a voting system.

Can I request to add a device?

Yes! Please do! I am dedicated to adding as many devices as I can, with an emphasis on what actual users want to see.
Please get in contact and let me know. It might also be beneficial to contact the device manufacturer directly and mention it to them.

I'm a manufacturer, will you add my product?

Provided that your product is suitable (semi-modular or self-contained modular synth or effect) with a WYSIWYG interface, then yes, I'd be happy to. Please get in contact.

Will you add Eurorack modules?

I use and love modular synthesis, but... Not right now. The reason for this is the sheer vast number of available modules, and the work involved to create a device definition for every device in Metapatch.

If the day comes when there are enough Wizard members for me to devote a significant amount of time and enery to this, then... maybe :)

I'm having issues / something is not working right

I'm very sorry to hear that. Please get in contact and I'll look into it right away

Please note, due to international time differences and general life matters, please allow up to 24 hours (usually no more than 12) for me to respond. Thanks you!

There's no VeganNoStepDeepHouseGrindcore category! I cannot cope!

It's tough, I know. The categories available are currently pretty generic, in the hope that they will be useful enough for most patches. If you think I'm missing a really important one, please contact me and state your case :)

Who made this?

I made this. My name is Skye, I am a musician/producer and freelance developer. You can hire me if you like :)
It is worth mentioning that Metapatch is wholly independent - it is not endorsed or affiliated with any other organisations. It's just me.

Can I trust you? Will you steal all my patches and disappear?

Mmmmmwwwwahahahahahaha, what sort of criminal mastermind would answer such a question?

But OK, I get it. What's to guarantee this site won't vanish overnight? Well, barring acts of nature / vengeful gods, I can only give you my word that Metapatch is here for the long haul. I've been maintaining its predecessor 20Patch since 2014, and believe in keeping my word, and delivering a high quality, useful tool for all.

I don't want to buy a Wizard account. Can I make some other gesture support?

What a lovely thought, of course you can. You can help me out by buying some of my music, or just by making a donation. Every little bit helps offset the development and hosting costs for Metapatch.

How do I contact Metapatch?

You can send me an email here.

I have another question

Fantastic. An inquiring mind is never bored. Please get in contact - I'm happy to talk.