The global music industry, valued at over 26 billion dollars, is experiencing significant growth, fueled largely by the rapid expansion of streaming services, which have dominated the market since the early 2010s. At the same time, the digital music production market is thriving, driven by the increasing number of artists, rising demand for digital audio content, and the pursuit of ever-higher quality recordings. Central to this growth are software tools, such as digital audio workstations (DAWs) and their associated plugins, which have become indispensable for modern music creation.
Despite the remarkable advancements in DAWs and audio manipulation tools, a key challenge remains unresolved: no plugin currently exists that can accurately replicate the natural rhythm variations found in human drum performances. Scientific research has shown that microtime fluctuations—small, human-generated timing variations—are essential to creating a natural feel and groove in music, significantly enhancing the listening experience.
This project focuses on the commercialization of a breakthrough innovation that addresses this gap. Our patented solution, backed by strong research, automatically fine-tunes drum rhythms in digital music production, ensuring that tracks sound natural, dynamic, and pleasing to the ear. The plugin is based on a mathematical model of human microtime fluctuations, and its implementation will enhance both the quality and cost-effectiveness of music production.
As key outcomes of this project, we aim to deliver a fully validated and tested plugin, supported by a network of potential partners and customers who have actively contributed to its development. Additionally, we will produce a comprehensive market analysis report, detailing potential collaborators, competitors, and viable business models, along with financing opportunities to support the plugin’s commercialization.
Funding source
Contact persons
Esa Räsänen
Professor, Head of Physics Unit
Esa Räsänen