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How can the AI assistant help with music composition?
The AI assistant is able to suggest chord replacements, chord progressions, chord rules, phrases, and even song structure and tracks depending on the genre and/or mood you specified. There is a chat window where you can ask music composition-related questions, and receive replies. When the reply arrives, the program interprets the reply and extracts musical information from it (chords, scales, progressions, phrases) that are displayed to the user, ready for immediate usage (e.g. by drag and drop or one-click editing).
Is it necessary to use AI for RapidComposer's features?
Absolutely not! The AI functions are an additional feature that you can use or just ignore. RapidComposer does not rely on the AI assistant, and will not rely on it in the future. The program is perfectly usable without AI. In fact it is possible to hide all AI buttons from the program if someone decides not to use it at all.
Why do I need an OpenAI API key for using the AI assistant?
The AI assistant in RapidComposer uses OpenAI services, and sends requests to the OpenAI servers. These services are not free.
Where can I register for an OpenAI API key?
When you register on https://platform.openai.com/signup, new registrations receive free tokens (as of the time of writing this FAQ, $5) that are more than sufficient to try the AI functions in RapidComposer.
Is the API key subscription the same as a ChatGPT subscription?
No, an OpenAI API key is not the same as the ChatGPT subscription. It costs much less, and you pay only for the actual usage, there is no monthly fee.
Is using the API key expensive?
Not at all! For intensive use you may create an expense of 2-3 US dollars per month. You pay only for the actual usage. You can check for model costs on this page: https://openai.com/pricing
Is my API key in safety?
Yes, your API key is sent on an encrypted connection directly to the OpenAI servers.
Can other API keys be used from another LLM, even open source etc.?
In theory it is possible to use locally installed models, as long as they provide the same API as OpenAI does. But we think, it is not worth the effort, considering the small price you pay for the usage, and locally installed models are much less capable than GPT-4, and reserve hundreds of gigabytes on your storage.
Which model should I use?
That is a good question. gpt-3.5-turbo has the lowest costs, and it is also the fastest model. It is great for general questions and chord replacements, and chord progression suggestions. gpt-4-turbo (called gpt-4-1106-preview as of the time of writing this) costs more, and is more capable than GPT 3.5, it is also faster than gpt-4, which has the highest costs. Both gpt-4-turbo and gpt-4 are suitable for creating phrases based on your description.
How can I get better results from AI?
Explore and try different approaches; if the response doesn't meet your expectations, consider rephrasing your question. AI outcomes may vary, so it's beneficial to be specific when framing your queries. Also, use gpt-4 or gpt-4-turbo for your queries, especially for phrase creation.
Is RapidComposer another DAW (digital audio workstation)?
DAWs are great for mixing and mastering but they are not intended for music composition. RapidComposer is a dedicated application for music composers with non-destructive editing and features that you won't find even in the best DAW applications. Not because RapidComposer is better than a DAW; it is a different tool for a different purpose.
Are the Windows and macOS versions different products?
No, these are one product. All customers get both the Windows and macOS versions.
What is the workflow?
RapidComposer supports all kinds of workflows. Typically it is where you start and finish the composition, then you export the composition as a standard MIDI file which you import in your favourite DAW for mastering. Dragging and dropping tracks and phrases works between RapidComposer and your DAW.
Is this a boxed product? Can I order the program at my local music store?
We don't have a fancy boxed product with shiny wrapping. The purchase is electronic delivery only.
Can I install it on my laptop as well as on my studio PC?
Yes, three installations are allowed when you buy a license. You can install RapidComposer on three different computers as long as they are not used simultaneously.
Are there educational discounts for students and teachers ?
Please contact us through the support form. We decide personal discounts on individual basis. Proof of eligibility required.
Can press members get a free RapidComposer license to write a review ?
If you are a member of the press, contact us for an NFR license.
I'd really like RapidComposer to support feature X, can you add it ?
We would be glad to hear what you'd like to see in RapidComposer. We have already implemented many user suggestions in RapidComposer.
How frequently is RapidComposer updated and improved ?
RapidComposer is one of the most dynamically developed applications which means continuous development in the last 14 years! We release updates with new features regularly, every 1-2 months. Major updates may take several months to release with a long beta testing period before the release.
I bought a RapidComposer LE license. Can I upgrade to the standard edition?
Yes, you can upgrade for the price difference between the two editions. Please contact us to get a coupon code for upgrading.