FAQ
What is breathtaker1?
breathtaker1 is a software plugin that maps your computer keyboard to wind instrument fingerings. It recognizes combinations of key presses that correspond to saxophone fingering patterns and converts them to MIDI notes. It includes velocity control, adjustable latency, note hold mode, and transposition features specifically designed for wind players.
Do I need special hardware to use breathtaker1?
No special hardware required, but your keyboard matters.
breathtaker1 works with any standard computer keyboard - no wind controllers, breath sensors, or special MIDI hardware needed. You just need:
• A Mac computer
• Any keyboard (including mac laptop keyboard)
• Your DAW or music software
The keyboard caveat: Most keyboards struggle with multiple simultaneous key presses. Since saxophone fingerings often require 3-4 keys at once, cheaper keyboards may not register certain note combinations.
For best results: Consider an "NKRO" gaming keyboard or any mechanical gaming keyboard ($35-100). These handle complex key combinations reliably.
What you DON'T need: Breath controllers, special MIDI hardware, audio interfaces, or expensive studio equipment.
The beauty of breathtaker1 is democratizing wind controller playing without the typical $500+ hardware investment. Start with your current keyboard and upgrade only if you experience note registration issues.
Will breathtaker1 work with my DAW?
breathtaker1 works with any DAW compatible with AU or VST3 plugins. The standalone app is compatible with IAC Driver for routing MIDI to any software that accepts MIDI input.
Is breathtaker1 available for Windows?
Currently, breathtaker1 is only available for macOS 10.14 or later. We are working on a Windows version which we hope to release in the future. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when the Windows version becomes available.
How does the licensing work?
One purchase allows for two personal activations. Your license covers all versions (standalone, AU, and VST3) on those devices. We offer bulk discounts for educational institutions. Your purchase includes free updates for all 1.x versions of breathtaker1.
Do you offer educational discounts?
We offer bulk licensing discounts for educational institutions. Please contact our support team for more information. We do not currently offer individual student discounts.
Is there a trial version available?
Yes, we offer a 7-day fully functional trial of breathtaker1. Download it for free from our website and experience the full potential before making your purchase decision. No credit card required.