The latest addition to Sampleson’s diverse product range aims to help those with no musical training to create intricate melodies and musical phrases with a simple click-and-drag interface. Despite its initial simplicity, though, Twinkle also includes plenty of customisation tools that allow more advanced users to fine-tune their results.
The majority of the plug-in’s GUI is dedicated to a large display containing a cluster of musical note icons. Creating a musical phrase is as simple as clicking on the interface and dragging the cursor around, offering instant results without any additional input from the user. a row of drop-down menus below then make it possible to select a root note, as well as choose between 32 scales and modes and five Decoration options (Random, Run, Trill, Double Mordent, Auxiliary Trill).
A set of built in sounds are included (Sine Bells, Pizzicato Strings, Spicatto Strings, Harp, Xylophone, Marimba), allowing Twinkles to function as a standalone instrument. For those who’d prefer to use it to control other virtual instruments and sample libraries, there’s a built-in recorder that makes it possible to capture a phrase and then drag it to a DAW’s MIDI track, as well as the option of routing a real-time MIDI output to another track within a session.
Key Features
- Generate expressive musical ornaments with a single gesture.
- Interactive canvas for intuitive phrase creation.
- Two independently assignable scales and root notes.
- Full MIDI Out to control external instruments.
- Includes mockup instruments.
- Retina- and 4K-ready user interface.
- No musical knowledge required.
Compatibility
Twinkle is supported on PCs running Windows 7 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.7 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone application.
Pricing & Availability
Twinkle is available now, and is currently (26 August 2025) being offered at an introductory price of $29, reduced from its full cost of $49.
