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AlphaTheta Chordcat is a portable 8-track groovebox built around chord suggestion. Its Chord Cruiser mode suggests the next chord from up to 110,000 combinations, and it carries 145 sound presets, 16 drum kits, 18 preset chord progressions, MIDI in and out, and runs on six AA batteries or USB power.
A groovebox that suggests the next chord, so the progression comes first.
Chordcat is for beatmakers and producers who start with harmony. In Chord Cruiser mode an algorithm suggests musically compatible next chords from a database of up to 110,000 combinations. You audition a chord, assign it to the keyboard, and the next suggestion follows. Eighteen Chordsets give preset progressions, 13 inspired by genres such as house and future bass and 5 basic sets such as major and minor.
The workspace is 8 tracks with 16 patterns per track and 128 steps, eight bars, with Pattern Chain to play patterns in order and per-track volume and pan. There are 145 sound presets and 16 drum kits, shaped with a low-pass filter and amp envelope that can be automated per pattern. The XY pad controls an Arpeggiator, Delay and Ducker, and Running Direction changes the playback direction of the step pattern.
Key and scale settings map only in-key notes to the keyboard. MIDI IN, MIDI OUT/THRU and USB Type-C let Chordcat drive external synths and work with a DAW, and Chordcat Manager software moves patterns in and out as standard MIDI files. Registered owners get Ableton Live Lite and the Chord Cruiser plugin free. The flat, knobless body runs on six AA batteries for about 5 hours or on USB bus power.
At a Glance
| Type | Portable 8-track groovebox |
| Chords | Chord Cruiser, up to 110,000 combinations |
| Sounds | 145 presets, 16 drum kits |
| Sequencer | 8 tracks, 16 patterns, 128 steps |
| Effects | Arpeggiator, Delay, Ducker |
| MIDI | 5-pin in and out/thru, USB Type-C |
| Power | 6 AA batteries or USB bus power |
| Weight | 0.9 lb |
| Warranty | Full AlphaTheta manufacturer warranty. Call 844-687-4208 for the current term |
How Does Chord Cruiser Work?
It suggests a musically compatible next chord from a database of up to 110,000 combinations. You audition and assign a chord to the keyboard, and the next suggestion is triggered automatically. LEDs show whether a suggestion fits the selected key and scale.
Who Is the Chordcat For?
Beatmakers and producers who want to write chord progressions fast, songwriters who are not keyboard players, and DJs moving into production who want a portable sketchpad.
Can It Control Other Synths or My DAW?
Yes. MIDI IN, MIDI OUT/THRU and USB Type-C let it control external synths and work with a DAW on PC or Mac in Chord Play and Chord Cruiser modes.
What Comes in the Box?
- Chordcat
- USB cable, C to C
- Quick Start Guide
- Precautions for Use
Connections
| Master outputs | 2, 1/4 in TS, R and L/mono, unbalanced |
| Headphones | 1, 3.5 mm stereo |
| MIDI | 1 in, 1 out/thru, 5-pin DIN |
| USB | 1, Type-C, power, MIDI and data |
Specifications
| Tracks | 8 tracks, 16 patterns per track, 128 steps |
| Sounds | 145 presets, 16 drum kits |
| Chord progressions | 18 Chordsets |
| Effects | Arpeggiator, Delay, Ducker |
| Power | USB bus power DC 5 V 500 mA, or 6 AA batteries |
| Battery life | About 5 hours with alkaline batteries |
| Dimensions | 9.72 x 4.37 x 1.30 in (247 x 111 x 33 mm) |
| Weight | 0.9 lb (0.4 kg), without batteries |
Why AlphaTheta?
AlphaTheta is the parent company behind Pioneer DJ, and it also releases products under its own name. The engineering and the rekordbox ecosystem are shared, so AlphaTheta gear integrates with a Pioneer DJ setup rather than sitting alongside it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a genuine AlphaTheta product?
Yes. Victory is a veteran owned dealer in Miami and units ship new in original packaging with full manufacturer support.
Does the Chordcat have a built-in speaker?
No. Use headphones on the 3.5 mm jack or connect speakers to the 1/4 inch outputs.
Are batteries included?
No. It takes six AA batteries, sold separately, or runs on USB bus power.