Piano recordings become sheet music through Ivory, an AI transcription system built specifically for keyboard performances. Upload an MP3, WAV, or MP4 file, paste a YouTube link, and the system analyzes the audio to generate readable notation complete with MIDI data and exportable scores.
The transcription engine focuses exclusively on polyphonic piano material rather than attempting multi-instrument analysis. This specialization shows in how it handles chord recognition and simultaneous note detection. When processing a recording, Ivory separates left and right hand parts automatically, color-coding them for visual clarity. The smart quantization system interprets timing variations and converts them into standard rhythmic notation that musicians can read without deciphering overly precise, cluttered scores.
Once transcribed, the interactive workspace lets users play back their sheet music with a moving cursor synchronized to the audio. The MIDI piano roll displays timing, dynamics, and velocity data for each note. Users can slow down the audio without pitch shifting, loop specific sections for practice, and transpose entire pieces instantly. The built-in editor allows direct manipulation of notes in the browser through drag, drop, resize, and delete actions. MIDI keyboard connections work for real-time input alongside the transcription features.
Export options cover PDF sheet music, MusicXML files for notation software compatibility, and standard MIDI files. The performance MIDI captures the original timing and expression from the source audio, while quantized versions provide cleaned-up rhythms suitable for score reading. Tempo controls and visual adjustments for falling note size give users flexibility in how they view and practice material.
The free tier provides 100 transcriptions monthly with a 45-second length cap per file. It includes performance MIDI limited to that same 45-second duration, quantized exports in all formats, interactive score editing, and access to the basic AI generation model. Files can't exceed 15MB regardless of plan level.
Monthly subscriptions cost €8.99 and remove the length restriction while upgrading to the premium AI model. This plan maintains the 100 transcription monthly limit but allows full-length songs. The yearly option runs €59, representing a 45% discount over paying monthly. Both paid tiers enable advanced score editing features alongside the premium transcription engine. An enterprise and education tier offers team collaboration tools, API access for audio-to-MIDI conversion, dedicated technical support, and custom DAW integrations at custom pricing.
DAW plugins for Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, and Reaper appear on the roadmap as coming soon. These would enable audio-to-MIDI conversion inside production environments without switching to a browser interface.
The piano-only limitation defines both the strength and boundary of this software. Recordings with drums, bass, vocals, or other instruments won't transcribe properly since the AI trained specifically on keyboard sounds. The 100 transcription monthly cap applies across all pricing tiers, which could constrain heavy users even on paid plans. The 15MB upload limit restricts high-quality or lengthy uncompressed files.
Music students transcribing practice pieces, composers capturing improvisations, educators creating teaching materials, and producers converting piano performances into editable MIDI all fit the target use case. Anyone working regularly with piano audio who needs notation or MIDI data can extract value, provided their workflow stays within the piano-specific scope and monthly transcription allowance.
