Introducing Ferromagnetic Producer
New to Ferromagnetic? Ferromagnetic is a music visualizer for macOS and iOS that creates real-time audio-reactive visuals for streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, custom audio, and live performances. Learn more about the original release.
Today marks the biggest update to Ferromagnetic yet: one that transforms it from a music visualizer into a professional audiovisual toolset built for DJs, VJs, and visual artists.
With this release, Ferromagnetic becomes more than a visualizer. It becomes a creative instrument that gives you full control over the visual performance side of music.
Why This Update?
I’ve heard many stories from artists using Ferromagnetic live, from casual bar gigs to full-stage performances. It became clear: people want a tool that’s easy to start with, but still powerful enough for serious visual shows.
So this update focuses on flexibility:
- Simple enough for home use and background visuals
- Deep enough to take on stage
- Built to grow with new effects and control features in future releases
This led to Ferromagnetic being split into two modes:
| Mode | Best for | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| FM Visualizer | Home users & venues | Straightforward music-reactive visuals |
| FM Producer | DJs, VJs & performers | Real-time control, layering, and customization |
Most of the major additions are in FM Producer. Here’s what’s new:
What’s New in FM Producer
External Display Support
Support for multiple screens was one of the most common requests. FM Producer now includes a dedicated output window plus two preview windows for monitoring and mixing before visuals go live.
Keep your audience display clean while performing confidently from your device.
MIDI Input Support
MIDI control lets you shape visuals in real time. Connect one or several devices (physical or virtual) and map any slider, knob, or button to visual parameters.
This gives you precise hands-on control during a set.
Exposure & Timing Control
A small feature with a big impact on mood. Exposure and timing adjustments help visuals respond to rhythm and intensity. Mapped to a fader or jog wheel, you can create sharp transitions or smooth movement changes that match the music.
Media Loading
Load and layer your own clips: video, GIFs, or images. Blend them with generative visuals or use them as masks, perfect for branding, atmosphere, or narrative moments in a performance.
Presets
Prepare tailored visual presets for different parts of a track, then trigger them in real time as the music evolves. Each preset can store changes in exposure, media, effects, rotation, timing, and more.
You can perform these presets manually (like playing keys on an instrument) or automate transitions for a more structured show. It gives you the freedom to improvise while still having reliable visual moments ready to go.
Multi-deck Mixing
Designed to feel familiar for DJs.
Not just two renderers in parallel: FM Producer’s multi-deck setup is designed as a DJ-style visual tool. You can prepare different visuals and presets on each deck, and transition between them during a performance.
One example of this design approach is the crossfader: It uses constant-power fading instead of a linear fade, the same behavior used in DJ mixers. This keeps exposure and brightness consistent through transitions, avoiding the dips that linear fading often creates.
Updated Pricing
To support ongoing development, Ferromagnetic now offers options that fit different users:
- FM Visualizer Subscription A lower-cost plan for everyday listening and ambience.
- FM Producer Subscription For performers who want the full real-time toolset and future feature upgrades.
- One-time Purchase Own everything outright with no recurring payments.
Existing customers automatically get FM Visualizer features. FM Producer is available as an optional upgrade.
Built With Care
There’s a lot under the hood, from keyboard intensity shortcuts to redesigned layering controls. Tutorials and deeper guides are coming to help explore every possibility.
This update also introduces a refreshed icon. The background pattern is derived from the waveform of the spoken word “Ferromagnetic.”
What’s Next?
This release is a foundation for what’s to come:
- Working on Syphon integration, which is tricky due to macOS sandboxing, but in progress
- Many user-requested features on the roadmap
- Future updates will bring new effects and simplified control workflows built on this framework
Available Now
Download the update and start creating your next show.
Feedback and bug reports are always welcome: headprocess.com/contact
PS.: Now you can also follow me on Bluesky for the latest updates: bsky.app/profile/headprocess.bsky.social