dacords

Dacords is a fictional open standard proposed to describe a method for encoding and performing chordal material in digital and hybrid analog-digital music systems. It defines a small data model for chords and their timing, including root note, chord quality (major, minor, diminished, augmented), added tensions (9, 11, 13), inversions, and voicing specifications. It also supports sequencing information such as onset time, duration, velocity, and optional performance instructions like strum or arpeggio patterns. A Dacords file would be designed to map chord events to control voltages or MIDI messages that drive analog-digital converters, synthesizers, or modular systems through a digital-to-analog converter (DAC).

History and context: The concept appeared in online music-technology circles in the mid-2020s as a thought experiment to improve cross-platform chord sharing between DAWs, hardware synths, and modular rigs. It has seen limited real-world adoption and remains speculative; no formal standard is published.

Implementation ideas: Some experimental plugins and libraries parse Dacords data into MIDI/CV, enabling synchronized playback with timing information across devices. Proponents argue it could improve interoperability by providing a unified representation of chordal intent.

Reception and status: Dacords is discussed primarily in niche communities focused on music formats and hardware-software integration. Critics point to the absence of formal governance and established adoption as barriers to broad use.

See also: MIDI, CV/gate, chord notation formats.