UN0_3DITOR — Free Max for Live Editor for IK Multimedia UNO Synth

⚠ Compatibility Warning

UN0_3DITOR is designed exclusively for the IK Multimedia UNO Synth (original).

It is not compatible with the UNO Synth Pro or UNO Synth Pro X. The Pro and Pro X models use a different MIDI and SysEx implementation.

Similarly, .unosyp patch files are not interchangeable between models. Preset files created for the UNO Synth Pro or Pro X will not load correctly in UN0_3DITOR and may produce unexpected behaviour on the original UNO Synth.

⚠ macOS note: File path handling has been tested on Windows only. Correct path/presets operation on macOS is not tested.

Credits

Acknowledgements

UN0_3DITOR logic engine was built from scratch in JS, but would not have been possible without the reverse-engineering work done by Simon Wood, who documented the UNO Synth MIDI and SysEx protocol implementation. His precious findings are published at:

github.com/mungewell/uno-synth-utils

Big kudos to him.

Overview

What Is It?

UN0_3DITOR is a free Max for Live device that gives you deep control of the IK Multimedia UNO Synth directly from Ableton Live. It provides two interfaces:

Main patch view — visible directly in Live's device chain. Provides quick access to preset browsing (from UNO Memory and local files) and the most immediate controls.
Full editor window — opened by clicking the dedicated button in the main patch view. Contains the complete parameter editor with all controls for every supported section of the synth.

Sound parameters are editable in real time with MIDI CC output, and full patch data can be transferred in bulk with the SEND and READ operations.

Note: The editor communicates from Live to the synth. Changes made on the synth's own knobs are not reflected back in the editor. If you tweak the synth manually, use the READ button to re-synchronize.

Librarian

UN0_3DITOR includes a fully featured patch librarian that is significantly faster and more practical than the file management tools found in the official IK Multimedia Uno Synth Editor.

Browse your entire .unosyp file collection from within Live, organized by subfolders
Load any patch to the synth instantly with a single dial movement or arrow button click
Save the current state directly from Live as a new .unosyp file
Store patches permanently into the synth's internal memory (slots 21–100) with a name
All file paths and the file list are cached, so the browser is ready instantly on every subsequent startup

Parameter Coverage

What Is (and Is Not) Controlled

✓ Supported Sections

Oscillators — wave shape, level, tuning for OSC1 and OSC2, noise level
Filter — cutoff, resonance, drive, mode, envelope amount and full ADSR
Amplifier envelope — full ADSR
LFO — wave, rate with sync mode, depth routing to pitch, filter, PWM, waveform, tremolo, vibrato, wah
Modulation matrix — mod wheel and velocity routings
Effects — delay time and mix, dive, scoop
Global — glide time, pitch bend range, key tracking, VCA level

⚠ Intentionally Excluded

Arpeggiator: excluded due to inconsistent and unreliable behaviour observed during development when controlling it via MIDI CC and SysEx.

Step sequencer: excluded for the same reason.

Features

Real-time CC Output

Every control sends its corresponding MIDI CC message immediately as you move it. The synth responds in real time without any button press required.

SEND

Transfers the entire current state of the editor to the synth's edit buffer in a single SysEx operation. Use after loading a patch from the file browser, or any time you want to push the full editor state to the synth volatile memory.

READ

Requests the synth's current patch state and loads it into the editor. Use this to synchronize the editor after making changes directly on the synth.

INIT

Loads a neutral factory-default patch into the editor and sends it to the synth. Useful as a blank starting point when building a sound from scratch.

Preset Management

All 100 preset slots are accessible. Slots 1–20 are factory read-only. Slots 21–100 are user-writable and display their stored names. Use the Program Change dial or ◀ ▶ arrows to switch presets.

STORE

Permanently writes the current editor state (patch data and name) into a selected user slot (21–100) on the synth. Requires a double-click within half a second as a safety measure against accidental overwrites.

File Browser & Librarian

Browse, load and save .unosyp patch files from a folder on your computer. The editor scans the selected folder and all its subfolders, showing the subfolder name alongside the file name.

LFO Sync

The LFO Rate dial supports free mode (0–127) and sync mode — rate snaps to eleven tempo subdivisions: 1/1, 1/2, 4d, 1/4, 8d, 4t, 1/8, 16d, 8t, 16, 16t — synchronized to Live's tempo.

OSC Waveform Display

A real-time graphic display shows the current waveform shape for each oscillator, morphing as you adjust the wave parameter.

Automation

OSC 1 Wave and OSC 2 Wave are displayed as number boxes — clicking immediately shows the automation lane. All other parameters expose their lane with a single click. LFO Rate and SYNC are also automatable.

Preset Display Colours

The preset name display changes background colour depending on the active source: default colour for internal synth presets (slots 1–100), alternate colour for file browser patches.

Live Set Recall

All parameter values, preset selection, file browser state and file path are saved with the Live Set. On reopening, the editor restores the synth to exactly the saved state automatically.

Requirements

Ableton Live 12 or later Any edition with Max for Live support

Max for Live Included in Live Suite, or available as a separate add-on

IK Multimedia UNO Synth Original model only — see compatibility warning above

MIDI Connection UNO Synth connected via USB or via a hardware MIDI interface

UN0_3DITOR is distributed as a single self-contained file: UN0_3DITOR.amxd

Manual

Installation & How to Use

Follow these steps in order when setting up the device for the first time.

Step 1 — Configure Ableton Live MIDI Preferences

Ableton Live MIDI Preferences showing UNO Synth port configuration

The UNO Synth appears as two MIDI ports in your system: MIDI IN and MIDI OUT. Both must be enabled in Live.

Open Live's Preferences → Link / Tempo / MIDI.
In the MIDI tab, locate both the Input and Output entries for the UNO Synth.
For the Input port: enable Track.
For the Output port: enable Track and Sync. Sync on Output is required for LFO tempo sync to work correctly.
Close Preferences.

Step 2 — Create and Configure the MIDI Track

Ableton Live MIDI track input configuration

Create a new MIDI track in Live.
Set the track's MIDI From (input) to All Ins. This ensures the editor receives MIDI from all sources, including data coming from the UNO Synth.
Set the track's Monitor to Auto.

Step 3 — Add and Configure External Instrument

External Instrument device configuration in Ableton Live

The External Instrument device handles MIDI routing to the synth and audio return. It must be added before UN0_3DITOR on the same track.

In Live's browser, find Instruments → External Instrument and drag it onto your MIDI track.
Set MIDI To to the UNO Synth MIDI output port and select the channel (usually channel 1).
Set Audio From to the audio input receiving signal from the UNO Synth. Adjust the Gain knob if needed. Input must have been previously configured in Live Audio preferences.
Play a few notes to confirm audio is coming through correctly.

Step 4 — Add UN0_3DITOR

UN0_3DITOR main patch view showing initialization sequence

Drag UN0_3DITOR.amxd onto the same MIDI track, after External Instrument in the device chain.
The device starts its initialization sequence: switches the synth to preset 1, scans all 80 user preset names (40–60 seconds), then reads the synth's current patch into the editor.
When initialization is finished, the preset name display shows the active preset name (presets from 21 to 100).
Click the OPEN EDITOR button in the main patch view to open the full parameter editor window.

✓ Recommended After First Setup UN0_3DITOR and External Instrument grouped into an Instrument Rack

Select both External Instrument and UN0_3DITOR, right-click and choose Group to create an Instrument Rack. Save it as a User Preset in Live's browser. In future projects, load the rack directly instead of rebuilding the setup.

As an added benefit, a rack allows you to add Max for Live modulators (LFOs, Envelopes, MIDI followers and more) that can modulate any UN0_3DITOR parameter — including targets the UNO Synth does not natively support (Resonance, Noise Level, Filter Envelope Amount and others). This dramatically expands the modulation possibilities beyond the synth's built-in capabilities.

Step 5 — Set the File Browser PATH

Before using the file browser, point the editor to your patches folder. This is saved automatically and only needs to be done once.

Recommended folder structure:

UNO Patches\
   User\
      my_bass.unosyp
      my_lead.unosyp
   Factory\
      preset_01.unosyp
      ...

On Windows

(Click Open Editor) In the new window, locate the PATH text field in the file browser section of the editor.
Type or paste the full path using backslashes (below an example, you have to type in your real path):

C:\Users\YourName\Documents\UNO Patches

Press Enter. The editor scans the folder and populates the file list.

Tip: In Windows Explorer, click the address bar to select and copy the full path.

On macOS

⚠ Note: File path handling has been tested on Windows only. Correct operation on macOS is not tested.

(Click Open Editor) In the new window, locate the PATH text field.
Type or paste the full path using forward slashes (below an example, you have to type in your real path):

/Users/YourName/Documents/UNO Patches

Press Enter.

Tip: In Finder, hold Option and right-click a folder, then choose Copy "..." as Pathname.

Step 6 — Basic Operation

Switching internal presets: use the Program Change dial or the ◀ ▶ arrows.
Loading a file browser patch: use the file browser dial or file ◀ ▶ arrows.
Saving to file: set a name in the preset name field and click SAVE. A new .unosyp file is created in your User subfolder.
Storing to synth memory: set a name, select the target slot, then double-click STORE within half a second to confirm.
Synchronizing after manual synth edits: press READ to pull the synth's current state into the editor.

File Structure

Patch Files (.unosyp)

Binary SysEx files containing the complete parameter data for one patch. Files created by UN0_3DITOR are compatible with the official IK Multimedia UNO Synth Editor and can be shared with other original UNO Synth users.

⚠ Warning: .unosyp files for the UNO Synth Pro or Pro X use the same extension but a different internal format. They are not compatible with the original UNO Synth.

Cache and Settings Files

Stored in the same folder as UN0_3DITOR.amxd:

File	Contents
`uno_internalmemory.txt`	Cached user preset names (slots 21–100)
`uno_sysex_path.txt`	The last file browser path, loaded automatically at startup
`uno_sysex_files.txt`	Cached list of `.unosyp` files found in the last scan

These files are created automatically. Do not rename or move them. If they become corrupted, deleting them causes the editor to rebuild them on next startup (the name scan will run again if uno_internalmemory.txt is absent).

FAQ

Nothing happens when I move a control.

Check that the UNO Synth MIDI Output port has Track enabled in Live's Preferences, that External Instrument is set to the correct port and channel, and that MIDI output is enabled for the track.

READ does not update the editor.

The UNO Synth must be in normal play mode — not navigating its internal menu — to respond to SysEx requests. Try pressing READ again after a moment. If connected via a USB hub, try a direct connection.

I turned a knob on the synth and the editor did not follow.

This is by design — the editor does not reflect live knob movements from the synth. Press READ to re-synchronize.

Preset names show only numbers (1 through 20).

Factory slots 1–20 have no stored names. This is correct. User preset names for slots 21–100 are loaded during the startup scan.

The startup name scan takes a long time.

The scan queries each of the 80 user preset names one at a time from the synth hardware — this is a protocol limitation and cannot be accelerated. Check that MIDI From is set to All Ins and External Instrument MIDI To is pointing to the UNO Synth on the correct channel (normally channel 1). After the first successful scan, names are cached and the scan does not run again unless you click RESCAN or delete the cache file.

The file browser shows no files.

Confirm that the folder contains .unosyp files compatible with the original UNO Synth. Click RESCAN after adding new files. Confirm the PATH is set correctly and the folder exists.

STORE does not respond to a single click.

STORE requires a double-click within half a second. If the editor window was not in focus, the first click focuses the window — you may need up to three clicks total. Click once to focus, then double-click STORE.

I cannot tune an oscillator all the way to −12 semitones using the dial.

This is a known firmware bug in the UNO Synth, not an editor issue. To work around it: click on the tune dial for the affected oscillator to give it focus, then use the cursor down (or up) key on your keyboard to step to the exact value you need.

The synth sounds different for a moment after opening a Live Set.

Normal behaviour. The editor takes 1–2 seconds after Set load to complete initialization and push the saved state to the synth. No action needed — the correct patch is restored automatically.

Can I use the editor without External Instrument device?

Yes. External Instrument is not required by the editor itself. You can use any MIDI routing method to send MIDI to the synth on the correct channel. External Instrument is simply the most convenient solution within Live. In any case, UN0_3DITOR must be able to receive MIDI from and send MIDI to the UNO Synth.

Can I record automation?

For OSC 1 Wave and OSC 2 Wave: click on the number box — Live immediately shows that parameter's automation lane. For all other parameters: a single click on the dial or fader exposes its automation lane. LFO Rate and LFO Sync are also automatable. Volume is not automatable.

Can I expand the synth's modulation capabilities?

Yes. After grouping UN0_3DITOR and External Instrument into an Instrument Rack, you can add Max for Live modulators (LFO, Envelope Follower, Expression Control, etc.) and map them to any UN0_3DITOR parameter. This allows modulation of targets the UNO Synth does not natively handle — such as Resonance, Noise Level, Filter Envelope Amount, Wah depth and many others.

Are .unosyp files from the UNO Synth Pro compatible?

No. Despite sharing the same extension, Pro and Pro X files use a different internal format and will not work correctly on the original UNO Synth.

Does the editor work on macOS?

MIDI and SysEx functionality should work on macOS. However, the file browser PATH handling has only been tested and verified on Windows. File path operation on macOS is UNTESTED.

Will you make a version compatible with UNO Synth Pro / Pro X?

Hardly. I don't own a Pro or a Pro X and IK Multimedia for some reason never released full MIDI implementation documentation for them (the same they did with UNO Synth). While for UNO Synth someone took time and did the hard work to reverse-engineer the protocol (Simon Wood), as of today nobody did it for the other two synths. So, unless the community starts asking IK Multimedia to release the docs (and they answer positively) — and I don't have the hardware — that's not going to happen, at least not from me. Basically, it's all up to IK Multimedia, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Changelog

Release History

Version	Date	Notes
V 1.0	March 2026	Initial release.

✓ Free to Download & Use

Download UN0_3DITOR

UN0_3DITOR is free. If you find it useful and would like to support the development, a donation is very welcome — no amount is too small and every contribution is genuinely appreciated. On the download page you can enter 0 to download for free, or any amount to make a donation.

Get it on Ko-Fi

Enter 0 as the amount for a free download · Any other amount = donation ❤️
Requires: Ableton Live 12+ with Max for Live · IK Multimedia UNO Synth (original)

⚠ Disclaimer & Legal Notice

UN0_3DITOR is provided free of charge and as-is, without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The author makes no guarantee that the device will function correctly in all environments, will be free from bugs, or will be updated or maintained in the future.

Use of this device is entirely at your own risk. The author accepts no responsibility for any damage to hardware, software, data or projects that may result from its use, including but not limited to corruption of presets stored in the UNO Synth's internal memory.

IK Multimedia, UNO Synth, UNO Synth Pro, UNO Synth Pro X, MAX, Max for Live, M4L, Ableton and Ableton Live are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. This project is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected to IK Multimedia or Ableton. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

The .unosyp file format and the UNO Synth SysEx protocol are the property of IK Multimedia. The protocol documentation used in this project is based on independent reverse-engineering work by Simon Wood (github.com/mungewell/uno-synth-utils).