Sugar Bytes Graindad
With up to 64 grains Graindad offers extensive possibilities to define your sound in realtime. With 12 main parameters, quick and powerful access to granular synthesis is provided.
There are basically 2 modulation systems: a classical system with modulators like step sequencers, lfo, & envelope, for familiar access. And a modulation system called Harvester, which provides an easy and playful way to control multiple parameters at once in a visual manner. These two modulation systems can then be mixed for uniquely complex results.
Randomization is a big part of Graindad - varying amounts of randomization can be applied to nearly every parameter. Furthermore, there are dedicated functions to define when randomization should be generated, for example, a transient in your audio signal can trigger a randomizer.
Grain Engine
The heart of Graindad is the Grain Engine. While audio is being recorded, it can simultaneously be played back up to 64 times via so-called grains. Organising and defining these grains is the core task of the engine.
The 12 main parameters provide the power to achieve various effects like looping, stuttering, time stretching, pitch shifting, reversing, or harmonizing.
As important as the playback is, recording also plays a huge role in defining the overall result. Graindad can record in sync to your host clock or be triggered directly via MIDI. It can even dynamically start recording depending on transients in your audio material.
Modulation Engine
In addition to envelope, LFO and a classic step sequencer with step repeat, the Harvester, various randomizers and MIDI notes can be used as modulation sources.
Even the intensity and source of modulation can be controlled by randomizers, and can do so in different modes.
Not to forget the Modmix Control, which crossfades between the Harvester and Main Page modulation for surprising results.
Effects
Whether it's classic effects like filters, reverbs, and delays, Graindad's effects section has everything you need in order to add a new dimension to your sound. Filter types include lowpass, bandpass, band reject and highpass. Choose between three reverb effects: HQ reverb, spring reverb and shimmer. The delay section offers not only different delay types, but also flanger and chorus modes.
Dry/Wet controls make it easy to blend filter sweeps into the image or use the bandpass as a peaking EQ to emphasise certain frequencies.
The Harvester
The Harvester modulates all 12 main controls at once. The distance between the Harvester and parameter objects defines the modulation depth. The parameter objects have "moons" that can be recorded as automation or randomized for additional layers of motion. On the Auto-Pilot Page, the Harvester can move between 12 breakpoints, which can also be triggered by MIDI notes for performative control.
The power of the Harvester is hard to put into words. Hours of fun and surprises, and endless sonic possibilities await. Of course, there are many more features that are explained in detail in the manual.
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