Grainsmith
Granular and spectral synthesis designed to transform your sounds into something new.
$39 · one license covers macOS and Windows · version 1.1.15
Hear it
A single sung note, duplicated in layer two, and pitch modulated. Density synced and set to 3x and 1x respectively. Scale and key are set to C minor for both. First mod lane set to random LFO, targeting layer one, second mod lane set to sample & hold LFO targeting layer two.
A fragment of a drum loop in layer one and a bass drone in layer two, with moderate LP filter applied to layer one. Spectral processing applied to both layers, with a healthy dose of reverb and delay.
Distorted electric guitar loop duplicated across both layers and played at 6% and -5% speed. Spectral processing with delay and reverb.
Two different loops of Rings plucks, low speed, large size and low density. Spectral processing with delay and reverb.
What it does
- Two grain layers
- Two layers of granular processing. Each layer supports up to three independent playheads, capable of everything from staccato rhythms to dreamy washes of sound. Pitch shifting is key aware, so the sonic chaos can be tamed and musical.
- Texture and spectral
- Fine-tuned control of grain envelopes, pitch shifting along with spectral processing and a deep bench of effects, including filter, compression, delay, and reverb.
- Modulation
- Five modulation lanes support LFOs, Euclidean rhythms and envelope-based mods, allow modulation of nearly any parameter in the plugin, and can be synced to the host clock or run free.
- Hardware
- Built-in maps for monome arc, OXI E16 and Faderfox UC4. Other MIDI controllers work through generic MIDI mapping.
Why I made it
When collaborating with other musicians I often reach for granular instruments because of how much I like reflecting the sounds recorded in the session back in a way that is completely transformed. Grainsmith makes it easy to capture sounds and gives you a wide set of granular and spectral tools to manipulate those sounds. Patches can be easily recalled and reproduced, essential in the context of in-studio production.
Details
| macOS | macOS 11+, AU, VST3, AAX, and standalone (1.1.15) |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10/11, 64-bit, VST3 and standalone (1.1.15) |
| License | One purchase covers macOS and Windows, 3 activations |
| Demo | Same installer, fully functional, but inserts brief moments of silence at random intervals |
| Refunds | 30 days |
| iPad and iPhone | Grainsmith Field |