Radical, Real-time Modulation
On its surface, Graindad does exactly what its name implies: real-time granular effects. Of course, it does do these things, but the true scope and depth of this plug-in is anything but one-dimensional. Complex analysis parses audio into a maximum of 64 distinct grains, which can be then modified across its 12 main parameters for powerful granular synthesis. Transients, clocks, and MIDI notes can all be used to trigger complex freeze, texturize, slice, and reorganize functions. Moreover, a suite of built-in effects includes high-quality delays, reverbs, filters, and more. Graindad boasts two unique modulation systems. On the main page, you’re given free reign over all 12 macro parameters, fine-tuning them and supplementing them with step sequencers, LFOs, and more. The innovative Harvester mode re-presents the audio in a visualization that allow for responsive, tactile interfacing with your sound, affecting all 12 parameters simultaneously. Moreover, these two systems occur in parallel, allowing you to blend your mix of the two individual output streams for complex, unique sounds, impressing Sweetwater’s synthesists with is premiere range and depth of control and creative promise.
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Flexible, powerful output
Each of Graindad’s parameters can be controlled by MIDI notes or a slew of intelligent randomizers. Moreover, the intensity and source of any specific modulation can, itself, be randomized. This takes looping, stuttering, time stretching, phase shifting, harmonizing, and more to even greater heights of artistic expression. Hundreds of presets provide excellent entry to Graindad’s powerful engine, truly illustrating the complex and distinct possibilities of such a labor of love. Filtering effects include lowpass, bandpass, and highpass options, as well as band reject. High-fidelity room and spring reverbs are accompanied by detailed delay, flanger, and chorus effects, imbuing your sound with depth and shimmer, easily toggled through their dry/wet controls for unmatched dimension. Sugar Bytes have managed to conjure a truly inspiring machine, elevating granular synthesis and sampling into a unique, real-time tool that is just as impactful in the studio as it is onstage — something that every sound designer should experience firsthand!
Sugar Bytes Graindad Features:
- Innovative Grain Engine breaks out audio into 64 grains for unique modulation opportunities
- 12 macro controls each include plenty of fine-tuning to tailor your sound
- Harvester mode creates a separate modulation and editing visualization to interface with audio in a state-of-the-art fashion
- Main and Harvester modulation outputs run in parallel, letting you blend between the 2 for uncompromisingly unique sounds
- 16-step sequencer includes step-repeat functions for rhythmic implementation of granular modulation
- Band reject, lowpass, highpass, and bandpass filters enable complex and detailed sonic sculpting
- Onboard FX include high-quality spring reverb, shimmer, delay, flanger, chorus, and more
- Deep and intelligent randomization functions and assignments allow for near-infinite permutations of modulation
- Mac/PC: standalone, AAX, AU, VST2 (64-bit available)
