Looking for a synth/sampler combo where I can really destroy, mangle, and demolish samples and turn them into different strange sonic worlds, but also have this be a synth.

Wondering what my options are.

I know there's some granular synth add ons for Live, there is alchemy from camel audio, and then I believe reaktor user lib has some.

Just wanted to see what some end users recommend here.
Thanks guys

Metasynth 5 if your on OSX

they are currently selling it at a HUGE discount of $199

http://www.uisoftware.com/MetaSynth/sounds.html

Meatsynth 5 .....oh crap mac only ...im runnin a pc..... ok will keep looking and hearing out any other recommendations

Alchemy is what I would suggest...

+1 for Alchemy and I would add Granite.

i would go AGAIN for Reaktor

Csound is pretty amazing and can do granular if you are willing to do a little programming - and yes, you can use it as a vsti/vst - there is a Csound project for that.

Alchemy is really good and TubeOhm also makes one heck of a granular synth (http://www.tubeohm.com/TubeOhm/Pure-Grain.html). On the iPad there's Grain Science, a CSound app for granular manipulation that is something else entirely and a few others.

Mike

It is not a synth, but it can do nice stuff like change a drumloop into a lush pad.
Computer Music Diversion FX.
It costs a mag.

And as recommendation, Alchemy.

Have a good day

Steinberg Padshop Pro could be what you're looking for. Or iZotope Iris.

+1

Csound is awesome for granular synthesis, take a look at the partikel opcode. Csound can be used as a vst and also as a module in Usine.

Reaktor - there's a ton of ensembles in the user library that fit this description, and if they don't work you have the option of tinkering under the hood or designing your own.

To me right now, Alchemy & Padshop Pro are the kings at the top of the granular hill at the moment. Amazing granular synths, ones of the best you can get.

Reaktor is now a classic for granular synthesis, it's great cause it's virtually limitless. But I find that many ensembles feel clumsy and sound pretty outdated compared to the newer synths. It's start to really worth it when you build your own ensembles though, that's where Reaktor shines but it takes time and lot of work.

Granite is cool, but way more basic and simple than Alchemy. Still a nice & fun little toy to play with though, for soundscapes. I pulled out some deep lush drone out of this one, to my surprise.

All-Bran is really good for grains as well, but that's totaly another story