iZotope and BT release "Stutter Edit" - Playable Effect

iZotope has released Stutter Edit, its first collaboration with composer and electronic musician Brian Transeau (BT).

Stutter Edit's features revolve around an innovative live sampling engine that lets producers, laptop performers and other musicians manipulate audio in real-time. Stutter Edit slices audio into small fragments and sequences the pieces into razor-sharp rhythmic effects, recreating techniques that once took hours to perfect in the studio. Results can range from jarring to subtle: a melody can be disintegrated into a syncopated rhythmic roll, or a drum hit can be transformed into an arpeggiated scale of pitches. The complex set of tools in Stutter Edit is balanced by an elegant MIDI control scheme, which makes adding effects a completely intuitive process - much like playing an instrument.

In addition to these trademark stutter effects, performers and producers can juggle between a multitude of rhythmic effects including gate, pan, digital distortion, delays and filters. The Generator module creates custom noise sweeps that can be triggered along with stutter effects to build tension and create dynamics, both in live performances and studio arrangements.

"Stutter Edit exists because I wanted to step on stage with a laptop and improvise the complex and musical rhythmic effects that sometimes took me days of trial and error to create," explains BT. "I'm elated to partner with iZotope and unveil Stutter Edit to the world, and I can't wait to see what other producers, composers and sound designers will do with this insane new effect. I truly believe this will dramatically change the topography and scope of what is possible with live sound design and remixing".

On the stage, Stutter Edit makes it simple for laptop performers to create improvised remixes that include incredible stutters, fills and build-ups. Stutter Edit's MIDI-controlled workflow is a perfect complement to performers using Ableton Live for DJ sets. In the studio, musicians can utilize Stutter Edit to add color and transitions to recordings, making arranging with effects all about intuition instead of trial and error.

Designed by BT
BT is widely recognized for pioneering the "stutter edit" as a musical technique. He originally designed the Stutter Edit software to help automate his painstaking process for breaking audio into impossibly small fragments and using them for new sound synthesis. Transeau has used various early versions of the Stutter Edit software both in his studio and in live performances for years, but until today these tools have not been available to the public. BT's Sonik Architects software company was recently acquired by iZotope Inc., who built the technology into a complete product compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X platforms and major music production and performance hosts.

NAMM Show and Press and VIP Event
iZotope and BT are showcasing Stutter Edit at the 2011 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA. Visit iZotope's NAMM Booth 6920 for a live demo with BT and Blake Lewis ("American Idol" Season 6 runner-up) at 2PM on Saturday, January 15.

Host Support
Stutter Edit is compatible with hosts that fully support MIDI routing to audio effects, including Apple Logic, Ableton Live, Pro Tools (7.4+), Cakewalk SONAR, Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo, Image Line FL Studio, Cockos REAPER, MOTU Digital Performer.

Price and Availability

An introductory price of $149 USD will be available through February 14, 2011. Stutter Edit will have a $249 USD MSRP thereafter.

OS & Formats:

• Windows (XP, x64, Vista, 7).
• Mac OS X v10.5.8 or later (Universal Binary).
• Plug-in formats: VST, Audio Unit, Pro Tools 7.4+ (RTAS).

For additional product information, videos and ordering information, visit izotope.com/stutteredit