How is Reaktor for Granular?

[BBFG#]

I also notice an absence of Absynth here.
I would consider it more of a granular grand parent than Reaktor.

But since it's lacking a place in the discussion, I wonder if people are not considering it a viable piece in todays market of grains and if it is headed for the once great but getting closer to abandonware status. Because of Reaktor?

[Echoes in the Attic]

I also notice an absence of Absynth here.
I would consider it more of a granular grand parent than Reaktor.

But since it's lacking a place in the discussion, I wonder if people are not considering it a viable piece in todays market of grains and if it is headed for the once great but getting closer to abandonware status. Because of Reaktor?

Absynth is cool for granular no doubt. Personally though, I always like having a waveform window and seeing the playback line scrubbing over the waveform. It's pretty useful for when you have a position knob to know what section of a waveform you're going to. Even in Alchemy, although it has a waveform window, I don't like switching windows to see it.

Reaktor granular synths are great because they are usually single window and focused on a particular functionality. There are some amazing granular synths for Reaktor in the user library and some for sale. Check out the free Graincube (http://devinesound.net/) for Reaktor which has ipad templates, including for lemur (called LemurCube). Also Dron-E (http://www.antonioblanca.com/dron-e) released last for free. Waiting on an ipad template for that one. For payware Twisted Tools rocks.

[deastman]

Absynth is an amazing synth. As noted, it just isn't as fun or intuitive for granular because you can't see what you're doing in the waveform. The visualization aspect seems to be important or at least highly desirable for granular synthesis.

[wasi]

The lack of a waveform display in Absynth is that much more painful because you can do so incredibly much with envelopes and MSEGs in it, but you're left flying blindin the vast soundscapes of granularity. It's just a bit too much trial and error for such a complex instrument. That baby needs a complete UI overhaul IMO.

Compare that to Skanner XT, where you can zero in on the part you want within seconds and then start the real tweaking.

[BBFG#]

The lack of a waveform display in Absynth is that much more painful because you can do so incredibly much with envelopes and MSEGs in it, but you're left flying blindin the vast soundscapes of granularity. It's just a bit too much trial and error for such a complex instrument. That baby needs a complete UI overhaul IMO.
Compare that to Skanner XT, where you can zero in on the part you want within seconds and then start the real tweaking.

I often depend on 'trial and error' to drive me to new heights or greater madness.

But I get what you're saying and perhaps Absynth is starting its decline into an 'effectively used as a player' synth now?

As far as Reaktor though, when I first got it, it seemed like a 'so what' synth for the most part. I've gained far more interest in it when I added the SkannerXT and Razor ensembles. My only negatives at this point are it seems to have a high frequency overtone in every patch I can't seem to get out,(that others don't even hear?) and the constant CPU usage - even when not using it. And since Absynth doesn't have that annoying CPU aspect, I think it still has it's place in the granular realm, albeit in player fashion rather than synth mode.

[vurt]

Regarding the question 'How is Reaktor for Granular?' well it's good, of course. But it's not just the one and only choice. Today, purely for the granular synthesis I think HALion 5, Padshop Pro and Alchemy are all options more interesting than Reaktor, but again it might simply be a matter of taste. Even after years of use (yes I've built my own ensembles) I've never been truly amazed by Reaktor's granular engine.

Another interesting one you could check is Granite, from New Sonic Arts.

yeah there are other choices, for alchey id say the same thing i said about reaktor

not dismissing the others, havent tried them as so far between alchemy reaktor and crusherx i pretty much covered for granular.
i do like hourglass for offline processing though then load that into reaktor and bang! or rather fzzzpopcracklefzzz...

[BBFG#]

Another 'mention worthy' is PsyGen by M-RGT.
If for no other reason than price point.

[Igro]

For payware Twisted Tools rocks.

Hi Echoes in the Attic! There are many plugins on their website, which one is granular? Thank you!

Added: Ahh, seems like Scapes.

[Echoes in the Attic]

For payware Twisted Tools rocks.

Hi Echoes in the Attic! There are many plugins on their website, which one is granular? Thank you!

Added: Ahh, seems like Scapes.

Yep, well sort of. Kind of a granular delay and effects kind of thing that also has a sampler and basic oscs. Buffeater is also sort of a granular effects type thing. Does granular processing of incoming or sampled audio. And while not really a granular synth, S-Layer is a very cool sample mangler. More for one shot type sounds, but you can stretch and twist the samples in cool ways. Not sure if the stretch uses a granular module.

[awol9000]

normally id suggest trying a demo, as we are discussing reaktor ill just say "get you credit card out"

Alright, you twisted my rubber arm.

I took the plunge and bought Reaktor this morning!

[deastman]

Reaktor's granular synthesis is as clicky or smooth as you want it to be. There are parameters for all that. One thing you'll hear in the factory ensembles is use of the grain jitter inputs - I find that gives the instruments or effects a characteristic "Reaktory" sound so I avoid using them and modulate the parameters with LFOs etc instead.

Check out my free Frame granular ensemble for Reaktor. It should load in the Reaktor player in demo mode. Hold down some chords, sweep the sample position, adjust the smoothness and grain length controls. You can get a wide range of granular sounds out of Reaktor with just this simple set of controls.

It's still the king of granular.

I liked Frame so much that I bought Loupe, the bigger version it was based on. So thanks to this topic for that!

[V0RT3X]

Give the audio demos a listen to get a good idea behind some of the granular sounds you can get.

http://twistedtools.com/shop/reaktor/scapes/#Scapes

[~Pd~]

Reaktor's granular synthesis is as clicky or smooth as you want it to be. There are parameters for all that. One thing you'll hear in the factory ensembles is use of the grain jitter inputs - I find that gives the instruments or effects a characteristic "Reaktory" sound so I avoid using them and modulate the parameters with LFOs etc instead.

Check out my free Frame granular ensemble for Reaktor. It should load in the Reaktor player in demo mode. Hold down some chords, sweep the sample position, adjust the smoothness and grain length controls. You can get a wide range of granular sounds out of Reaktor with just this simple set of controls.

It's still the king of granular.

I liked Frame so much that I bought Loupe, the bigger version it was based on. So thanks to this topic for that!

Hi-5! You bought at the right time, I'm jacking up my regular prices after this summer sale is done.

[vurt]

normally id suggest trying a demo, as we are discussing reaktor ill just say "get you credit card out"

Alright, you twisted my rubber arm.

I took the plunge and bought Reaktor this morning!

be sure to check the ul for rachmiel/rick scott.

have fun.

[dave dove]

This is nice:

http://co.native-instruments.com/index. ... chid=13209

dave