Automaton

Automaton is definitely one of the most original plugins to come around in a long time. It's an effects sequencer that is based on "cellular automata", the idea of patterns evolving in the style of life forms. Basically you choose a set of "rules" by which the patterns generate, and populate the grid with triggers that can each set off one of four effects (bit crush, modulate, replicate, and stutter). It's perfect for adding variations to percussive loops, melodic pieces, and pretty much anything that you want to enhance with textural glitch modification. In fact it reminds me of the wonderful Illformed Glitch plug-in, although it is much more conceptually expansive in terms of the random variations that can be created. And it's loads of fun!! Stable in Ableton Live 7.0.10, although I had a minor issue when initially loading it. Re-building the plugins file solved the problem. Their support is excellent, I got a prompt response to my support request (the same day no less). Sound quality is very good, a source sound goes in one end and some very interesting versions of that sound come out of the other. Overall I highly recommend this plug, it is a superb implementation of a fascinating concept and a great value for the money.Read Review