Motion Soundscape Introduces BeatCutter - Experimental Rhythm Slicing & Recombining App

videos by Igor Vasiliev

1. BeatCutter - Rhythm slicing & recombining. Quick Start.
2. BeatCutter - Multichannel AU and advanced settings

via Motion Soundscape

"BeatCutter is an experimental multi-channel app for slicing and recombining sound based on rhythm. In the center of the app is a matrix of sample cells with smoothly reconfigurable recording, playback and control busses. This app is best for those who would like to experiment with long sound files or live instruments, creating chaotic constructions and patterns from sliced rhythm-driven samples.

With this app you can create sound patterns and abstractions with the atmosphere of cyberpunk, industrial ambience or alien jungle. BeatCutter has an almost unlimited range of options for transformation of source audio. The kind of original sound does not really matter. It can be any tracks, external musical instruments or sound from other apps. The content of the source material and your settings will define the final result, which can range from futuristic IDM to abstract music for fill the living space and soundscapes for relaxation and meditation.

Please note that this app does not contain exact presets for a specific result. It has many parameters that need to be set depending on the source material and just experimenting. But for an easy start, this app has a convenient editor of the template that consists of a set of numbers from 0 to 9 where each number defines the depth of change and the spreading of values of the parameter group. You can change any numbers in the template and hear the result, or use the randomizer for the entire template, then change some parameters and save the current state as a preset.

How it works:

At the core of the app is a matrix of 64 (8x8) cells in each of which a sample can be recorded. The sample matrix is controlled by 5 types of buses - Inputs, Triggers, Controls, Sequencer and Outputs.

The audio signal for recording takes from 8 input buses, each of which can playback a file or be assigned to one of 4 channels of an external sound card or audio unit.

Cell recording start and stop is controlled by 8 trigger buses. Each trigger can be assigned to a signal from any input bus or external channel. The trigger is activated when the signal exceeds the threshold. Each trigger has a band pass filter which selects frequency range in which the trigger will activating. The length of the record in the cell is defined either by a fixed value in beats or by activating and deactivating the trigger.

The sequencer controls the playback of the cells. The sequencer can sync with the main BPM clock or change the step when activating its own trigger. The played sample is fed to one of the 8 output buses on which the cell is located.

The output bus also process the signal with one of the audio effects, filter and echo modules. Next, for each of the 8 output signals, can set the output level, stereo panning, EQ and level to send to the main reverb. The output buses and main reverb are mixed for the external stereo output.

Each cell has a set of parameters that define the playback speed of the sample, a bit mask of playback addressing that implements a kind of glitch effects and other parameters. For each group of 8 cells, these parameters are set by one of the 8 control buses.

Another interesting feature is that for all 5 types of buses, 8 different modes of combining cells in the sample matrix can be set. This allows to create completely unusual configurations for recording, playing and controlling sample cells. Changes mode of buses and value of parameters are performed smoothly and it is possible to set the duration of this change. This options makes the transition sound even more amazing."

AppStore: https://apps.apple.com/app/beatcutter...​