Imaginando Launches GRFX – Granular Effects: Turn One Sound Into a Universe
7th April 2025 – Braga, Portugal – Imaginando is proud to announce the release of GRFX – Granular Effects, a powerful new audio plugin designed to radically transform sound through the magic of granulation. GRFX takes granular processing to new creative heights—offering a flexible, expressive, and highly playable environment for sound design, experimentation, and exploration.
With GRFX, users can break down ordinary audio into micro-particles and rebuild it into evolving pads and drones, glitchy rhythms, ethereal textures, or alien soundscapes. Whether sparse or dense, shimmering or chaotic, GRFX is your sandbox for bending reality—layering, modulating, and shaping sound through time and space.
At the heart of GRFX is the Harmonic Triangle: an interactive, three-point control panel that morphs your sound into chords, arpeggios, and microtonal variations. This unique interface invites exploration and 'happy accidents,' especially when combined with the plugin’s four cross-modulatable LFOs.
Modulation is made effortless with drag-and-drop routing, instant amount control, and a global
Modulation Panel. A probability-based routing system lets users direct grains to the two
multi-effect engines, the Mixer, and dedicated Delay and Reverb sends—each with independent routing for rich, layered sonic results.
"Zone16 is an experimental track where beats and textures intertwine, built using the classic sampler MPC2000 and the legendary synthesizer Prophet-5.
The tight groove of the MPC2000 supports the rhythmic structure, while the warm analog sound of the Prophet-5 expands the space, creating a unique sound world.
PureData + GEM was used for the video, and the visual expression of fantastic particles dancing like a flow further enhances the floating feeling of the music.
The sound and video unfold in sync, creating a work that gives you a sense of immersion as if you have stepped into a different dimension."
"In this video I demonstrate and try to explain the functionality of the powerhouse module that is COLLIDE 4. I split up the video into three chapters providing you with plenty of examples on how to use the different sections of the module seperately and together.
COLLIDE 4 is a collab between the Belgian electronical hi-tech wizardry team at Joranalogue Audio Design and German contemporary artist and mad audiolab scientist Hainbach. They teamed up to make a miniature version of a lock-in amplifier, a versatile test device that can be either used to hunt for subatomic particles or to make earth-shattering kickdrums and eery melody lines straight from a Kindergarten Horror flick. Joran decided that this wasn't enough of a flex so he added frequency shift functionality to the unit and don't ask me how he did it but he made the cleanest frequency shifter ever. COLLIDE 4 being all analog ciruitry that's one hell of a thing to do."
"GrainDancer" is inspired by the dancing of sound particles.
The gliding down sound was created by crossing two tones.
Phase inversion effect was also used.
#synth #plantssystem
"In the song "BrightMatrix," the sound of the Prophet-5 is processed into particles with a granular processor.
This song also uses the Prophet-5 and Poly-Sequencer.
The sound becomes an acoustic that comes right in front of the listener."
During the recording I didn't change MESSEIVER settings, all changes are influence of those global natural parameters + choosing of interesting parts from the recordings."
"MESSEIVER is an irrational device for exploring the world of primal, wild radio reception – the way it was first experienced by the pioneers of radiocommunication.
MESSEIVER – is a shortwave receiver that is capable of receiving different stations from all around the Earth. Its peculiarity is that it doesn’t have the classic input tuning circuit, which lets you select a single station. Instead, it captures a big part of radio ether as it is. This way you can listen to many radio stations at once from around the globe. The set of stations that you can hear, their loudness and sound are defined by numbers of constantly changing global natural parameters. Weather, solar activity, cosmic particles, clouds and dozens of other phenomena define radio waves propagation, turning the world into a global DJ that makes a unique mix of radio stations here and now, exclusively for you. More details you can find in the manual and demo video."
"The internal speakers built into the synth are not functioning. However, the outputs are functioning properly. The screen appears to have some debris or dust particles inside of it but the LED screen itself is legible. Each key is responsive and all of the different patches sound great. In all, the current working condition is good.
PHYSICAL CONDITION: Very Good - Some scuffs and abrasions can be seen around the chassis of the keyboard, however, everything is intact and ready for action. Overall, the physical condition is very good."
"Tela orchestrates a vast array of resonant peaks, intertwined to form a critical mass of sound. It models nothing – it's a synthesizer for the here and now, to discover and create anew.
In a careful balance of depth and immediacy, Tela explores the inherent character and capabilities of modal synthesis. Like a practical joke, Tela bends a myriad of partials into perfect symmetrical waveforms only for them to dissolve into otherworldly timbres and textures mere seconds later. There are no rules.
Modal synthesis
Imagine hitting a thin piece of metal, a piece of glass or the membrane of a drum– the material vibrates and rings out with its inherent timbre, affected by the motion of the impact and the strength of the hit. This is the basis of what modal synthesis recreates.
"Sound Particles, a company that specializes in 3D sound and immersive audio, showcased its latest product at NAMM 2023. Nuno from Sound Particles introduced the 3D synthesizer Skydust 3D, which allows musicians to play notes and instantly hear them in a three-dimensional space. The synthesizer supports more than 30 output formats, including 7.1.4, and has eight oscillators, each with a position in space. Musicians can use envelope generators, LFOs, and sequencers to create 3D arpeggios and other spatial effects.
The synthesizer comes in two versions: a stereo version and the more advanced version called SkyDust 3D and can be purchased from SoundParticles' website or other plugin stores. The aim of the 3D synthesizer is to provide musicians with a tool that allows them to think about space and use it in the same way as they use melody, rhythm, and harmony.
"Here's the overview of our groundbreaking product SkyDust 3D - the first 3D Synth in the World. It's fantastic for stereo and exceptional in 3D, making it the ideal choice for music producers, composers, keyboardists, DJs, and all professionals working with music.
"SkyDust 3D is the first spatial synthesizer plugin in the world, which allows you to play a note and get instant 3D sound in any immersive format. It’s fantastic for stereo and exceptional in 3D."
"Sound Particles 2
Sound Particles is an immersive audio software capable of generating thousands (even millions) of sounds in a virtual 3D audio world. Creating highly complex sounds has never been this quick."
"Opal is an instrument made for intricate pattern creation. With parameter locks, probability, conditionals, ratcheting, independent track length, time division and traversal, it’s a breeze to program exciting patterns.
Opal comes with four distinct, highly malleable, synthesizers and two sequenceable effects. While the synths are tailored for creating drum sounds, it’s up to you to choose where, or if, the line between percussion and melody is drawn.
As always, every single sound and effect in this video is made with Opal."
Parameter locks Probability Step logic Ratcheting Per-track length Per-track direction Per-track time division Five tracks with:
Gem FM Synthesizer Mass Modal Synthesizer Dust Pulsar Noise Synthesizer Slate Granular Sample Player Void Reverb & Flux Sampler
+ Modulation
Gem
Gem is an FM synthesizer capable of a wide variety of sounds, from deep and heavy bassdrums to glistening lead melodies. At its core, Gem consists of 2- Operator sinewave-based phase modulation (commonly referred to as FM) that has been fine-tuned to sound rich and punchy.
With bipolar modulation and feedback, it's possible make a vast range of different waveshapes- including common analog shapes such as square, triangle or sawtooth. It's a highly malleable form of synthesis that has been boiled down to its essentials, with an emphasis on the sheer quality of execution.
Mass
Mass is a modal synthesizer, which is a type of physical modeling synthesis that employs a bank of bandpass filter to generate its sound. Typically, physical modeling is used to mimic real-world sounds, but with Mass the essence of the synthesis method is used to make all sorts of wildly synthetic sounds, often with an otherworldly quality due to its physically-inspired origins.
The sounds possible with Mass ranges from semi-realistic percussion, bells, textures, noises, strange phase-y melodic sounds to clean and precise timbres reminiscent of additive synthesis.
Dust
Dust is a noise generator that is based around the concept of Pulsar synthesis, which is a method adjacent to Granular synthesis. The sound is composed of very short particles of sounds that creates a texture when played fast and/or dense.
Dust combines concepts from all kinds of different types of synthesis methods to create anything from pure white noise to perfectly soft spectral washes. By layering multiple oscillators Dust can also generate classic electronic metal sounds which is very useful for making hi-hats and cymbals.
Slate
Slate is a sample playback engine equipped with a granular mode that can wildly transform any sample. At its core is a high quality sample playback engine with edge smoothing (click-less playback and looping), single cycle waveform support and a flexible loop mode.
The granular mode let’s you go deeper in sound design by playing back small particles in a pattern that essentially reconstructs the original sound, but with the possibility to dramatically change the speed and pitch independently
Void & Flux
The FX (effects) track hosts two different effect engines: Void and Flux.
Void is a reverb that has been fine-tuned to sound great with a wide variety of input sounds, with an emphasis on delivering good transient response. With in-depth EQ:ing of the input and reverb signal, it’s possible to greatly shape the overall tone of the effect.
Flux is an automatic sampler that continuously records the output of all the other tracks and divides it into 16 slices that can be played back by the FX track. Think of it like an always-recording tape loop that you can use to repeat or transform sections of your pattern by playing different snippets as single shot samples.
Modulation
Each engine has a dedicated modulation page with four different modulation sources that can be routed to any parameter via a modulation matrix. The different sources are Vel - velocity received from the sequencer steps (or a MIDI note), A dedicated LFO and Envelope per track, and a random value (Rand) that is received on each trigger of a step or MIDI note.
"Introducing the new BigSky multidimensional reverb plugin, a direct port of our iconic hardware reverb that has a reserved space on the pedalboards of some the top guitarists on the planet. With 12 hand-tuned algorithms, world-class sound quality, a dynamically simple interface and those amazing tails, you can now run as many BigSky's in your session as you'd like. Join Strymon's Sean Halley as he outlines why It's the New Way To Sky."
12 Unique Reverb Machines
Feel the mechanical tension of the Spring reverbs. Hear the floating particles of the Cloud machine. Create deep, majestic harmonies with Shimmer. BigSky gives you twelve stellar, musically inspirational reverb machines.
The New Loops autumn sale is on now. Get up to 70% off all sound packs audio kits, and synth presets. There’s an extra 30% off all orders over £39. Offers exclusively at newloops.com.
Some deals include:
Techno Grooves - Loops and Samples - 70% off - £8.99 Synthmaster One - Bass Expansion - 65% off - £5.24
Ableton Wavetable Presets - 60% off - £11.99
Omnisphere Explorer - Omnisphere 2 Presets - 60% off - £13.99 Techno Master Tool Box (Techno Sample Pack) - 60% off - £15.99 Pop Kits (Construction Kits) - 60% off - £9.99
Particles Serum - Presets Expansion - 50% off - £12.49 Mosaic Thorn Expansion (Thorn Presets) - 50% off - £12.49 Alive - UVI Falcon Expansion - 50% off - £17.49
Quarantine - Massive X Presets - 50% off - £7.49
Spectrum - Dune 3 Presets - 50% off - £9.99
TAL U-NO-LX Presets Bank - 50% off - £7.49
Vital Ascendant (Vital Content Pack) - 50% - £12.49 Bundles up to 70% off
"New Loops presents Particles – an exciting new content pack for Xfer Serum with lots of new presets, wavetables, LFO shapes, noise sound sources, and more. Serum Particles is inspired by modern game and film scores like Mass Effect 2, Ghost in the Shell, Tenet, The Division 2, Deus Ex, and is full of cinematic and modern electronic sounds.
This is undoubtedly our best Serum sound pack yet and makes good use of the noise engine for unique soundscapes, textures, and pads. There's a total of 75 new Serum presets in 6 categories including, 20 evolving soundscapes and textures, 15 aggressive basslines, 15 cinematic sequences, 10 huge ambient pads, 10 dynamic keys, and 5 cutting synth leads. Also included in this Serum expansion pack are 42 audio samples for the noise engine, 22 LFO shape presets, 10 custom wavetables, and 8 presets for the delay effect.
This Serum content pack is suitable for a wide range of electronic music genres including, cyberpunk, darkwave, synthwave, film score, game score, cinematic soundscape, ambient, and many more.
Intro Price: £17.49 / 30% off until the end of September 2022 (RRP £24.99). You can also get an extra 30% off orders over £39 at newloops.com.
"'Ambient Jam' is a collection of 50 performances for Korg Wavestate. It includes: 26 Pads, 15 Strings, 9 Textures. The bank covers a wide range of atmospheric timbres: vintage/retro, lo-fi, tape-like, noisy, warm, deep, dreamy, soft, evolving, moving, massive, epic, bright, orchestral, cinematic, dark, distorted, cold, distant, metallic, tense, atonal, non-harmonic, fx-like, soundscape... They will fit many genres, styles, arrangements, and mixes.
"StarWaves is an audiovisual sound architect, the embodiment of sound, space and visual design rolled into one. Presented by sonicPlanet www.sonicplanet.com, it is a move towards the next generation of sound design apps.
Available for OSX and iPad (Windows version later), minimum hardware requirements : for iOS an 2019 iPAD (8th gen or pro) or newer, for OSX a recent Mac (2019 i7 or M1)"
via the user manual on SonicPlanet:
StarWaves is an audiovisual scene architect, the embodiment of sound, space and visual design rolled into one.
StarWaves gives the sound designer the architect’s role by creating possibilities of dialogue between these multiple elements.
IN THE MAKING OF SONIC ARCHITECTURES StarWaves can import the sonic material in its concrete form as recorded files. Then this digital data is being represented as 3D rigid physical forms in space. We name them “the platform blocks” distributed spatially, a structure which stems from the sonic material being imported. There can be 100s of them, reaching the granular levels of sonic material. The layout of the platforms can be designed with 3D tools like positioning, rotation; they can be stretched, bent, scattered along their physical dimensions in continuous transformations.
As Goethe wisely stated : the architecture itself is 'frozen music'. How do we interact with this architecture to create the sonic textures ?
We know that sound travels as waves in an environment. It originates from a source and travels towards a distance, then interacts with the surface material of the environmental objects, gets
SONICPLANETTM reflected, refracted, and absorbed within all the physical reality of its nature, granting a flexible relation to spatiality.
Sound remains as a hidden existence until it reaches our body. StarWaves uses on its scene the transmitters which send particles and beams of light to the space ( reminiscent to particle behavior of light or sound ) They hit the platform blocks ( representing the sonic material ) get reflected and collide with further objects, travel in distance until they die.
The time they collide with these rigid bodies they trigger sonic events and start a flow of synthesis processes. It is this continuous kinematic interaction, this physical realm which composes the sonic being and applies continuous transformations on its texture.
OODA - NEW - Portable MIDI Step Sequencer - With Wormholes - Featuring SynthMaster 1 & 2 - For iOS
video upload by The Sound Test Room
And a few tutorials by the developer followed by full details:
Launch Party! Take 50% off OODA and ZOA for 72 hours.
OODA is a fresh take on the classic MIDI step sequencer with interactive and semi-generative enhancements.
What makes OODA unique is that you can connect arbitrary steps together using conditional “wormholes” to add structured (or random) variation to your sequences. Another unique feature is that OODA’s underlying model is decoupled from its voices. This allows you to interact with your sequences and create melodic variations in real time without affecting your groove.
OODA’s open-ended sequence grid can be easily configured for almost any use case. Anything from simple melodies and bass parts to semi-generative chords and arpeggios, OODA can do it all with a little creativity!
"This trailer shows some of the new features of the upcoming version 1.0 update for the Anyma Phi, the physical modelling synthesizer by Aodyo Instruments.
Among the new features, you will find: drum trigger and timbre follower modulators, tools for paraphonic patches, granular processor, three exciters, snare drum resonator, internal arpeggiator, MIDI clock sync, microtuning support with onboard editor, patch randomizer, and much more.
Anyma Phi blends the classic ingredients of electronic music, like oscillators and filters, with physical modeling technology, allowing it to simulate acoustic sound sources, such as strings or reeds, as well as resonating structures, like wood, glass, or metal."
"1993 must have been a vintage year. The Roland Super JD-990 is a classic digital synth with character.
Though the light from it's near 30 year old LCD may be fading (Photoshop works wonders!), the JD is still a much loved synthesizer today."
Playlist:
1. JD Worship - Roland JD-990 Demo
Spreading the JD-990 love! A little tune I put together with my Roland JD990. No external FX.
Heaven's Horns - a hi-pass filtered horn patch which fizzes down, gradually breaking across the stereo spectrum.
Dark Energy - a disturbing string patch that undulates with ghostly undertones,
Electric Eel - puts the JD990 chaos lfo to use with very short delay FX adding metallic feedback,
Binary Rain - a beautiful patch that sounds like flickering particles - it sounds different every time I play it,
Flangie Angie - a tightly flanged arpeggio sound with velocity sensitive attack, it can sound soft or hard with the mod wheel, tight and loose with velocity,
Magic Clouds - providing the heft down below with thick analog style sweeps,
JD Worship - The inspiration! A classic lead sound with the mod wheel controlling the dry/wet mix of the JD990 effects,
Lunar Mining - A repeating phased noise effect,
JD-8000 - I always wanted to make a supersaw on the JD-990. I finally found the trick, typically after I had bought a JP-8080 :) It does a pretty good impression,
Hazy Freeze - I love this sound! A melancholic lead that morphs into swirling clouds of audio,
Jungle Drums - Snappy self-oscillated S/H filter sweeps create a percussive sound. The JD has these wonderful sample and hold LFOs that slightly soften (slew) the harsh filter transitions. Later JV/XV series synths don't sound like this. The resonance also doesn't blow a hole in your ear drum when up high (always useful!)
2. Roland JD-990 - Superluminal Patches
A collection of 64 finely crafted Roland JD-990 patches. Take the deep dive into the 990’s synthesis, hearing its classic history along with futuristic sound impressions.
Superluminal represents a collection of Roland JD-990 patches that showcase my journey programming this awesome synth. From the cosmic interlude of the patch “Superluminal” to some seriously epic pads such as “Vista Grande”, the JD still has what it takes in 2020!
Sometimes I have to remind myself that its existence pre-dates 1993, with the slider infested JD-800 from 1991 and the D-50 from 1987!
I won’t pretend to be the first to praise this synthesizer, as I know I’m walking in the footsteps of great sound designers, but in my own way I hope to contribute to the JD’s legacy. The Roland JD-990 is a timeless classic with hidden depths to it even decades later.
"Shapeshifta for the Roland SH-32 features 64 luscious synth ambiences and rich analog strings. Trippy leads and sound effects mutate into ear bleeding slabs of weaponised audio.
Open that cupboard and grab that box, blow the dust off and wipe the early naughties from your Roland SH-32’s brain. With Soundsauca’s SH-32 life extension plan you too can inject some new sysex into this unappreciated little fella. Often maligned and misunderstood, the SH-32 is an experimental hybrid of a synthesizer.
Sometimes it feels like a long lost cousin of the JV/XV and JP8k series, other times it spits out D-50 and JD-990 memories. However the SH-32 is it’s own thing and I had a blast getting to know it again. As you might guess, I love the character of the SH-32. It has bags of personality, an enticing blend of lo-fi goodness and tripped out sonic vocabulary.
I hope you enjoy the Shapeshifta, please like and/or subscribe if you do - it sounds cliche, but it really does!
"What is a stereo polygonal oscillator? The E-RM Polygogo uses this form of synthesis developed just for this module. The screen shows a visual representation of the sound that the oscillator is generating. When smoother shapes appear on the screen the sounds are more calm and when there are lots of particles and jagged lines moving around the screen some harsh timbres come out of the oscillator.
The Polygogo has teeth and fold parameters to add harmonics, and it also has a built in FM modulator. There are lots of synthesis options in the Polygogo and the screen is always giving you feedback on what is happening with your sound.
