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Grainer - Granular Synthesis Processor

Note: This manual is AI-generated and will be updated progressively.

Real-time granular synthesis plugin for VCV Rack.

Overview

Grainer is a real-time granular synthesis processor with advanced randomization that transforms live audio through controllable grain manipulation. Control pitch, size, position, and density while introducing organic variations that reveal unexpected textures and sounds.

With support for up to 128 simultaneous grains (32 by default) and a 5-second recording buffer, Grainer balances precise control with creative unpredictability for live performance and sound design.

This VCV Rack module is based on the original Max for Live grainer plugin: https://tsugumasa320.gumroad.com/l/grainer

The built-in reverb is based on the high-quality implementation from Mutable Instruments Clouds.

Quick Start

  1. Connect Audio: Patch audio source to AUDIO INPUT L/R
  2. Set Grain Length: Adjust Grain Length (50ms - 1000ms, default 525ms)
  3. Control Density: Set Density (0 - 50Hz display)
  4. Shape Sound: Use Pitch / Position / Stereo Spread
  5. Mix Output: Balance with Dry/Wet and Reverb

Parameters

Core Controls

  • Grain Length: Duration of individual grains (50ms to 1000ms, default 525ms)
  • Density: Rate of new grain creation (0 - 50Hz display)
  • Pitch: Pitch shifting ratio (⅓x to 3x, center = 1x)
  • Position: Playback position (0-100%: 0%=oldest, 100%=REC position)
  • Stereo Spread: Random stereo positioning for spatial textures (0-1)
  • 0%: Mono/center positioning (all grains panned center)
  • 50%: Moderate stereo spread (±25% pan range around center)
  • 100%: Full stereo width randomization (grains can appear anywhere in stereo field)

Advanced Controls

  • Pitch Random: Random pitch variation amount (0-3)
  • 0: No pitch randomization (all grains use exact pitch setting)
  • 1: ±1 octave random variation (2^-1 to 2^+1 = 0.5x to 2.0x)
  • 2: ±2 octaves random variation (2^-2 to 2^+2 = 0.25x to 4.0x)
  • 3: ±3 octaves random variation (2^-3 to 2^+3 = 0.125x to 8.0x)
  • Pitch Quantize: Controls how much pitch values are quantized to specific pitch ratios (0-1, default 1.0, double-click resets to 1.0)
  • LED Display: Color-coded brightness indicating proximity to musical intervals
  • Behavior Examples:
    • Quantize = 0: Continuous pitch changes (no quantization)
    • Quantize = 0.5: Pitch snaps to 0.5x, 1.0x, 1.5x, 2.0x... multiples
    • Quantize = 1.0: Complete quantization to integer ratios (1.0x, 2.0x, 3.0x...)
  • Use Cases: Helpful for creating harmonic relationships in musical contexts
  • LED Brightness: Uses rational number calculation to indicate proximity to simple musical ratios (octaves, fifths, etc.)
    • Bright LED = current pitch value is close to a simple musical ratio (e.g., 0.5 = octave down, 0.33 = fifth + octave down)
    • Dim LED = pitch value is between musical ratios
    • Off LED = no clear musical ratio match
  • Musical Behavior:
    • When quantize = 0: Pitch changes smoothly and continuously
    • When quantize = 1: Pitch jumps in discrete steps, creating more pronounced pitch transitions
    • Intermediate values blend between smooth and stepped behavior
  • Window Shape: Hann shape bias (-1 to +1)
    • -1: Left-biased window shape
    • 0: Symmetric Hann window (center position)
    • +1: Right-biased window shape
  • Position Random: Random position variation (0-1)
  • Input Gain: Input gain (0-1 linear)
    • 0%: No input signal
    • 100%: Full input gain
  • Dry/Wet: Balance between original and processed signal (0-1)
    • 0%: 100% dry (original signal only)
    • 100%: 100% wet (processed signal only)
  • Reverb: Built-in reverb amount (0-1) - based on Mutable Instruments Clouds reverb implementation
    • 0%: No reverb
    • 100%: Maximum reverb effect
  • Forward/Reverse: Toggle playback direction (button)
    • Forward: Normal playback direction (default)
    • Reverse: Reversed playback direction
  • Freeze: Freeze current buffer content (button/CV gate)
    • GUI Display: Button illuminated when active
    • Off: Normal recording mode (buffer continuously updates)
    • On: Buffer content frozen (no new recording, existing content preserved)

Applications

  • Atmospheric textures and pads
  • Rhythmic granular sequences
  • Experimental sound manipulation