Imagiro Autochroma is a new fun-to-use effect plugin that lets you playfully explore granular synthesis in different ways.
Granular synthesis seems to be the trending theme of 2023, including LoFi effects plugins. This can be seen in the impressive number of hardware granular synths announced on the last Superbooth (23) but also on the exponentially growing list of granular plugins.
Where you were very limited selection some time ago, today you have a large selection of synths and FX that goe in this direction. Developers often try to cram in as many features as possible. However, this makes many difficult to use.
Imagiro Autochroma
Imagiro, the developer of the LoFi Piano, tries to do the opposite with the new Autochroma plugin. Fewer features for more fun and easy to use.
Autochroma is a new granular effects plugin for macOS and Windows. Like in any other granular processor, the incoming audio is shreded into hundreds of mini parts (grains). These then come out of the effect randomly delayed and pitched up.
According to the developer, it stores the last 30 seconds of its output. You can drag its content directly from the plugin into the DAW at any time.
Three Engines
The core of the plugin consists of three distinct engines. Each offers different delayed manipulations and produces differnt pitches in the grains. Each engine gives you option to adjust the grain length, how fast the envelope runs, the pitch, and more.
On top, you get four modulators to work with. including an envelope follower, a sine LFO, a pulse LFO, a macro modulator allowing you combine two modulation signals, and a random modulator. You can map the modulators to all parametrs in the three engines giving you endless possibilities for weird sounds.
Imagrio says that Autochroma is not just a plugin for traditional granular sounds but also for more unique timbre. You can use it as a drum thickener, a wow filter, a radio effect, a chorus, and even a reverb.
The developer promises a playful, easy-to-use plugin that is inspiring and fun. This impression also comes from the plugin interface, which looks very inviting.
First Impression
At first sight a very fascinating granular plugin with a lovely user interface. Very inviting and not overloaded with feature. I like also that you can see the manipulation of the signal in real time.
Imagiro Autochroma is available now for $40 and runs as a standalone app and as a VST3 and AU plugin on macOS (Intel + native Apple Silicon) and Windows. A demo is on the website. If you are an owner of the Piano plugin, you get a 20% discount.
More information here: Imagiro
Be the first to comment