Sound Particles GrainDust is a new multi-layer spatial granular Synthesizer for macOS and Windows that takes your grains into 3D space.
Spatial audio has been a big topic in music production for several years. It refers to the process of placing different sounds in different locations around the room that simulate an immersive, surround-sound experience.
Logic Pro, for example, has included spatial audio tools in its plugin arsenal since version 10.7. There are also third-party tools, including synthesizers, that specialize in this. The latest is GrainDust from Sound Particles.
Sound Particles GrainDust
GrainDust is a new multi-layer, granular Synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows. Just like SkyDust 3D, Sound Particles GrainDust is a Synthesizer designed explicitly for spatial audio compositions.
The core consists of four independent granular sample playback layers, fully tweakable and offering up to 25 grains with five voices each, for a total of 100 grains.
Sound Particles ships the plugin with a library with over 500 curated samples, or you can easily import your own audio into the plugin.
Each layer has classic granular synthesis controls, including grain rate, density, size, continuity, and detune. You can choose a distinct grain playback mode for each layer: forward, reverse, forward + reverse, mirror, or a smoothed mirror variant.
It’s exciting that you can use various grain types. For example, you can use non-pitched grains in some layers, or you can choose which octaves to apply the granular process.
Additionally, you can select which region of your sample generates grains. This can be globally or at the per-envelope stage.
Of course, you also have a grain envelope with various modes and a complex LFO with up to 70 waveform modifiers per layer. This allows you to move each layer differently.
Filters are also onboard. They can be applied globally or per granular layer. You can choose from various modes, including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, peak, and low/high shelf. Each filter also has its own independent envelope and LFO section.
If that’s not enough modulation, you can unlock an additional set of eight envelopes and LFOs on the extra mod page. Curve editors let you manipulate each modulator’s behavior in detail. On top of that, it hosts random functions like random pitch modes.
To refine your sounds, GrainDust also features a multi-FX processor with four FX slots, packed with delay, reverb, EQ, filters, bit-crusher, and more.
Spatial Distribution
A unique key feature of this granular Synthesizer plugin is its direct integration with spatial audio. Here you can freely distribute each grain layer in the 3D space.
Sound Particles promises that you can set your sounds in motion with a single click – from smooth orbits to wild rotations. Multiple 3D visualizations at the bottom of the user interface let you see precisely how your sounds move in space.
A dedicated envelope generator, multimode LFO, and motion patterns for the space section let you add more complexity. For example, you can decide where in the space the note should start or how it releases to the ceiling.
Very extensive possibilities for making the grains dance in 3D space, and pretty sure super fun with a dedicated spatial audio system in the studio. If you are new to this, no problem, it also comes with sub-presets that instantly change position and movement.
It also houses built-in HRTF datasets or load your own SOFA file to experience spatial audio in headphones.
Creative Sequencing & Macro Power
Sound Particles has also implemented a powerful arpeggiator and sequencer in GrainDust. The arpeggiator has seven different modes to explore and an option to add extra octaves on the fly.
Further, the sequencer is described as one of the most powerful available. It has various operation modes (pitch bar, mono or poly), and can handle up to 128 polyphonic steps.
Motion sequencing is also possible, but unlike any other, you can also animate spatial positions with it.
Alongside these, it also offers four macro controls on which you can map multiple parameters for instant sound manipulations.
MPE support ensures you can play sounds in 3D space expressively. The plugin ships with over 500 presets, including MPE-focused presets and sub-presets to get started right away. Alternatively, you can roll the dice and create endless new sounds.
Sound Particles GrainDust First Impression
At first glance, GrainDust appears to be a mighty granular synth with almost endless possibilities. Congrats, Sound Particles. However, at a regular price of +/- 343€, the plugin will put many people off. That’s because the spatial audio audience isn’t as large as for synths without it.
I hope Sound Particles will release a Grain Dust Stereo or Mini in the future, like they did with SkyDust, which may not have spatial audio, but will have a much more affordable price tag.
Sound Particles GrainDust is available now for an introductory price of 216,52€ + VAT instead of 289€ + VAT. It runs as a VST, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Intel.
More information here: Sound Particles
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this price is really too steep. it needs to be 150 eur max
it’s made for the small spatial audio market where developers can ask more. They have another synth and made a stereo version which is way more attractively priced.