DataMind Audio ReFractalizer is a new, fascinating granular Synthesizer plugin with a multi-buffer interpolation engine and deep morphing capabilities.
DataMind Audio is a young company that has attracted attention with innovative machine-learning audio-sound design processors, such as Concatenator and Combobulator.
In their new Refractalizer Synthesizer plugin, the DataMind Audio developers attempt to take granular synthesis to new directions.
DataMind Audio Refractalizer
Yes, granular synthesis is the big topic of this year, and DataMind Audio cannot ignore it.
Refractalizer is a new, innovative granular Synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows with a unique set of features. DataMind Audio promises that Refractalizer is designed to make granular synthesis more musical.
They say: it lets you bend time, transform samples, and morph effortlessly between rhythmic chopping, granular soundscapes, and conventional Synthesizer sounds. So you basically have a might patch that can be everything and not just one specific sound.
It’s a playground for sonic explorers: a temporal modulation workstation where drum loops become chords, voices become synth leads, and simple ideas morph into entirely new musical worlds.
The Refactalizer core uses a polyphonic grain-rate synthesis engine that turns the classic granular synthesis into a polyphonic instrument. More precisely, you can control and play the grain rate directly by MIDI notes, so the grains become the oscillator.
Also different is the buffer system. The synth has an unlimited sample pool that is powered by a multi-buffer interpolation engine. Unlike classic ones, it allows you to load multiple samples and manually or automatically interpolate/morph between them.
You can morph between drum kits, switch between variations of a loop, stack synth voices, and more without abrupt switching. This enables the production of very sophisticated hybrid sounds.
The synth also features a classic oscillator that can be used as a sample-tuning tool or as a sub for extra bottom end.
BPM & Hz Interpolation & Sound Design
Another highlight of the Datamind Audio ReFractalizer Synthesizer is its handling of timing. ReFractalizer unifies BPM and Hz values, allowing you to interpolate/morph between BPM-locked divisions and precise Hz values.
This freedom lets you create granular sounds not possible with other synths, like a patch that sweeps seamlessly from a 1/16 note into a melody and vice versa. You can also slide between tempo-synced rhythmic divisions and audio-rate modulations.
Swipe the speed slider left and right, and you’ll notice how it bends the audio. It not only time-stretches it but also creates lovely side effects like glitches.
The granular engine also supports any level of time-stretching, from traditional to super-extreme. That’s not all, as there is also a separate engine that manages the grain distribution.
The stereo grain cycling feature distributes successive grains across L and R channels in selectable patterns.
At slower rates, this adds movement and a natural pulse; at high grain rates, the ear can’t localise the switching, which creates phantom harmonics and a psychoacoustic widening effect.
Alongside these, you can find a filter section with two multimode filters and a rich modulation engine. It houses five envelopes, five LFOs, two SCs, and eight macro controls.
Everything in the engine is modulatable, allowing for significant movement within the granular process. There is also a multi-FX processor with various algorithms, including reverb, compressor, distortion, and more.
First Impression
Okay, we already have dozens of granular Synthesizer plugins. Many more have been added this year. But this one is pretty unique and wild. It feels very much like a granular sound design playground that is almost limitless.
The ability to smoothly morph through different samples and even timings is quite innovative for a granular synth. I think I know what I will do this weekend. Oh, wait, there is no demo yet, mmh hope we get one soonish.
DataMind Audio ReFractalizer is available now at an introductory/Black Friday price of $99, down from $129. It runs as a VST, VST3, and AU plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: DataMind Audio
Be the first to comment