Beetlecrab has updated the Tempera granular synth to version 2.3, adding cross-modulation, grain skip probability, envelope follower, and more.
Tempera from the young Czech company Beetlecrab Audio is a powerful portable granular sampler/Synthesizer with up to 4096 grains, live sampling, and live granularization. Through regular free updates, Tempera has grown into one of the most versatile granular synths.
They added poly aftertouch pads, the option to use it as a live granular FX, and more. It doesn’t stop there. Tempera 2.3 update is out now, and Beetlecrab has added plenty of new features.
Beetlecrab Tempera 2.3
Firmware 2.3 is another free update for existing Bettelcrab Tempera users. It unlocks even more sound design possibilities.
This firmware also refines the granular engine with new features and improvements. One highlight is the new grain skip probability. It gives you a per-emitter probability setting (0% – 100%) that randomly omits individual grains.
The new function brings a very organic life to the granular process. It makes it even more flavorful than it already is.
At 10%, occasional gaps open in the texture, at 50%, the sound becomes sparse and stuttering, and at 90%, only occasional grains slip through. According to developers, it works great with the recently added Euclidean sequencer.
Another powerful new feature of firmware 2.3 is the per-emitter grain pitch. Each of the four emitters now has an independent pitch shift for live adjustment or as a modulation target. It’s possible to sequence it with the step LFO for melodic grain patterns.
The built-in grain amplitube envelope also received a little makeover and now offers a grain shape tilt option, creating an asymmetric shape anywhere between plucked to reverse-swelled.
Update 2.3 also simplifies live recording and sample import to the grid. You can now nudge individual cell markers to precisely align with transient or natural phrasing.
The granular process was previously not visible on the displays. That behavior belongs to history. The waveform display now indicates each grain emission (grain sparkles), making it easy to read their density and position at a glance. Great addition!
Upgraded Modulation
Per-voice ADSR amp envelope and ten assignable per-voice multimode modulators give me a wide playing field to set the grains in motion. With firmware 2.3, Beetlecrab expands Tempera’s modulation engine once again.
Cross-modulation supercharges the mod engine, enabling it to route the speed, size, and phase of any modulator as modulation targets. Yes, you can modulate modulators with other modulators, enabling super-complex animations.
The mod engine now also includes an audio envelope-follower modulator. Route any audio into Tempera from internal grains, an external synth, a drum machine, or a guitar, and it extracts the amplitude envelope as a modulation signal.
This opens up new possibilities for playing Tempera with other instruments. In this case, the dynamics of the latter can directly shape the internal parameters in real time.
The new update 2.3 also expands the number of link slots to up to 16 parameters, creating a larger custom quick-access menu. It also adds macro controls where a single macro knob can control up to four parameters at once. A very helpful feature for live performances.
You can also now stretch selected waveforms across all four displays, making it easier to work with shorter samples and align cell marks on transients.
First Impression
Comparing the Tempera synth’s original firmware with the current version shows it has undergone a massive evolution. It’s remarkable that all of this happened through free updates, with no hardware upgrade and no extra fees. Bravo!
And the journey continues. The new firmware 2.3 is another fabulous update you won’t want to miss.
Beetlecrab Tempera 2.3 is available now as a free update for existing customers. Tempera is available now for 849€/£737 / $964, including taxes, customs, and hassle-free worldwide shipping
More information here: Beetlecrab Audio
Impressive as always! Too expensive for me right now, but it’s on my dream-list!