A Running String

— A Physical Modeling instrument with sequencer made using Max MSP

A Running String is a physical modeling instrument made usign Max MSP. Inspired by the Karplus-Strong algorithm, The instrument uses Max gen~ to create a delay line with adjustable feedback and delay time, and use the history object to recreate an allpass filter.

The instrument uses a noise click for exciter, and use a filter to control the noise frequency and resonance, which changes the timbre. The intrument also has nobs for changing dampening, buzz, and length.

A customized sequencer is built for changing step numbers, and a global control module is set for changing bpm and note subdivision. User is allowed to save presets and morphing between them, which is done using the autopattr and pattrstorage object in max.

Future Plan:

A maxforlive device is working in progress in order to enable users to use in Ableton for production and peformance.

Project URL:

For project source code and design details, please visit github page.

GranulatorC

— A Granular instrument made using Csound Cabbage

Granulator C is a granular instrument built based on the partikkel opcode in Csound. The instrument enables the user to choose an audio file and use the instrument to granulize it. The purpose of the project is to give users intuitive yet effective control over samples by using a series of time-domain varieties of granular synthesis techniques. The instrument is available in terms of stand alone application as well as AU/VST.

The idea of Ableton’s granulator inspires me a lot in my daily production and sound design work. However, it has too many functions and a lot of them are not normally used or unnecessary. Also, the idea of granular synthesis is complicated to beginner users. With GranulatorC, users could hear instant difference on their favorite samples with the tweak of just a few nobs. Not only it is easy-to-use, but it is also worthy to just play with it and experience the power of granular synthesis.

The sample control module controls the amplitude and the playback speed of the original sample. The grain control module controls the grain size, grain rate, and playback position randomness. The pitch control module transposes the sample, and the cent.rand nob gives random transposition by cents.

The standalone version and AU/VST of GranulatorC are available on my github.

Visit the github page to download.

Sumpler

— A Sampler with effects made using Csound Cabbage

Sumpler is a sampler designed using Csound Cabbage. The purpose of the project is to process sounds in nature to create interesting sound effects.

The sampler provides users with control over sample pitch, speed, and level. It features a bit crusher module using the opcode in Csound written by Iain Mccurdy. The reverb in Sumpler is a 8 delay line stereo FDN Sean Costello reverb with feedback control, filter cut-off control, and a dry-wet mix control. The sampler also enables user to change the FFT size of the sample to create unique spectral audio results.

A series of nature sounds could be choose in the drop-down menu, and users are free to save their own presets inside the plug-in.

The standalone version and AU/VST of GranulatorC are available on my github.

Visit the github page to download.