tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27643286938684315402024-03-13T23:15:29.420-07:00szcz's audio adventuresSzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-4595393037270253282023-05-01T14:45:00.000-07:002023-05-01T14:45:11.599-07:00Rekombinator III<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/rekombinator3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="800" height="250" src="http://fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/rekombinator3.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>After three years hiatus I'm back and just released Rekombinator III. Working on this instrument was a along and bitter journey, but finally I managed to make it all work. This is granular sound machine, a major update of <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2019/09/rekombinator-ii.html">Rekombinator II</a>. Version III has the same sample pool and basic mechanics as version II, but is has entirely different internal structure, also effect section is completely redesigned and modulator has new design mode and vastly improved functionality. So here's what's new:<p></p><p>Support for sample drag and drop. Rekombinator II had a bad release timing, NI released Straylight (which has very similar concept) just when I have been finishing the manual and then introduced sample drag and drop loading to Kontakt. Rekombinator II had somewhat compromised functionality, because I struggled to make it user manageable to edit and expand sample pool. Now when you can just drag a sample into UI it made no sense, so I had to rebuild internal design. Anyway in Rekombinator III you can just drop the sample into UI to load it. The instrument will attempt to detect pitch and volume level and adjust sample settings automatically. Additionally the same functionality applies to convolution reverbs, now you can just drop your IR files into the UI.</p><p>Effects section is completely new. Rekombinator II only had chorus and phaser hard coded into specific point in signal chain. Now there's a kind of effect rack. There are four effect containers, you can select which effect to load into each of them, and where to put it in signal chain. Whether to process only one sample, both or put it as insert after send point or in master bus after send return point. It supports effects that has been added to Kontakt after Rekombinator II release: Choral, Phasis, Flair, Replika delay and new algorithmic reverbs. Also there is brand new preset system for all the effects, with a browser and ability to save your own presets.</p><p>Modulator has now new shape design mode, based on idea similar to vector graphics. You can set up LFO waveform by moving/adding/deleting nodes in XY pad area.</p><p>Finally the modulator can now be attached to (almost) any controller in the instrument including the effect rack. Also controllers have visual live feedback of modulation. This part, combined with editable effect rack, was particularly challenging and it made me almost gave up on the whole thing multiple times.</p><p>You can watch instrument quick walkthrough here:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qQ-BzwFi4Q4" width="320" youtube-src-id="qQ-BzwFi4Q4"></iframe></div><br /><p>The instrument requires full version of Kontakt 6.6.1, the last version which supports Windows 7.</p><p><a href="https://www.lootaudio.com/category/kontakt-instruments/szcz/rekombinator-iii">Available at Loot Audio.</a></p><p>ps. I gave up on Facebook, my apologies if you tried to contact me there and I did not respond. I just can't stand it.</p>SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-38144290568218506432020-03-22T10:46:00.000-07:002020-03-23T14:09:57.336-07:00Stay at home with CracklefieldA lot of people are stuck at home these days, with no income and not much to do. Here's something to fiddle with: Cracklefield "Stay at Home" Edition. This is somewhat stripped down version of cellular automaton game sequencer, propelled with modular oscillator bleeps. It's free to get until it bets back to normal. It requires full Kontakt 5.8.1 or newer.<br />
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Compared to regular version...<br />
- it is using entirely different sample set, four raw oscillators take from Sawmill,<br />
- only visible panel is "maps", you can change progression and velocity maps, but cursor and field configuration are missing, as well as presets panel,<br />
- "generate preset" button creates a random configuration (in regular version this is one of options in "field transform" menu),<br />
- you can edit the field, but wall building and cursors placing modes are not available,<br />
- midi pattern recorder is missing.<br />
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Basically, press "generate" and see if it comes up with something interesting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/CracklefieldHomeEdition.rar">get it here: http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/CracklefieldHomeEdition.rar</a><br />
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Here are some patterns it generated while I was testing.<br />
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Also, everything I made is now half price at <a href="https://www.kontakthub.com/label/szcz/">KontaktHub</a>.</div>
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March 23 update: added some snapshots and keyswitches to turn cursors on and off. Re-download if you didn't get the snapshot folder.</div>
<br />SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-33553403314923588792019-09-07T09:48:00.002-07:002023-05-01T14:46:23.609-07:00Rekombinator II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/rekombinator2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="800" height="241" src="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/rekombinator2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have just released Rekombinator II at Kontakt Hub. I started this project last November, so it took me quite a while to finish. It's the sequel to <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2015/12/rekombinator.html">granular machine from 2015</a>. Sequel rather than an update, the theme is similar, but it's whole new and quite different instrument. It's a take on granular playback implementation in Kontakt. There are built in granular based playback modes in Kontakt (time machine), but here it done with scripting. High frequency step sequencers are being activated for each note and grains are generated by playing fragments of the sample using internally triggered notes. It does result in high voice count and relatively high CPU utilization, but it opens some fun possibilities.<br />
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This instrument gives you full control over playback speed and playback position in realtime, play forward, backward, in nonlinear fashion or just freeze the sound. Works nicely for very slowly evolving drones and soundscapes when using extreme playback speeds, like 0.5% of the original. Rekombinator II has two waveform slots, so you can blend two samples. Each slot has independent control of basic engine parameters, like speed or playback position and separate audio path. Then there's hybrid modulator, introduced in Sawmill, where you can use step sequencer controller to render an LFO waveform. You can use it, for example, to create a nonlinear playback curve, make the playback head position travel around the waveform in fancy ways. Like in first Rekombinator, it is possible and not complicated to use any samples.<br />
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The instrument requires full version of Kontakt 5.8.1 (Kontakt 5 with latest update) or Kontakt 6. When pushed, it can produce noticeable CPU load, it's fine on my 10 years old 6 core, so I think any half decent modern processor should handle it easily.<br />
<br />Rekombinator II is now retired and replaced by <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2023/05/rekombinator-iii.html">Rekombinator III</a>.SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-43798221608632732232019-04-09T05:01:00.001-07:002023-05-01T14:49:41.843-07:00Cracklefield update 1.4Cracklefield has been updated to 1.4. This version introduces new feature, chord progression generator and sequencer.<br />
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Changelog:<br />
new feature:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Added progression generator and sequencer, pattern/chord progressions can now be generated internally in Cracklefield.</li>
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fixes and tweaks:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Tweaked random preset generator, the randomly generated presets should be simpler more often, possibly giving more useful results. The generator will affect the animator, reset it or occasionally set up a moving field. The generator will now also respect preset loading filters. </li>
<li>Fixed scale key button set not being updated on certain occasions.</li>
<li>The seed for random event generator will now be reset to a derivative of field checksum every time transport starts (you press play or record in DAW). This way any random event sequence in the project will be synchronized with field contents and each time you render a saved song it would repeat the very same progression of pseudo-random events.</li>
<li>Small change in main sequencer queue, the animator will be now applied 1/3 sequence step ahead of other functions (with the exception of the first step). As the animator transformations can be CPU intensive, especially if you make it play several life games at one step, coupled with progression generator, it could occasionally cause audio dropdowns. Now that animator is processed a small while ahead of other functions it should make such situations less likely to happen.</li>
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Cracklefield is <a href="https://www.lootaudio.com/category/kontakt-instruments/szcz/Cracklefield">available at Loot Audio</a>.<br />
If you acquired it elsewhere, please write me for the update.<br />
You will find the e-mail address at the end of manual.SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-42938013848445821822018-09-09T13:05:00.002-07:002020-10-11T16:19:47.515-07:00SawmillI have released new instrument at Kontakt Hub. It is inspired by the supersaw... In a broad sense, it doesn't try to emulate the classic supersaw sound. In fact, I don't particularly like the supersaw sound. But I think it's interesting how layering detuned oscillators turns a static waveform into something with evolving texture. I have been wondering how would it sound if you could detune other parameters, not just pitch. A filter, LFO frequency, effects... And here comes Sawmill, where you can detune... everything. For each oscillator.<br />
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There are seven oscillators in this instrument and it is quite like having a stack of seven synthesizers, with controllers conveniently grouped by type. Each oscillator has independent signal path with separate set of controllers, including effects, from filters to chorus or delay (with single exception of convolution processor, which would make it too much of CPU hog). So if you want tune a filter cutoff you have a row of seven knobs to deal with. It makes it easy to experiment with oscillator layering.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YG8hSdo0hPcDer8UuFmgpFW19Hb4AxwaDac_Q6Sq6m5chK3zHkSyESGvFoUPxMt_yM263n9nft6m4qP4f3SOxs0hziO-w480D-JhnCfVhlHP1eivL-9z_lnj6saRRYJN2qQ03o-bB_w/s1600/sawmill3.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="730" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YG8hSdo0hPcDer8UuFmgpFW19Hb4AxwaDac_Q6Sq6m5chK3zHkSyESGvFoUPxMt_yM263n9nft6m4qP4f3SOxs0hziO-w480D-JhnCfVhlHP1eivL-9z_lnj6saRRYJN2qQ03o-bB_w/s400/sawmill3.png" width="181" /></a>The instrument is build in Kontakt, but it's not quite a sample library. Rather a synthesizer with sampled oscillators. There are 32 waveforms, generated mostly with modular analog system and vintage analog synthesizers. The samples are fairly long to capture bits of analog drift and tiny electronic imperfections which makes it sound more alive. Each sample has been looped by hand without any additional processing, to preserve as much of the original flavor as reasonably possible. The waveform selection is focused mainly on different variations of saw, but it also includes other basic shapes, as well as some fancy waveforms you can generate in a modular by mangling the oscillator with rectifiers, ring modulators, inverters and the like, all in analog domain.<br />
Sawmill includes nearly complete palette of what Kontakt has to offer in signal processing: full range of filter types, classic effects, different types of envelopes, LFOs with various shapes and frequency modulation.<br />
Additionally there are several innovative functions. There is a sequenced modulator, which is a crossover between step sequencer and LFO - you can program a value pattern and shape it to LFO waveform. There are six patterns which can be combined and/or patched to different parameters, like pitch or filter cutoff. In fact, any parameter can be automated using MIDI CC. There is pitch glide function with adjustable acceleration curve. And then there is multi-arpeggiator, which is like having a stack of eight arpeggiators, which you can sequence or combine in different ways to create complex note patterns out of a simple chord.<br />
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It started from the supersaw, but it's not really just about supersaw. It can go way beyond it.<br />
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The instrument requires Kontakt 5.8.1 or newer (full version).<br />
It it a 2GB download (unpacked samples take 2.75 GB, there are 2574 samples in wav format).<br />
<b><a href="https://www.lootaudio.com/category/kontakt-instruments/szcz/sawmill-7-osc-synth-kontakt">It is available at Loot Audio.</a></b>SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-88316731909400851252018-02-26T13:17:00.001-08:002018-02-26T13:17:51.526-08:00Kontakt multi-channel sequencer experimentCommon question about <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2017/07/cracklefield.html">Cracklefield</a> instrument is: Can I use it as a sequencer to play other instruments? It's tempting idea, Kontakt does output MIDI generated by loaded instruments, but the problem is, all messages are put on a single channel. As a workaround <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2017/07/cracklefield.html">Cracklefield</a> has MIDI recorder, so you can export it's output by MIDI clip drag'n'drop, but the clip has to be recorded beforehand and it's not quite as fun as live output.<br />
I have been pondering this and came with somewhat convoluted solution, worthy of fairly confusing name. Kontakt has multiscript feature, you can run scripts on MIDI level before MIDI data is passed to individual patches. You can change MIDI channel for events with multiscript. So my idea was to prepare sequence data at sequencer instrument level, in a way which would include channel/cursor number. Send it to another instance of Kontakt, where it would be decoded to multichannel sequence on multiscript level. Lets' see how it works...<br />
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Maybe it's not very practical, but isn't that fun? You can make it work with <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2018/02/cracklefield-update-12.html">Cracklefield 1.2</a> or <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2018/02/orchestra-enigmatica.html">Orchestra Enigmatica</a>, both of which generate a kind of multi-channel sequence and include a function which prepares data for receiver/decoder multiscript. They convert notes to series of CC messages, which include note number, velocity and channel/sequence number and can be then interpreted by receiver multiscript.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/crc_receiver.zip">If you'd like to try it, download the receiver multiscript here.</a><br />
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Mind you, this is experimental setup, not guaranteed to work for you. Also you may need a bit of advanced know-how with Kontakt and DAW configuration, for example, know how to connect one instance MIDI out to another instance MIDI in. Read included text file for more information. Have fun.SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-33352382830617511312018-02-20T14:46:00.002-08:002020-10-11T16:22:19.698-07:00Cracklefield update 1.2I updated <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2017/07/cracklefield.html">Cracklefield</a> to 1.2, introducing introducing field animator, new function which can dynamically transform the whole sequencer field. The field can be scrolled, rotated or evolved using game of life family of cellular automata. Different transformation modes can be sequenced or combined for some extra generative fun.<br />
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<a href="https://www.lootaudio.com/category/kontakt-instruments/szcz/Cracklefield">Available at Loot Audio</a>.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-20315631319477122932018-02-14T06:55:00.002-08:002020-10-11T16:24:24.968-07:00Orchestra EnigmaticaI released new Kontakt based instrument today. Orchestra Enigmatica is build around vintage orchestral analog synthesizer theme, a nod to times when emulating acoustic instruments with plain sawtooth wave was the thing. The base sounds come from <a href="http://www.vintagesynth.com/misc/siel_orchestra.php">Siel Orchestra</a> (first version), 1979 Italian synthesizer, they are full of little quirks and imperfections, which makes them more alive. I tried to preserve their nature using long detailed samples. Sustained sounds are looped by hand without any crossfading, a task which proved to be quite challenging at times. Raw sounds can be combined and shaped in Kontakt, essentially this is more a synthesizer than a library.<br />
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In this instrument, I introduced multi-arp function, an advanced arpeggiator, which can populate up to eight patterns from a single chord. You can combine and transpose different arpeggio algorithms to create complex, evolving evolving dynamically, depending on notes being played.<br />
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Here's a sound demonstration video, where I play around with different patches:<br />
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And here's a small feature walkthough:<br />
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If you'd like to examine the details, please have a look at the manual:<br />
<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/orchestra_enigmatica.pdf">http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/orchestra_enigmatica.pdf</a><br />
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The instrument requires full version of Kontakt 5.6.6 or newer.<br />
Unpacked files take nearly 2GB space, samples are in WAV format.<br />
It comes with 56 snapshot presets.<br />
The interface takes 1000x750 pixels of screen space (it is bigger than in standard Kontakt instruments).<br />
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It is now <a href="https://www.lootaudio.com/category/kontakt-instruments/szcz/orchestra-enigmatica-kontakt">available at Loot Audio</a>.<div></div>SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-74196879314193367792017-07-21T16:39:00.001-07:002020-10-11T16:25:37.372-07:00CracklefieldI have released new music machine at Kontakt Hub, it's named Cracklefield. This idea has been following me for a long time. I imagined a grid based sequencer, with objects traveling in different directions, bouncing off walls and colliding with each other, creating dynamically evolving patterns. Cracklefield is such generative music machine, experimental sequencer, more a simulation, than a loop player.<br />
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The sequencer workspace, the field, is cellular grid. The field can be read or modified by cursors, pointing at sequence track playing position. The cursors can travel the filed in any direction, horizontally, vertically or diagonally, each at it's own rate. They can bounce off field edges or obstacles (walls) and, what is the fun part, bounce off each other. Just imagine several sequencer tracks playing 'pong' with each other. On next level, cursors can interact with the field; paint, erase or flip cells, build or destroy walls, shift whole field rows or columns. It's a playground for building evolving patterns - set initial conditions and see what would it sound like.<br />
Cracklefield can also use cellular automaton named 'Langton's ant'. An ant is basically a cursor, which changes direction depending on what kind of cell it steps on. For example, it turns right on a filled cell and turns left on an empty cell, flipping the state of cell it has visited. Sounds very simple, yet it creates surprisingly complex structures. In Cracklefield you can combine several ants of different types to explore variety of possible generative pattern setups. The machine is using a note map, assigning each cell a note number, according to one of different algorithms, to play melodies, or create round robin percussive patterns.<br />
Cracklefield can also act as an apreggiator. Each cursor can be bound to one of notes from the chord being currently held. Arp patterns can modulated (transposed depending on cursor position) and fit to a scale pattern, while each cursor can play a different sound.<br />
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Here's a video showing some of the possibilities:<br />
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This machine is not really about the sounds, but it has been built on a sample player, so obviously it needs samples. I wasn't quite sure how to approach this and in the end I decided to pick a set of sounds that, most likely, nobody would have already, as it's not a kind of instrument, one would be interested in just to get more pianos. The Cracklefield sample set is mostly based on acoustic/electroacoustic instruments, or found sounds, unconventional, experimental or unusual sounds, featuring a hollow soviet balalaika, copper rod mallets made with contact microphones, experimental guitar setups, glass chimes or wire-brushed crash cymbals. On the other hand, the machine is designed, to make adding new sounds relatively easy; just duplicate a group, put new samples and refresh the instrument. There's also a built-in note recorder, it allows the user to capture multichannel MIDI clips, which then can be exported to a DAW by drag'n'drop mechanism and reused elsewhere.<br />
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Here's another video, playing with random electronic drum samples, shows how it looks and sounds to use the instrument:<br />
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It is thus far the largest, most complicated and one of the most unusual projects I put myself into. If you'd like to learn more about Cracklefield functionality, see the manual:<br />
<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/cracklefield.pdf">http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/cracklefield.pdf</a><br />
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Or watch even more videos:<br />
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Cracklefield needs full version of Kontakt 5.6.6 or newer to run. It takes 950MB of hard drive space after unpacking (the samples are in plain wav format). You will need at least 1280x1024 screen resolution to be able to see the whole interface without scrolling, it's bigger than standard ones, as there are plenty of controllers.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.lootaudio.com/category/kontakt-instruments/szcz/Cracklefield">It's available from Loot Audio</a>:</b><br /><br />
<a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2018/02/cracklefield-update-12.html">Now updated to 1.2 - with field animator...</a><br />
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<br />SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-86452266679764898842017-05-09T16:25:00.002-07:002017-05-09T16:27:48.475-07:00Midnight Bell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/midnight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/midnight.jpg" height="127" width="200" /></a></div>
I had borrowed an old wall clock from my grandmother, to get the ticking sounds for another project. It's a late 19th century/early 20th century clock, my grandfather has re-built 30 years ago. Besides annoying loud ticking, it also does ring a bell. The bell itself is a spiral formed metal stripe and while it wasn't my primary interest, it just sounds too interesting to pass it by. So here's a little bell instrument made in Kontakt. Bell recordings have been widely stretched and reinforced by a layer of electronic bell sound, obtained from self resonating filter (recorded from Moogerfooger LPF, volume envelope shaped digitally). It sounds like this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/midnight_bell.rar"><b>Get it here</b></a>, if you like it. Only 10MB download, requires full version of Kontakt 5.6.6. There's no manual and GUI is a sonic mystery for you to solve. A perfect companion for <b><a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2016/12/spookomatic.html">Spookomatic</a></b>.SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-76717446690505628592017-05-02T18:14:00.000-07:002017-05-02T18:14:18.082-07:00Beat Knitter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/knittershot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/knittershot.png" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
Beat Knitter is a tiny drum machine and random drum pattern generator for Kontakt. It features a one-click-pattern generator, I've been experimenting with, it attempts to create a consistent random four track beat of bass drum, snare and open/closed hat. After some strangely complicated machines, this one has a simple approach: press the button, get a random beat.<br />
The instrument has a very simple sound set, consisting of few one shot sounds. It has a basic four track sequencer, you can control overall velocity and a speed rate of each track. Besides one-button pattern generator, there are several other automated functions, some different, more or less random pattern generators and several pattern transformations, tracks can be shuffled, mirrored, de-synchronized, inverted and even there's 4x4 field 45 degree rotation, so you can play the pattern upward-down...<br />
Drum pattern can be exported to MIDI clip anytime, via drag'n'drop, so the machine can be used to quickly sketch different variations of a beat to use with another instrument.<br />
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Here's how it works:<br />
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The machine is free to get and make noise with. <a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/beat_knitter.rar">Download here</a>. You will need full version of NI Kontakt 5.6.6 to run it. Leave me a note if you find it fun, or useful, or garbage.SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-20048595480348377422017-02-17T06:52:00.000-08:002017-02-18T07:32:13.933-08:00Recording generated MIDI to drag'n'drop object in KontaktSomeone asked me to add MIDI drag'n'drop function to <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2017/01/rhythm-assembler.html">Rhythm Assembler</a> sequencer. Apparently, in some DAWs recording MIDI notes generated by Kontakt is not quite trouble free. While adding this function to Rhythm Assembler would be a bit of a hassle, I thought, that capturing generated notes live and making the recording a drag'n'drop object inside Kontakt would be quite easy.<br />
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So, here's this simple script named "MIDI catch'n'drop". It will memorize all note on/note off messages (both send into Kontakt and those generated by instrument scripts) and write them into a drag'n'drop MIDI object. Suppose, you want to export a drum pattern from Kontakt instrument to MIDI. You load the instrument, put the catch'n'drop into empty script slot, press "start recording" button, start the drum sequencer, wait for the pattern to play through<b> </b>and then drag'n'drop midi pattern to your DAW or file system.<br />
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Some notes:<br />
When you press "start recording" button, previous recording is deleted.<br />
The script will only record notes generated by the instrument it's placed into and by scripts placed in previous script slots. So, it's best to place it in the last script slot.<br />
Essentially this script is thought to help with instruments, which do not use MIDI object functionality. Instruments which actually use MIDI data, may have drag'n'drop function already available. Also note, that whenever you start recording in catch'n'drop script, it clears MIDI buffer in Kontakt. So, if the instrument is using MIDI object for note patterns, it will not play back anything, as the MIDI pattern will be deleted.<br />
This script only records note on/note off messages.<br />
While recording, the script will display buffer status and time of recording. Buffer defines how many notes you can record. When it goes to zero, the recording will stop and script will display message "buffer is full". Default buffer setting is 10000, so the script can record up to 5000 notes (two messages per note). You can rise buffer size in the script, changing $MIDI_BUFFER_SIZE, up to one million. Time is displayed in MIDI ticks (960 ticks per quarter note here).<br />
If you plan to create a file, rather than dropping pattern straight into a DAW, you can change generated file name. Just double click "file_name" and enter new name. Note that it may not be possible while sequencer is running (it's Kontakt's "feature").<br />
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You can get the script here:<br />
<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/midi_catch.zip"><b>as preset file</b></a><br />
<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/midi_catch.txt"><b>or in plain text</b></a><br />
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Use at your own risk! This script is provided ‘as is’ and there is no warranty of any kind.SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-58445347973000645882017-01-22T11:31:00.000-08:002017-02-04T17:26:59.039-08:00Rhythm Assembler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinukCfdTlZOoGBoX6c-NUrHq8Ievy4ZpW8T3F2N5qrOMZLn6phynsBSUVDgwC9RkI0zw97U34-NqpAvM8m6SRFB8-AfTX8De25MNkFOI2M8XPkDwmd0fGALXEtWx6FT03QnvHdcUtQ8Jc/s1600/main.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinukCfdTlZOoGBoX6c-NUrHq8Ievy4ZpW8T3F2N5qrOMZLn6phynsBSUVDgwC9RkI0zw97U34-NqpAvM8m6SRFB8-AfTX8De25MNkFOI2M8XPkDwmd0fGALXEtWx6FT03QnvHdcUtQ8Jc/s320/main.png" width="320" /></a></div>
And now something completely different... A step sequencer.<br />
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Well, it really is a bit different. Rhythm Assembler is a drum computer script I wrote for Kontakt, remains of a cancelled project. Usually a step sequencer has a regular grid, you can use to place notes. Here, you define the grid structure, assuming there's a note at every step. It may seem backwards, but once you overcome old habits, it may be simpler to do it this way. Example, you want a four on the floor, you only need to program one step. Also, I feel, breaking down a rhythm to such formula, gives me a better understanding, of how the rhythm works.<br />
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The machine offers 8 sequence tracks, each can have a different grid sequence with different cycle loop. Grid step is defined as a multiplication or fraction of base duration, like "1 quarter note", "3 sixteenth notes", "1/3 half note" or "3/4 whole note". On top of that you can program a repeat sequence, telling the machine how many times to repeat a grid step. Considering both sequences can have a different loop cycle, it is possible to program fairly complex rhythms with a simple formula. Also the sequencer is not bound to a time signature, you can program odd, irregular rhythms, rhythms with asymmetric measures.<br />
Another, somewhat uncommon feature of the sequencer is the "humanizer" function, which not only can delay notes by random duration, but can play them too early as well. This "timing error" function can be configured separately for each track.<br />
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And here's a quick overview video:<br />
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Rhythm Assembler is just a script, it comes with no samples and no instrument patches. There are script preset files, you can add to an existing instrument. Which is also the reason, there is no custom graphic interface and the background is black (for the workaround to disable instrument's background image). The script requires Kontakt 5.6.5 or later to work. It could be rather easily ported to any earlier version of Kontakt 5 and with some work and (loosing option to rename sounds) to Kontakt 4.<br />
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The script is free to download and use (although it's not free to re-distribute). <b><a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/rhythm_assembler.zip">DOWNLOAD IT HERE</a></b>. To install the script, you need to locate Kontakt's user preset/scripts folder and copy the "Rhythm Assembler" directory there. There are several example presets, with pre-programmed rhythms and an "empty" preset.<br />
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There's some further beta development, you can <a href="https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=477791">follow here</a> (scroll down the thread).SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-31258071348026984562016-12-13T16:05:00.004-08:002020-10-11T16:27:04.283-07:00Spookomatic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/spookyfront.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/spookyfront.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Spookomatic is one of a kind instrument for generating eerie ambiances, melancholic pads and ghastly atmospheres. It is using multiple layers of melodic sounds, background ambiances and sequenced environment noises, all being dynamically transformed by an array of step sequenced modulators, to create an organic, rich, living soundscapes. As the name suggests, the instrument is focused on chilly, mysterious and creepy tones, while not being deadly serious. Like a generic horror flick, it's a bit scary and a little silly, but unlike such kind of a movie, it can be quite unpredictable.<br />
Spookomatic is self-configuring sound machine, it automatically creates random patches, which can be tweaked afterwards. Just press the shuffle button and hear what you can find, it's a sort of a ghost in the machine.<br />
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Here's a how it sounds, in a compilation of different patches:<br />
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And here's a brief guide to user interface:<br />
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There are eleven step sequencers per layer, modulating parameters, like pan, tune, filters cutoff and send effect levels. What is uncommon about the sequencers, is that the sequence can be interpolated, that is, the parameter values can change gradually in between sequence steps, according to different curves. Each sequencer can run at different speed and different cycle, creating quite non-repetitive, yet tempo synchronized textures.<br />
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Here's how modulation sequencers work:<br />
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Spookomatic in cold numbers:<br />
<ul>
<li>21 melodic sound sources, created with acoustic instruments (guitars, reed organ, voice, non-musical objects), vintage analog synthesizer and digital synthesis,</li>
<li>30 types of background noise from field recordings, or digital sound manipulation,</li>
<li>192 noise fragments to create sequenced ambiance,</li>
<li>up to 10 sound layers,</li>
<li>up to 110 modulation sequencers,</li>
<li>4 instrument configurations,</li>
<li>144 selected presets,</li>
<li>999999999 possible patches.</li>
</ul>
The instrument requires full version of NI Kontakt sampler, version 5.5.2, or newer to run. Depending on patch, it may be rather CPU intensive (there's a lot going on under the hood).<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.lootaudio.com/category/kontakt-instruments/szcz/spookomatic">It's available at Loot Audio.</a></b><br />
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This instrument is new take on the idea, I was exploring with <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2014/09/scape-o-matic.html">older, free instrument, Scape-o-matic</a>. It has similar character and engine, though Spookomatic takes it to a new level.SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-14893494103034101852016-11-04T17:11:00.000-07:002016-11-04T17:23:03.226-07:00Chop Shop update 1.1<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/chop-11.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/chop-11.png" /></a>I made a small update to Chop Shop, sound collage automaton. Slice duration can be now defined as note fraction (synchronized with tempo/sequencer step interval). To change duration mode, click on duration label and select from drop-down menu. Also there are different knob pointer shapes to select (say hi to pac-knob).<br />
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See <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2016/10/chop-shop.html">Chop Shop post</a>, or <a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/ChopShop.rar">get it right here</a>. Full version of Kontakt 5.5.2 is required to open the program.<br />
<br />SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-32857819097280231122016-10-12T16:00:00.003-07:002016-10-14T15:02:10.989-07:00Chop Shop<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/chopshop.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/chopshop.png" height="176" width="320" /></a>This sound machine took a long while to build, mainly because there was always something else in the way. Possibly it is the most confusing one, which might be the reason I have been putting it aside for so many times.<br />
I have been using this tool to automate sample chopping and slice sequencing for experimental/glitch/collage kind of music. There is a sequencer, which aside from playing sample slices, can be programmed, to change its parameters at certain points of the sequence. For example, it can be set to increase sample playback offset every second sequence step and/or set different filter cutoff every 6th sequence step. At higher level it can remember several sequence parameters and play those in defined order to create complicated structures. As many of instruments I created, it takes advantage of seed based pseudo-random number generator, so any event can be set to random, derived and re-played from initial seed number. This way you an completely change the output of a complicated structure, simply by changing the seed.<br />
In the following video, I play around loading different presets and changing general parameters. Offset, seed and sample knobs in effect panel modify those values throughout any program sequence, playing with them on presets is an easy way to start having fun with Chop Shop.<br />
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The machine is designed to use sound fragments (parts of a more or less finished tracks) and re-organize them, in a way unrelated to original tempo. In other words, it doesn't use multisamples and it's not suitable to chop 'beats'. It is however synchronized to host's tempo. I included a set of somewhat random samples. Custom samples can be used, but you will need to rename and replace the sample files.<br />
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To play with Chop Shop, you will need full version of NI Kontakt sampler 5.5.2 or newer. The instrument is free to use, <a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/ChopShop.rar">you can get it HERE</a>, it's 62MB file. It comes with fairly confusing manual in PDF file. If you don't get it, read the manual (I can't guarantee it will help though). Have fun.<br />
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A note on presets: This instrument is using its own preset system, presets should be in /presets/ folder. Each preset is being saved in two separate files, it should be possible to trade/exchange/copy presets files between different instrument copies.<br />
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And here's small intro to programming the critter...<br />
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SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-50459154658630121222016-03-30T19:13:00.001-07:002020-10-11T16:28:29.217-07:00BassmeisterI assembled a Kontakt bass instrument crudely nick-named Bassmeister, which is <a href="https://www.lootaudio.com/category/kontakt-instruments/szcz/Bassmeister"><b>now available on Loot Audio</b>.</a>.. The samples were created with rare, vintage bass piano.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/basset2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/basset2.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>
I bought the piano sometime in early 90s (took me a while to get to sample it), the guy who was selling it, advertised it as "The Doors bass". He was referring to Rhodes bass piano used by Ray Manzarek, but this box was no Rhodes. The piano is "Basset II" made by East German accordion manufacturer Weltmeister. Not to be confused with Hohner's Basset, which is electronic keyboard. Weltmeister's Bassset I, is somewhat noticeable on the Internet, as it's a keytar, it has been produced from early to late 60s. Version II has lost the handle along with proud name of keytar and has different casing, but from what I can tell of version I pictures, the interior is very similar. Unlike Rhodes, this critter is using a set of metal stripes (in place of metal rods) built into a comb shaped pickup. The mechanism of making the stripes vibrate is rather unique. There is a lever mechanism which lifts the stipe up, until it slips off its edge, which is similar to the way you play a kalimba with fingers. Lever mechanism is simple, yet quite fragile. It would explain, why there is not many of these still in working condition. My unit has five broken or missing levers, however, as the lever design is the same for all keys, I could use one of working levers, for sampling separate keys. Which was just a lot of screwdriver work. At the side there is a kind of volume modulation pedal, which doesn't work very well, probably because of aged parts. The bad thing about this piano is resonance, it's enough to tap the case harder and all the stripes start to resonate, interfering with playing keys. It might be partly because of aged (and cheaply made) sponge dumpers. For sampling I used two small towels to quiet unused stripes, the amount of work it would take to secure them all, would rather indicate a design flaw.<br />
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For Kontakt instrument I used two velocity layers and five polyphonic round robin samples per key. By polyphonic round robin I mean, there is separate round robin counter for every key. Key velocity doesn't really matter in instrument's design, but hitting a key really hard make a distinctive initial distortion sound, so I made a separate high velocity layer. The instrument has selectable filters, distortion, LFO and envelope modulators for some creative sound shaping. It requires f<span class="wrapper">ull version of Kontakt 5.5.1 or newer to work.</span><br />
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<span class="wrapper">Finally, here's a video overview of the Kontakt instrument.</span><br />
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<span class="wrapper"> </span>SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-2077296129740562762016-02-19T17:05:00.001-08:002020-10-11T16:29:44.238-07:00Beat Assembler XT<span class="wrapper">Beat Assembler XT is drum computer instrument based on experimental design, extended version of previously posted <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2015/12/beat-assembler.html">Beat Assembler 48</a>. It is using randomly or manually generated pattern model, which is then being used as basis for creating a drum sequence. The machine is using series of quantizers and sound mappers to re-shape model pattern, fitting it into a time-frame of choice, allowing user to observe the results on the fly.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/xt_montage.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/xt_montage.jpg" width="181" /></a><span class="wrapper">New and expanded features in XT version:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="wrapper">bigger master sequence size (128 notes) and more optimized calculations, which it would require,</span></li>
<li><span class="wrapper">99999 automatic pattern generator presets,</span></li>
<li><span class="wrapper">up to 16 voice groups,</span></li>
<li><span class="wrapper">drag'n'drop MIDI export, drop final pattern directly to DAW, or to a file manager to create a midi file,</span></li>
<li><span class="wrapper">preset system, 10 memory slots and support for saving sequences to a file (so they can be loaded into another Beat Assembler patch),</span></li>
<li><span class="wrapper">displacer mechanism, introduce 'little changes' to a pattern with single knob,</span></li>
<li><span class="wrapper">expanded manual editor with handful of new tweaks (including copy/paste mechanism, so you can drop a portion of one pattern into another easily),</span></li>
<li><span class="wrapper">filter bank access, filter type can be set quickly from drop-down menu, for each voice group individually,</span></li>
<li><span class="wrapper">resizeable drum kit, makes it easy to create custom drum kits, use the machine as sample shell,</span></li>
<li><span class="wrapper">12 patches, including a re-creation of obscure polish analog drum machine from the 80's (which I took apart and soldered voice on/off switches, so I could capture each sound separately and then hand programmed re-constructed rhythm patterns in Beat Assembler),</span></li>
<li><span class="wrapper">36 hand programmed patterns (as opposed to automatically generated ones) to experiment with (can be loaded from file in nka format),</span></li>
<li><span class="wrapper">five background variations, change the machine looks in setup panel,</span></li>
<li><span class="wrapper">and, as usual, a fairly confusing manual in strange English.</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="wrapper">Here's a video overview, jamming with three instances of Beat Assembler in standalone Kontakt:</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4IErVDUplL8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4IErVDUplL8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span class="wrapper"><a href="https://www.lootaudio.com/category/kontakt-instruments/szcz/beat-assembler-drum-machine-kontakt">Beat Assembler XT is available on Loot Audio.</a></span><br /><br />
<span class="wrapper">It requires full version of Kontakt 5.5.1 or newer to run (Free version will run on Kontakt 4, but XT is actually using Kontakt's new features, like changing filter type from script).</span>SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-51399296290287245592016-02-07T14:32:00.000-08:002016-02-07T14:32:25.500-08:00Beat Assembler updateI made a small, but rather important update to <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2015/12/beat-assembler.html">Beat Assembler</a> drum computer. Playback timing calculations have been improved, so the machine should not drift off set tempo. At least not quickly (in previous version it would be apparent after couple of measures). If you're using it, please <a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/Beat_Assembler.rar">re-download</a>.<br />
Extended version is just around the corner...SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-46152763421973427572016-01-01T19:50:00.002-08:002017-02-08T13:10:24.075-08:00On reversing instruments in KontaktI wonder how would that piano sound backwards... That probably crossed every sampler user mind, at least once. Well, Kontakt has 'reverse' button, press it and Kontakt will play the samples backwards. However, the problem is, samples often have very long tails, so it takes a while until you can hear the sound and it's useless for dynamic playing. You would want to play the sample, but not from the beginning (or the end, depending on how we look at it). For this 'offset' parameter can be used, it tells the sampler from which point in the sample it should start playback. Now, another problem is, that samples have different lengths. To have more or less consistent volume envelope, when playing chords, you would want all played samples to reach the end of sample (reversed beginning) at the same time. Since offset is calculated from the beginning of the sample, and for reversed playback, from it's end, it's problematic. You would need to know the sample length for each note to calculate the proper offset. Considering velocity layers, it can be a lot of coding.<br />
I wanted it, to be done automatically for any instrument, so I could play around with sound reversing. I came with somewhat crude solution, I wrote a script which will retrieve sample length for every note and every velocity in a group, remember it and apply offset accordingly when playing. To fetch the data for any sample set, I needed the script to actually play each note, so it could retrieve zone id and then sample length. Scanning takes a while, but in the end it's way faster, than doing it by hand. Here's a little presentation of reversing Kontakt's factory sitar.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/g1miT8B33HM/default.jpg?sqp=CLD6nLQF&rs=AOn4CLD9YKY6bZ7T-mrP6JRR87YksXLShA" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g1miT8B33HM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/reverse_offset_adjust_script.rar">You can get the script here.</a> Both a preset file (which need to be copied to your Kontakt/presets/scripts folder) and as plain text that can be copied into Kontakt. It will work in Kontakt 4 or newer.<br />
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The shortcomings of this solutions are:<br />
<ul>
<li>You can only use one group for reverse playing, so no round robin backwards.</li>
<li>It will work best on instruments build on sample per note basis. If samples are re-tuned, playback speed will vary and since offset is provided in microseconds, it will get misaligned. The more tune change, the more misalignment. To compensate for this, script would need to learn root key for each sample, which I don't know how to automatically retrieve in KSP.</li>
</ul>
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About using the script:<br />
<ul>
<li>First locate the group you want to reverse and set 'targ.group' accordingly. First group has index of zero.</li>
<li>Change sampler mode to 'sampler'. Disadvantage here is, that it will load all samples to memory, but offset parameter doesn't work in DFD mode. If you need to use DFD, you would have to edit 's.mod' value in wave editor to match sample length. And do that for every sample. No fun.</li>
<li>Switch reverse button!</li>
<li>You can adjust 'interval' setting, it's time to take to scan single note/velocity combination in microseconds. Lower the setting to scan faster. However I found that at low settings, the script failed to retrieve data correctly, 500 didn't work for me, 1000 did, but this may depend on settings/setup. I would consider 3000 a safe setting.</li>
<li>Now press scan button and wait for it to complete. If you need to break the process press it again.</li>
<li>Scanned data will be remembered in DAW project / patch, so if instrument/project is saved, you don't need to scan again.</li>
<li>Note that, the scanner will skip any note that hasn't a sample mapped at velocity of 1, to speed up scanning process.</li>
<li>Position knob sets the offset value, that is how far from the beginning should playback start. You can adjust this value while playing. Try not to exceed shortest sample length, or shorter samples will get misaligned.</li>
<li>When duration knob is set to zero, samples will play as long as the key is held (or until they reach the beginning of a sample). Any other setting will generate notes of fixed duration, defined in percentage of offset setting. You can use it, to prevent playback to reach the beginning of the sample and for smoother sound tail, if combined with volume envelope.</li>
<li>This script can interfere with other scripts, particularly those which also do ignore_event, play_note sequence, like factory portamento script, so you may need to disable other scripts, if it doesn't work. </li>
<li>Have fun reversing!</li>
</ul>
<br />SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-37190424486183912982015-12-31T12:17:00.000-08:002015-12-31T12:17:49.471-08:00Happy New YearJust one sample for today. I recorded firing up fireworks battery, grimly named "Dracula". <a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/fireworks-2015-2016.rar">Here's 40 seconds of colorful mayhem</a> (I assume it was colorful, as I was watching level meters...), captured with Sony PCM-D50, 96kHz, 24 bit, stereo, 18MB in rar file. Free to grab and use as you please. Happy New Year!<br />
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<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/fireworks-2015.mp3">mp3 preview here</a>SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-16381363182117168112015-12-08T13:48:00.000-08:002017-01-23T13:13:18.358-08:00Beat Assembler 48<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/beata48.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/beata48.png" height="189" width="320" /></a>This experiment took me a while to complete and it made me scratch my head pretty hard a couple of times. I wanted a drum machine in Kontakt, that wouldn't be bound to 4/4 signature and standard time grid. Also I wanted to break with table based patterns and have visual presentation more like in a DAW.<br />
Beat Assembler does that and more. It's a drum machine with sequencer, which can generate automatic program according to preset scheme and set of parameters. It creates a master pattern which then is being fit into a time-frame, matching current tempo and time signature. The pattern can be quantized to defined grid, which can use a range of unusual note fractions, like 1/5 or 6/11, everything being visualized on the fly. The machine also lets you define time signature manually, so you're not limited to 4/4 in standalone mode, furthermore allowing some irrational settings like 4/3 or 5/7. So, if you like to experiment with strange percussion patterns, you may enjoy this one.<br />
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Additional features include:<br />
<ul>
<li>four voice groups with automated distribution, where you can set effects and modulation parameters for each group;</li>
<li>manual sequence editor, so you can move notes around the grid; </li>
<li>note recorder, so you can play a pattern by keyboard and then quantize it inside out.</li>
</ul>
Here's a video, where I'm trying out the machine:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ta_aqCK5yIA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ta_aqCK5yIA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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Beat Assembler is free to get and play with. It requires full version of Native Instruments Kontakt 4 or newer. <b><a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/Beat_Assembler.rar">Download it HERE</a></b>. 6 MB, RAR archive. Have fun!<br />
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If you like the idea, I have made paid, expanded version of the machine, named Beat Assembler XT, <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2016/02/beat-assembler-xt.html">you can read about it here</a>.<br />
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Concerning the midi export as requested in the comment, Kontakt 4 can't write midi files. But it does output midi! All you need to do is to go to 'options > engine > send midi to outside world' and make sure 'script generated notes' option is selected. Now, if your DAW supports it, you can patch Kontakt's midi output to a midi track and start recording right away. Beat Assembler XT does export midi clips via drag'n'drop mechanism in Kontakt 5.<br />
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<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/kontaktmidi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/kontaktmidi.png" height="189" width="320" /></a></div>
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SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-76411438943667248562015-12-04T09:51:00.001-08:002020-10-11T16:31:03.885-07:00Rekombinator<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/montage.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/gfx/montage.png" width="192" /></a>Rekombinator is new instrument/sample shell for Kontakt, I've been working on. It takes a sample, splits it to fragments and re-sequences them to create new sounds. It can restructure drum loops, create evolving drone pads, glitch effects or turn a voice into robotic madness. In short, it's lot of fun. At least it has been for me.<br />
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This instrument requires full version of NI Kontakt 4.24 or newer and is <b><a href="https://www.lootaudio.com/category/kontakt-instruments/szcz/rekombinator">available at Loot Audio</a></b>.<br />
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If you'd like to examine detailed description, here's <a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/rekombinator.pdf">fairly confusing operator's manual in funny English</a>.<br />
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And here you can see it in action:<br />
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<br />SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-42416797590166704922015-07-13T18:16:00.000-07:002015-07-13T18:16:30.175-07:00The Device<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHms-QyI8yEVSpkhiUAOOZEYOhLGEGa-PhqZeODLxyND6yQUcIx8fBbU2hDSvBxoUxjUDvTmZCjgs6nDXe1OuhUWv7hZ6iMKoy9ECffKOgOa0bMRe0DMv-2UAKkyCDWZio3PXK2erHaFw/s1600/device.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHms-QyI8yEVSpkhiUAOOZEYOhLGEGa-PhqZeODLxyND6yQUcIx8fBbU2hDSvBxoUxjUDvTmZCjgs6nDXe1OuhUWv7hZ6iMKoy9ECffKOgOa0bMRe0DMv-2UAKkyCDWZio3PXK2erHaFw/s320/device.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Device is yet another instrument in series of automatic noise sequencer toys for Kontakt, that I have been tinkering with. I consider it more or less a failed experiment, I'm not sure, if it grew too complicated or I just have lost the drive for it. I was planning to just bury it deep down a hard drive, but after a little hesitation, I decided to share it for free, as it is. This machine is in 'almost finished' state, meaning that it is basically fully working, but it lacks documentation and deeper testing, both of which likely won't happen anytime soon.<br />
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This space age instrument can play back a 10 layer set of sound sequences, along with sequenced modulators program. Sequences can be picked randomly, picked by an id number or programmed by hand, although the last option is somewhat tedious task. The instrument is using two main sample sets. 'Space circuits' set is analog electronic, created with <a href="http://www.vintagesynth.com/sci/stk.php">an old Sequential Circuits synthesizer</a>. 'Alien waveforms' set is mainly made of acoustic recordings, stretched and re-shaped digitally. Together there are 160 wav samples, 44,1 Mhz/ 16 bit. And here's a 'glimpse through' the device's interface and possibilities.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/twlEFz4_HkI/default.jpg?sqp=CLzAka0F&rs=AOn4CLARcjNsqDsxFewzwYqOG4pZQhyqQQ" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/twlEFz4_HkI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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If you would like to explore this machine, you can <b><a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/TheDevice.rar">download it HERE</a></b>, 12MB rar archive. Note that you need full version of Native Instruments Kontakt sampler, version 4.24 or newer to make it work.<br />
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There is no manual and I'm currently not planning to write one, however I can offer some tips:<br />
<ul>
<li>Use 'info pane' feature, all controls should have some explanation there.</li>
<li>There are three patches which are different in maximum step sequencer size, basic version has 48 steps, other patches offer 64 and 96 steps sequences.</li>
<li>When automatic modulation is off, you can set layer properties (tune, filter cutoff and such) by hand, using display panel.</li>
<li>Memory will only store automatically generated programs.</li>
<li>You can also save spatial effects configuration and current kit in memory, using optional save switch.</li>
<li>Modulators can be bypassed completely in automation panel, volume modulator is bypassed by default.</li>
<li>Pitch table in setup panel is obsolete, basically it has no function anymore.</li>
<li>Structure knob overwrites settings in setup panel, manual edits to those settings will be saved as current structure knob settings.</li>
<li>Yes, it is fairly confusing device.</li>
<li>To use custom samples simply drag samples into existing groups, the machine assumes samples are assigned starting from note 0, after changing group contents update 'sample count' setting for given layer/group in sequencer monitor. You can use auto 'detect' button.</li>
<li>Change group names to re-name layers.</li>
<li>Locking a layer will prevent the machine from automatically writing layer sequences, but they can still be edited manually.</li>
<li>MIDI keys functions can be edited freely.</li>
<li>This instrument is largely similar to <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2015/02/cracklebot-vinyl-noise-machine.html">Cracklebot</a> and <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2014/12/haunted-jukebox-sound-exploration-device.html">Haunted Jukebox</a>, which actually have manuals. <a href="http://waveforms.fairlyconfusing.net/2015/06/sonocipher-cryptology-dead-end-project.html">Sonocipher</a> is basically The Device with different sample-set and GUI.</li>
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SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2764328693868431540.post-91470545403579094422015-06-25T07:42:00.000-07:002015-06-25T07:42:31.876-07:00Radiostatic Percussion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Radiostatic Percussion is experimental electronic percussion sample set I have created from radio static noise and interferences. I hooked up an old Japanese radio receiver from late 70's to self oscillating Moog low pass filter and I've been dialing through waves of white noise, strange buzz broadcasts and radio interferences. Then I have sliced these recordings and digitally re-shaped the volume envelope to make them resemble percussion sounds.<br />
The result is quite unique set of warm, noisy, lo-fi, analog electronic percussion hits and effects. When sequenced into a drum pattern, it sounds like this:<br />
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<a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/radiostatic.mp3">http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/radiostatic.mp3</a><br />
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Selected sample set from this experiment is available for free <a href="http://www.fairlyconfusing.net/docs/Radiostatic_Percussion_selected_set.rar"><b>right here</b></a>. There are 50 one shot samples in wav container, 44 kHz, 16 bit, 1,5 MB zipped. If you like it, the full set of 166 samples is <a href="http://sampleism.com/szcz/radiostatic"><b>available from Sampleism</b></a> at a price.SzcZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10156535592281882366noreply@blogger.com0