FRCTL Audio GRNi Granular Sampler: Per-Note Grain Streams

FRCTL Audio has released GRNi, a new granular sampler plugin that turns any sample into a playable instrument. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux in VST3, AU, CLAP, and standalone formats. The launch price is $34.99, up from the regular $44.99, for the first two weeks.

Per-Note Grain Streams

GRNi differs from typical granular samplers by giving each held note its own grain stream. When you play a chord, each note reads its own window into the sample. This makes chords bloom rather than thin out. The density is per voice, drawing from a pool of 64 grains. You can adjust grain size, density, drift, and stereo width.

Two Blendable Layers

You can load a second sample into layer B. Each layer has its own selection, level, pan, and tune. The BLEND control decides which layer each new grain comes from. This creates a living crossfade, not a static mix. Each layer holds up to 60 seconds of audio at 48 kHz, or 30 seconds at 96 kHz.

Playable Instrument Features

GRNi offers mono, legato, and poly voicing with up to 16 voices. It includes portamento with curve control and a playable on-screen keyboard. MPE support is built in, with per-note pitch bend, pressure, and slide. The pitch section includes a scale mode with ten scales, keeping scattered grains in key.

Modulation and Effects

Three LFOs, three envelopes, and four macros provide modulation, all drag-and-drop. A step sequencer can create rhythmic grain patterns. The FX rack has ten slots, reorderable, with effects like bitcrusher, chorus, reverb, delay, and more. Each effect has six knobs and a mix control.

Presets and Compatibility

GRNi includes 52 factory presets in seven categories. Presets only store engine settings, not samples, so you can audition presets with your own material. The interface is resizable from 75% to 150%. It works in any host that supports VST3, AU, or CLAP.

Features