FRCTL Launches GRN: Innovative Granular Effect Plugin

FRCTL has introduced GRN, a granular effect plugin designed for macOS, Windows, and Linux. This plugin is unique in its ability to break incoming audio into granular fragments ranging from 10 to 500 milliseconds. It then rearranges these grains with various effects such as pitch shifting, stereo scatter, and time manipulation.

Key Features of GRN

One of the standout features of GRN is its tempo synchronization, which allows for note divisions from 1/1 to 1/32. Additionally, the plugin supports scale quantization, enabling users to force grains to adhere to Major or Minor scales. Users can also enjoy reverse grain playback, pitch jitter that randomizes grain tuning by up to 12 semitones, and built-in high-pass and low-pass filters.

The plugin also offers real-time waveform and grain visualization, which enhances the user experience.

Core Controls

  • Size: Adjusts grain length (10-500ms).
  • Density: Controls grains per second (0.5-50, tempo-syncable).
  • Spread: Determines stereo width.
  • Spray: Time scatter, indicating how far back in the 2-second buffer grains are pulled from.
  • Pitch: Global shift of ±24 semitones.
  • Mix: Controls the dry/wet balance.

What It’s Good For

GRN excels in creating evolving ambient textures from static sounds and generating rhythmic glitch effects that are synchronized to tempo. It is particularly useful for sound design in film and games, and it can transform drum loops into pitched instruments through scale quantization. The plugin’s Spray parameter sets it apart, allowing it to pull grains from random moments in the audio buffer, resulting in unpredictable and evolving textures.

Pricing & Availability

Price
Intro: $9.99
Regular: $29.00

Watch the Demo

YouTube video player

👍 Pros

  • Unique granular audio manipulation
  • Tempo synchronization for creative control
  • Real-time visualization of waveform

👎 Cons

  • Limited to VST3 format