This one took quite a bit of research, but I guess it’s finally ready for publishing (phew!). So, the latest edition of bpb Freeware Studio features a list of the best free granulator VST/AU plugins for Windows and Mac.
The list is split into two parts, where the extended list adds some less conventional granulizer plugins which I think are still pretty awesome. Also, please note that this article features only effects – I’ll be dealing with granular synthesizers soon.
Follow the links for screenshots & download info:
- Argotlunar 2 by Michael Ourednik (Linux, Mac, Windows)
- Fragmental by ndc Plugs (Windows)
- GGrain by GVST (Windows)
- GrainMaker by ToneCarver (Windows)
- Granulator by Riccardo Sinigaglia (Windows)
- grANALiser by Morfiki (Windows)
- Hadron by Partikkel Audio (Mac, Windows)
KTGranulator by [email protected] (Mac, Windows)- Pudding by Tweakbench (Windows)
sg-grainfed by synthgeek (Windows)- Smear by ++Audio (Mac, Windows)
Extended List: +bubbler, dblue_Stretch, Muchacha, organik 2 fx, particlecloud, Pseudograins, relofter, sideslip, stwETCH.
Argotlunar 2 and KTGranulator are my two favorite free granulator effects. Both plugins allow lots of control over the grains and are incredibly fun to experiment with. However, Argotlunar has been dissapearing from the web from time to time, so here’s an alternative link in case it goes down again.
KTGranulator by [email protected]
UPDATE: KTGranulator is now a commercial plugin called SaltyGrain. You can purchase it for $69 via SampleSumo. The free version is (sadly) not available anymore. Thanks to our readers bmovie and Ken Downey for the report!
grANALiser is a great free granulator by Morfiki. The version pictured below is called grANALiser 4 Kids. In the normal version, the robot is scratching the blonde girl’s back.
grANALiser 4 Kids by Morfiki.
Smear is a somewhat different kind of granulator effect. It creates four randomly sized grains from the input signal, which are then further manipulated by the user. It’s also possible to feed the granulated signal back into the buffer. Neat!
Smear by ++Audio.
Finally, if you’re still wondering what the hell these weird granulator things are, check out this nifty video introduction by How To Make Electronic Music:
And that’s all for today. What’s your favorite granulator VST? Any cool uses for a granulator plugin you’d like to share? Have I missed listing a great plugin? Leave it all in the comments section. Thanks for reading BPB!
12 Comments
michael
ongrANALiser is a f******g beast!
It’s great to create alien soundscapes with.
And Tom Erbe’s excellent Bubbler: http://www.soundhack.com/freeware/
ben son
onYes, ++bubbler is a wonderful granular pitch-delay with a convenient control of musical pitch. I use it quite often. I’m wondering, why this amazing plug-in is not on the list of the best.
RB
onDoes anyone have a copy or a link to Pseudograins?
Stef
onHourGlass is great: https://xenakios.wordpress.com/downloads/
Edson
onhi guys, do you think it is possible to achieve neo´s getting into the matrix voice effect with any of these plugins?
Adam
onI’m looking for the exact same thing lol. This is the first time the whole internet seems to not be able to help. I really need to recreate the ‘Neo is traced’ vocal effect for a track I’m doing. I’ve been searching and trying for 2 weeks now with no joy lol.
Adam
onI’m looking for the exact same thing lol. This is the first time the whole internet seems to not be able to help. I really need to recreate the ‘Neo is traced’ vocal effect for a track I’m doing. I’ve been searching and trying for 2 weeks now with no joy lol.
ben son
onIt’s worth to mention Michael Norris’ Spectral Granulation. It has a different approach compared to other granular plug-ins because it operates in the frequency domain (by using FFT) instead in the time domain. This leads to a completely different sound aesthetic.
https://www.michaelnorris.info/software/soundmagic-spectral
Tomislav Zlatic
onThanks for the tip, I’ll check it out!