Big Fish Audio has released Momentum, a freeware loop slicer and multi-effect sound player virtual instrument for PC and Mac.
Momentum is an audio player with built-in multi-effects and beat slicing capabilities, available in VST, AU, and AAX plugin formats for digital audio workstations on PC and Mac. The software is compatible with 64-bit plugin hosts only. Momentum also includes a free 1.8 GB sample pack, which contains a selection of Big Fish Audio’s best-selling samples and loops.
See also: Best FREE Sampler VST PluginsSo, let’s start with Momentum’s most important feature. The plugin can load any existing WAV files on your hard drive. It is fully compatible with third-party loops, and you’re not forced into purchasing any Big Fish Audio sample libraries as a pre-requisite for using the software. That said, the built-in browser on the left side of the interface can be used for browsing your existing Big Fish Audio products and purchasing additional libraries.
Momentum can load multiple audio files simultaneously. Every audio file, be it a one-shot sample or a loop, will be assigned to an audio channel with adjustable volume, pan, and pitch parameters. Once you’ve loaded an audio loop, Momentum will automatically cut it into slices that will be mapped to individual MIDI notes. These slices can be treated with up to eight different effects. There are actually eighteen effects in total, but only up to eight can be used per channel.
Thanks to its intuitive user interface, Momentum can be used to drastically modify audio loops in a matter of seconds. Each slice is treated separately, so you can distort a kick drum, pitch down a snare, and then add flanger and reverb to a hi-hat while reversing it. This is all done very quickly by clicking and dragging the mouse across the waveform. You can simply “draw in” the intensity and character of each effect for every slice.
The most apparent use for Momentum would be processing drum loops to add interest and motion. But you can also experiment with mangling guitar recordings, vocals, or basslines. The software will automatically sync to the host application’s tempo setting, so it’s super easy to fire up an instance of Momentum and play around with editing audio loops.
Momentum can be downloaded entirely free of charge from Big Fish Audio’s website. I have to say that this is one of the most hassle-free software installation and activation experiences I’ve had in a while. The installation package can be downloaded directly from the product page, with no registration required. Once installed, you will need to activate the software by logging in to your Big Fish Audio user account. But even if you don’t have an account already, you can easily create one from the comfort of your DAW and start using the plugin immediately. Big Fish Audio doesn’t even require you to verify your email address.
So, Momentum is free to use, with no strings attached. You can use it to turn existing audio loops and recordings into something far more interesting. What’s not to like?
More info: Momentum (60.06 MB download size, EXE installer, 64-bit VST/AU/AAX plugin format for Windows & macOS)
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Last Updated on March 12, 2020 by Tomislav Zlatic.
