[ Podcast series ] [ Download ]

The granular suite is a collection of MAX/Msp patches for generalised granular sound processing and microsound composition written using FTM/Gabor libraries (developed at IRCAM) and encapsulated as Jamoma modules. Main features include: subsample accurate scheduling, multichannel output, granulation of multiple soundfiles at the same time (with interpolation of two sources per grain), parameter randomisation and sequencing, control via OSC, preset management, preset interpolation. Its modular architecture makes it possible to easily extend it with new algorithms for grain scheduling and parameter control.

Modules:

jmod.ag.granular.engine~

This module is the heart of the granular suite as it generates grains and outputs them as a stream of up to 16 channels of audio. A bang in its rightmost inlet ccc

triggers a grain, which is synthesised based on values stored in a vector of grain parameters (a pointer to this vector is shared between all modules which have been synced to the engine, which enables them to modify grain parameters). Grains are created dynamically and there is no limit to the number of overlapping grains except for the limitations of the hardware.

The source samples for granulation are loaded in the engine’s control panel (number of samples is limited only by the available RAM). Sample collections can be saved and recalled from the panel (for that purpose a text file is used, which contains paths to the location of the samples on the hard drive).

jmod.ag.granular.control

Controls grain parameters and triggers the engine to generate grains. Has two internal triggering mechanisms: a metronome with period variation, which

which can be used to generate both synchronous and asynchronous streams (gbr.fire~) and a sequencer (ftm.play), which can be used for rhythmic sequences. The module can be also triggered from an external source. On each trigger, the algorithms controlling grain parameters are iterated and the resulting values are written into a vector, which then is read by engine to generate a grain. Multiple control modules can be connected to one engine and trigger different grains simultaneously (this feature has been utilised in my piece for electronic drum-kit and a laptop Unitas Multiplex).

jmod.ag.granular.record

Records time tagged sequence of grain parameter vectors. When triggered with a bang in its rightmost inlet, copies a vector of grain parameters from the engine to which it is synced and stores it into an ftm sequence object. The sequence can be saved and then loaded into jmod.ag.granular.play.

jmod.ag.granular.play

Plays back a stream of grain parameter vectors recorded with jmod.ag.granular.record, making it possible to re-synthesise a stream of grains using xxcxxxxxxXX

jmod.ag.granular.engine~. Some of the grain parameters can be modulated (or entirely replaced) using    jmod.ag.granular.modulate module, in order to create a variation of the recorded stream.

•Bypass – leaves currently stored value unchanged

•Add – adds a generated value to the one currently stored

•Multiply – multiplies currently stored value by the generated value

•Replace – replaces currently stored value

Can be used to further extend the possibilities offered by jmod.ag.granular.control or to alter a stream of grains generated from a sequence recorded with jmod.ag.granular.record.

jmod.ag.presetmixpad

An X/Y pad, which can be divided into a grid of rectangular zones with user definable number of rows, columns and dimensions in pixels. Each corner of a zone can be assign a preset number. Dragging with a mouse on the pad generates messages containing the numbers of four presets and their relative weights, which depend on the position xx

of the mouse pointer on the pad. This message can be sent to any Jamoma module allowing for easy control over interpolation of multiple presets.

[ Audio Example 1 ] - a fragment of an octophonic piece Surr...realism (down-mixed to stereo), which consists of two layered parts generated with the ag.granular.suite

Examples:

[ Video Example 1 ] - a short improvisation using the ag.presetmixpad to control preset interpolation of ag.granular.control

jmod.ag.granular.modulate

Similar to  jmod.ag.granular.control but  each  algorithm generating a grain parameter can be set to modify values in the grain parameter vector using one of four different modes: