ANALOGyGR 1.1.2

ANALOGyGR Granalog Synth (AUv3) presents itself as a versatile virtual instrument plugin capable of operating both as a standalone application and within any AU-compatible host, such as Logic Pro or GarageBand. It is important to note that the standalone version lacks an integrated keyboard, necessitating the connection of an external MIDI device for performance and sound creation.

What exactly is a "granalog" synth? It may evoke notions of granular synthesis, but it offers a distinct approach. Unlike traditional granular synthesizers that manipulate loaded samples, ANALOGyGR is not file-based and does not facilitate sample loading. Instead, it functions as an eight-voice polyphonic virtual analog synthesizer with a unique grain-based oscillator structure. This design caters more to experimental sound design and atmospheric textures rather than conventional analog tones. For users seeking classic analog sounds, the manufacturer recommends exploring ANALOGyXS (poly) and ANALOGyX1 (mono), as these instruments serve different sonic landscapes.

The instrument's architecture features each of its eight voices equipped with three dedicated grain oscillators, supporting saw, triangle, and square waveforms. These oscillators generate grains that can vary in shape—saw, ramp, or triangle—and in duration, ranging from 50 milliseconds to ten seconds. Grain shape and other parameters can be randomized per cycle to produce dynamic, evolving textures; grains are also randomly distributed across the stereo field. An integrated noise generator can be applied either globally or at the grain level, adding further depth. Pitch modulation features include shifting grain pitch up or down by an octave on alternate cycles or randomly per voice, with the option to glide between pitches for more expressive performance possibilities.

Building on features introduced in ANALOGyXS and ANALOGyX1, ANALOGyGR allows for complex sound design within a relatively simple control scheme of just 16 parameters. The synthesizer is optimized for real-time manipulation and performance; all parameters are accessible via dedicated MIDI CC controls from MIDI controllers or other MIDI-generating devices. Additionally, it can respond to channel and polyphonic aftertouch messages, enhancing expressive playing.

Given its tendency for evolving sounds over sustained notes and potential for dynamic modulation, ANALOGyGR is particularly well-suited for sustained passages and sparse chord voicings. While designed to be CPU-efficient, leveraging advanced modulation features like polyphonic aftertouch may require relatively modern hardware configurations.

More information can be found at:

• https://www.waverley-instruments.com/robjackson