Published 12/5/08
Free preview version of groove-processing software instrument released
The latest release from the Digidesign Advanced Instrument Research (AIR) software camp is Transfuser, a groove-creation virtual instrument for Pro Tools that can process loops and phrases in real time. Drum loops, for example, can be loaded into Transfuser, where ‘musically intelligent’ variations can be created on the fly, thanks to MARIO, its built-in Musical Advanced Random Intelligence Operation. Pro Tools regions can be dragged and dropped into the Transfuser GUI, as can files from a Mac or PC’s browser.
As you can see from the screen shot of the comprehensive GUI, Transfuser can process a number of loops (inside ‘tracks’) simultaneously. These are displayed at the top of the main window, while the bottom section gives focussed information on the selected module.
Each track has four main modules: Sequencer, Synth, Efx and Mix, which determine the processes applied to each loop. The Sequencer module can be set to operate in Drum, Slice or Phrase mode, with play and stop buttons and a groove control available in all three. The Sequencer modules control the Synth modules, which are available in Slicer, Phrase, Drums and Input flavours. Each of these features its own parameters, which can be assigned to hardware controllers, allowing for precise automation and live tweaking.
Slicer mode chops the imported loop at the transients, allowing individual drum hits to be detected for further processing. Phrase mode analyses the chosen loop and maps it to the tempo of the project, while Drums mode gives the user 12 sample pads, to which samples can be allocated. The Input mode is used to route audio from a Pro Tools track, or live audio input such as a microphone or turntable directly into Transfuser.
Digidesign say that instrument is ideal for dance and hip-hop producers and remixers, thanks to its focus on groove processing. But there’s no reason for it not to be used on other genres. It has real-time sequenced effects and features the ability to tag and slice files in real time, so users can trigger, re-trigger and loop rhythmic guitar parts, keyboard loops and vocals, for examples.
Until the 25th June 2008, a preview version of Transfuser is available for free download. It’s time-limited to three months and, although it’s not the final build of the plug-in, it will come with 200MB of audio content (the full release version will come with around 2GB of loops). As with Digidesign’s other virtual instruments, you’ll need an iLok, and it’ll work with Pro Tools HD, LE and M-Powered.
For further details, videos that show Transfuser in action, and links to download the preview, head to www.digidesign.com/transfuserpreview.
Digidesign +44 (0)1753 655 999
www.digidesign.com
The latest release from the Digidesign Advanced Instrument Research (AIR) software camp is Transfuser, a groove-creation virtual instrument for Pro Tools that can process loops and phrases in real time. Drum loops, for example, can be loaded into Transfuser, where ‘musically intelligent’ variations can be created on the fly, thanks to MARIO, its built-in Musical Advanced Random Intelligence Operation. Pro Tools regions can be dragged and dropped into the Transfuser GUI, as can files from a Mac or PC’s browser.As you can see from the screen shot of the comprehensive GUI, Transfuser can process a number of loops (inside ‘tracks’) simultaneously. These are displayed at the top of the main window, while the bottom section gives focussed information on the selected module.
Each track has four main modules: Sequencer, Synth, Efx and Mix, which determine the processes applied to each loop. The Sequencer module can be set to operate in Drum, Slice or Phrase mode, with play and stop buttons and a groove control available in all three. The Sequencer modules control the Synth modules, which are available in Slicer, Phrase, Drums and Input flavours. Each of these features its own parameters, which can be assigned to hardware controllers, allowing for precise automation and live tweaking.
Slicer mode chops the imported loop at the transients, allowing individual drum hits to be detected for further processing. Phrase mode analyses the chosen loop and maps it to the tempo of the project, while Drums mode gives the user 12 sample pads, to which samples can be allocated. The Input mode is used to route audio from a Pro Tools track, or live audio input such as a microphone or turntable directly into Transfuser.
Digidesign say that instrument is ideal for dance and hip-hop producers and remixers, thanks to its focus on groove processing. But there’s no reason for it not to be used on other genres. It has real-time sequenced effects and features the ability to tag and slice files in real time, so users can trigger, re-trigger and loop rhythmic guitar parts, keyboard loops and vocals, for examples.
Until the 25th June 2008, a preview version of Transfuser is available for free download. It’s time-limited to three months and, although it’s not the final build of the plug-in, it will come with 200MB of audio content (the full release version will come with around 2GB of loops). As with Digidesign’s other virtual instruments, you’ll need an iLok, and it’ll work with Pro Tools HD, LE and M-Powered.
For further details, videos that show Transfuser in action, and links to download the preview, head to www.digidesign.com/transfuserpreview.
Digidesign +44 (0)1753 655 999
www.digidesign.com
