Originally founded in 1958 to carry out research in the field of experimental electroacoustic music, INA GRM (Groupe de Recherches Musicales de l’Institut National de l’Audiovisuel) have been creating digital audio effects for over 30 years. Their GRM Tools 3 plug-in suite is widely used around the world, featuring on everything from Hollywood recording sessions to avant-garde contemporary music productions. The latest addition to the GRM line-up draws on the company’s extensive experience, but rather than bringing a new effect or processor to the table, uses their technology to power a new sound-design instrument.
GRM Tools Atelier launches with a set of eight simple sound-generation and processing modules. The selection includes the likes of pitch-shifting delays, a multi-playhead sampler, and advanced comb-filter bank and more, all of which can be chained together to create complex patches. The company say that the instrument is comparable in scope and complexity to boutique modular synthesizers modules, and encourages an exploratory approach to music making that rewards “creative misuse and serendipity”.
A key feature that promises to set the release apart from the competition is its polyadic modulation engine, which offers a modular synth-like approach to patch creation. Users are able to make connections by dragging virtual cables between the software’s modulators and parameters, but each single source is capable of produces an infinite variety of independent modulations when connected to several destinations, allowing for far more versatility than analogue systems. Three types of modulator are included at launch, offering a selection of random, controlled or programmable modulation sources.
While the majority of instruments are limited to mono or stereo, GRM Tools Atelier boasts multi-channel processing support, allowing users to apply surround and immersive processing techniques at the composition stage rather than waiting until the material is being mixed to make spatial decisions.
Compatibility
Atelier is currently supported on macOS only (versions 10.14 and higher), with a Windows version set to release in early 2026. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone application.
Pricing & Availability
Atelier is available now, priced at €249.
