Tasty Chips have announced the GR-2, a new granular synthesizer and sampling instrument that combines elements of the original GR-1 (reviewed in SOS April 2021) with features and workflow ideas developed for the larger GR-MEGA.
Designed as a compact standalone instrument, the GR-2 centres around a new 7-inch touchscreen interface with dedicated encoders and quick-access menus for sound shaping and performance control. The synth supports four simultaneous layers, each with up to 16 voices of polyphony and access to granular, sampler, tape and spectral synthesis engines.
The granular engine supports up to 128 grains per voice, while the spectral engine adds time-stretching and smear-style processing inspired by “Paulstretch”-type effects. Users can load or record samples directly into the instrument, with support for WAV, AIFF, FLAC and SFZ formats, alongside stereo sampling and built-in audio inputs.
The GR-2 also introduces a redesigned workflow aimed at making sound design and modulation more immediate. Features include a touchscreen performance mode, polyphonic modulation matrix, MPE support, onboard effects and extensive MIDI implementation with NRPN control for all parameters.
Connectivity includes balanced stereo inputs and outputs, USB-C audio with multichannel DAW support, DIN MIDI I/O, dual USB-A ports for controllers and storage devices, plus headphone output and external audio processing.
According to Tasty Chips, the GR-2 shares much of its firmware foundation with the GR-MEGA, meaning both instruments will continue to benefit from ongoing feature updates and development.
Pricing & Availability
The GR-2 is being launched via Kickstarter, with a limited number of early-bird units available at a €100 discount. Tasty Chips will also be demonstrating the instrument at Superbooth 2026 in Berlin.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/844778849/gr-2-hardware-granular
