The TLM Audio GRAINS stands as a testament to the enduring popularity of the Mutable Instruments Clouds module. This exemplary module is a 1:1 clone of the classic Mutable Clouds, constructed, calibrated, and tested in Germany to the highest quality standards. The latest firmware comes installed, promising an immersive texture synthesizing experience right out of the box.
One of the prime features of TLM Audio GRAINS is its capabilities in the area of audio buffer acquisition. The module provides a stereo input and output. Even with a mono recording buffer, a broad stereo output is still feasible by panning grains at random or via the stereo reverberator. The stereo pre-amp comes with a gain range that accommodates modular and line levels, ensuring that the GRAINS can effortlessly integrate with your existing gear.
The recording buffer size of the GRAINS is versatile, ranging from 1s (32kHz, stereo) to a whopping 8s (16kHz, µ-law, mono). There's also the convenient FREEZE button and its corresponding gate input which freezes the content of the recording buffer, allowing users to delve into the granules of a sound. This functionality, along with four memory slots for storing and recalling buffers, enriches the texture synthesizing process considerably.
The superior capabilities of TLM Audio GRAINS in granular synthesis cannot be overstated. Grain generation time base can be periodical, randomized, or externally clocked. A fascinating feature is the POSITION knob, which is used to extract grains from a particular part of the recording buffer. Grain sizes range from 16ms to a generous 1s, accommodating up to 40 to 60 concurrent grains subject to buffer resolution.
Pitch alterations from -2 octaves to +2 octaves are achievable, and complete v/oct tracking ensures precise pitch control. The grain envelope, ranging between boxcar, triangle, and Hann functions, provides highly customizable grain generation. All grain parameters are assigned individual CV inputs, allowing for highly intricate modulation possibilities. For adventurous composers, stochastic and Xenakis-style sound explorations are an input of random voltages away.
The GRAINS module also boasts of a diffusion network featuring 4 All-pass filters for the post-processing of grain-laden signals. The BLEND knob and its corresponding CV input control four post-processing parameters: dry/wet balance, random panning amount, feedback amount, and reverb amount. This array of post-processing options allows you to sculpt the output to suit your artistic intent, further embellishing the raw granular synthesis.
For the tech-savvy, it's worth noting that the module's input impedances sit at 100k, providing a wide range for audio input gain - from line level to modular level. CV values are capped at +/- 5V, with any exceedance simply clipped. Internal processing is conducted at 32kHz, 32-bit floating point, with recording buffer resolution standing at 16-bit (high quality) or 8-bit µ-law (low quality).
In conclusion, the TLM Audio GRAINS, with its superior granular synthesis and post-processing capabilities, is a must-have for any electronic music enthusiast or modular synthesist. This Eurorack module provides an impressive array of features that ensure a fulfilling and inspiring auditory journey. Elevate your soundscapes and delve into a myriad of textures with GRAINS today.
Example Usage
Novice-level usage example:
To start experimenting with the TLM Audio GRAINS module, connect your audio source to the input jack and your speakers or headphones to the output jacks. Turn the module on and make sure your recording buffer size is set to your desired length using the appropriate control knob.
Next, press the FREEZE button or send a gate signal to the corresponding input to freeze the content of the recording buffer. This will allow you to explore the details of the sound captured in the buffer.
Now, adjust the POSITION knob to select which section of the recording buffer you want to extract the grains from. This will determine the starting point of your soundscapes.
Experiment with the grain size control knob to define how long each grain will be. You can go from short snippets to longer segments, which will greatly affect the texture of the resulting sounds.
If you want to add some variation to your grains, try adjusting the grain envelope control knob. This will change the shape of each grain, making them sound smoother or more percussive.
To further shape your sound, consider using the CV inputs available for each grain parameter. By applying random voltages to these inputs, you can create interesting and unpredictable sonic explorations.
Lastly, use the post-processing parameters controlled by the BLEND knob to add the finishing touches to your soundscapes. Adjust the dry/wet balance, random panning amount, feedback amount, and reverb amount to achieve the desired effect.
Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with the TLM Audio GRAINS module. It's a powerful tool that can elevate your soundscapes to new heights.
In this intermediate-level usage example, we will explore how the TLM Audio GRAINS module can be used to create evolving soundscapes. By combining granular synthesis and post-processing settings, we can craft intricate textures that will elevate our musical compositions.
To begin, let's start by patching an external clock signal into the GRAINS module's clock input. This will synchronize the grain generation time base to an external rhythm, adding rhythmic variation to our soundscapes.
Next, we can connect an LFO to the GRAINS module's grain size CV input. By modulating the grain size continuously, we can create shifting timbres and textures. Experiment with different LFO waveforms and speeds to find the desired effect.
To further sculpt our soundscapes, we can patch random voltages into the GRAINS module's CV inputs for grain parameters. This will introduce stochastic variations into each grain, resulting in unpredictable sonic explorations. Try using a sample and hold module to generate random voltages or experiment with other randomization techniques.
Now let's dive into the post-processing settings. The BLEND knob and CV input offer control over four parameters: dry/wet balance, random panning amount, feedback amount, and reverb amount. Adjusting these parameters will significantly shape the final character of our soundscapes.
For example, by increasing the feedback amount, we can create lush and resonant textures that evolve over time. Combine this with subtle random panning and a touch of reverb to add depth and space to our sonic creations.
Don't forget to experiment with different recording buffer sizes to explore varying levels of detail and resolution in your soundscapes. Remember, smaller buffer sizes will result in a more grainy and gritty sound, while larger buffer sizes will offer smoother and more fluid textures.
By combining the granular synthesis engine, external modulation sources, and post-processing settings of the TLM Audio GRAINS module, we can unlock a universe of captivating soundscapes. Let your creativity guide you as you explore the endless possibilities this module has to offer.
Further Thoughts
One expert-level usage example for the TLM Audio GRAINS module would be creating evolving soundscapes. Start by setting the grain generation time base to randomized and adjust the POSITION knob to select a specific part of the recording buffer. Vary the grain size between 16ms to 1s to create different textures. For added depth, use the CV inputs to modulate parameters such as transposition and grain envelope. Experiment with feeding random voltages to the CV inputs to introduce stochastic elements, inspired by the works of Xenakis. Utilize the diffusion network with the All-pass filters to further process the granularized signals and add complexity. Finally, experiment with the post-processing parameters controlled by the BLEND knob to achieve the desired balance, panning, feedback, and reverb. By exploring these capabilities, you can elevate your soundscapes and create intricate and evolving sonic landscapes with the TLM Audio GRAINS module.