GRID II

GRID II

GRID II is a sound sequencer.

Most sequenced instruments are either based on triggering individual sounds (drum machines), or triggering different notes from one sound source (like a sequenced synthesizer). But GRID II takes a hybrid approach: its two main modes enable it to be used as both a sequenced instrument and a played synth, though it is neither directly designed for percussion, nor melody. The instrument was designed for discovery, for experimentation, and for creativity.

This was the fundamental concept behind GRID II - that it can be whatever you make of it.

Using GRID II

GRID II uses 8 voices to produce its sound, but direct control over these voices was purposefully kept to a minimum. Instead, you control the relationship between the voices to sculpt the output; ranging from synthetic percussion to morphing synths, from glitched noise to pulsing drones.

Because of this, controlling GRID II can sometimes feel like an abstract experience, though it is not random. The minimalistic controls require that you collaborate with the instrument, rather than use it as a tool to get a job done, opening up new sonic landscapes with each patch, each pattern, each preset.

Flexibility

The sound sources of GRID II are best suited for minimal and electronic music, but the instrument also has a nasty, glitchy side for those who love noise. Fill the grid to start your sequence, feed the signal back on itself to transform the sound into something completely different. Complex patterns. Rhythmic synth beds. Abstract Percussion. The heart of GRID II is experimentation, so it will find a place in any genre... if you touch it the right way.

C-Tools

C-Tools was designed as an homage to a future that never was. Featuring a trinity of retro synths inspired by the 70s and 80s, C-Tools is three distinct instruments: Capsule (drums), Coil (bass) & Clique (pads & keys). From nostalgic strings to archetypal pulsing rhythms, C-Tools is the framework for building the vintage synth sound of yesterday, today.

Capsule

Capsule is the C-Tools Drum Machine, featuring eight drum channels and a built-in sequencer. Complete with thumping kicks and kitschy hand claps, Capsule takes a mostly analogue approach to its synthesis engines. Add in an additional effects chain crafted specifically for drums (including a gated reverb), and you can consider the hole in your instrument collection for tweakable vintage synth drums officially filled.

Coil

Coil is a hybrid monosynth designed especially for bass sounds. It uses digital FM and analogue subtractive synthesis techniques to produce a rich sound palette. From biting and percussive, to deep and throbbing - and all spaces in between - Coil lays down the low-end foundation you need for building those synthetic rhythm beds.

Clique

Clique is a combination of string machine and combo organ - two instruments that used similar frequency division techniques to produce their polyphonic sounds. Whether it be bright and springy or spacey and textural, Clique gives you all the soft synth requirements for writing melodies and harmonies so catchy they will ruin your life. Added is a split keyboard routing mechanism, which allows you to assign different parts of the synthesizer to the upper, lower, or both halves of the keyboard.

BitRate II & Monoboy

BitRate II

BitRate II uses multiple methods of retro digital synthesis and sampling to produce charismatic and nostalgic drum sounds. The included sound engines cover chipsounds, FM synthesis, lofi sampling, and glitchy circuit bending.

On top of these unique sound engines, BitRate II also offers a 5-track mixer and a master fx section that includes an analogue modelled EQ, bus compressor, and speaker simulator for added lo-fi effect.

The drums can be triggered via MIDI or from the internal sequencer. The sequencer provides two modulation sequences per drum, which can be routed to virtually any combination of sound parameters in any amount.

Monoboy

BitRate II also comes bundled with the MonoBoy instrument, a melodic counterpart for BitRate II. MonoBoy uses similar sound engines, but in an interface more suited to melodic playing.

MonoBoy's key features include 3 sound generator modes (a unique DM sampler, easy-to-use arpeggiator, and Voice Controls), 2 Modulation sequences, and a master FX section that includes the one-of-a-kind Bit Delay effect.

Icebreaker Audio

BitRate II & Monoboy were created by Icebreaker Audio, the brainchild of Adam Hanley, whose name appears in the credits of many high-profile Kontakt and Reaktor products, working on anything from African drums to additive synthesis. He is also responsible for the Kontakt scripting here at Heavyocity, pushing the platform to the limit in order to bring even the craziest of ideas to life.

The original "band in your hand"

Calc-U-Synth is an emulation of the Casio VL-Tone, the classic digital calculator/synthesizer hybrid released in the summer of 1979 and manufactured until 1984. The VL-Tone can be run in one of two main modes: calculator or synthesizer. The synthesizer is a monophonic instrument that has 5 preset sounds as well as a user programmable 6th slot called ADSR. Calc-U-Synth was created using the Reaktor Blocks framework, which means that if you own the full version of Reaktor, you can incorporate the blocks into your own creations.

Spot-on emulation

Calc-U-Synth was designed to present the full capabilities of the VL-Tone’s programmable features in a more convenient interface, while retaining the character of the instrument. Great care was taken to measure and reproduce every aspect of the original accurately. The VL-Tone had its own built-in speaker, which was analyzed and modeled for an authentic tone. For added lo-fi realism, the key-click sounds of playing the instrument were also sampled and included. You can dial in as much, or as little as you like. The sound was then expanded using a number of effects and performance options including an arpeggiator, circuit-bending glitch controls, and a filter & delay effect module.

Icebreaker Audio

Icebreaker Audio, the brainchild of Adam Hanley, was created in 2011 as an outlet for boutique product concepts and personal obsessions. Adam's name appears in the credits of many high-profile Kontakt and Reaktor products, working on anything from African drums to additive synthesis. He is also responsible for the Kontakt scripting at Heavyocity, pushing the platform to the limit in order to bring even the craziest of ideas to life. Calc-U-Synth was born out of years of R&D into lo-fi synthesis and vintage digital electronics, combined with Adam's deep appreciation for the digital retro charm of the VL-Tone.