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Users Guide GRM-TOOLS

This document provides instructions for installing and authorizing GRM Tools Classic VST, a plug-in bundle for sound design and enhancement. It includes 8 plug-ins with intuitive controls. The plug-ins are installed in the user's audio plug-ins folder. A license must be purchased and registered with iLok to authorize use beyond a 15-day demo period. The plug-ins feature sliders, presets, tempo controls and other interactive parameters.

Uploaded by

Bruno Soares
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
557 views36 pages

Users Guide GRM-TOOLS

This document provides instructions for installing and authorizing GRM Tools Classic VST, a plug-in bundle for sound design and enhancement. It includes 8 plug-ins with intuitive controls. The plug-ins are installed in the user's audio plug-ins folder. A license must be purchased and registered with iLok to authorize use beyond a 15-day demo period. The plug-ins feature sliders, presets, tempo controls and other interactive parameters.

Uploaded by

Bruno Soares
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 36

GRM TOOLS CLASSIC

VST v. 2.0
User's Guide

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 1
Introduction
GRM Tools Classic VST is a bundle of eight plug-ins that provide superb tools for sound
enhancement and design. Conceived and realized by the Groupe de Recherches Musicales
(Musical Research Group) of the National Audiovisual Institute, Paris, France, GRM Tools is
the result of more than 20 years of research and development by composers and sound
designers in sound transformation software.

Version 2.0 of GRM Tools Classic VST is formatted for Universal Binary and will run on Mac
PPC or Mac Intel.

Use these plug-ins with Peak, Cubase, LIVE, and any other OSX version of a program that is
compatible with VST plug-ins.

The following pages will take you through the installation and authorization process,
describe the innovative interface devices created to make these plug-ins intuitive and
musical, and explain the operations of the individual plug-ins.

Installation
Authorization

Universal Controls

BandPass
Comb Filters
Delays
Doppler
Freeze
Pitch Accum
Reson
Shuffling

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 2
Installation
The installer puts the eight plug-ins in the GRM folder, which is in the VST folder in the
Plug-Ins folder in the Audio folder in the Library folder.

Library / Audio / Plug-Ins / VST / GRM

Note: Please read the plug-in installation notes in the operating manual for whatever host
software you are using. You may need to copy the plug-ins into a folder designated by the
host program.

The installer also creates a folder called GRM Tools Documentation and places it on your
hard drive. The installer also installs the Interlok Extensions necessary for authorization of
the software.

To launch the installer, double-click on the GRM Tools Classic VST installer icon. You will
be asked for your administrator password.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 3
A ReadMe file and Software License will be displayed. The following window will then open.

Select Easy Install to install the plug-ins into the GRM folder in the VST folder in the Plug-
Ins folder in the Audio folder in the Library folder. Easy Install will also automatically install
the Interlok Extensions that are essential to authorizing your software.

If you prefer to install any of of the plug-ins, the documentation, or the Interlok Extensions
individually, choose the Custom Install option instead of Easy Install. Be sure to select
Interlok Extensions if you do not already have them installed.

Click on the Install button to launch the installation. A status bar will indicate the progress
of the installation.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 4
When the installation is done, the following window will be displayed:

Click on Quit to quit the installer.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 5
Authorization
Once GRM Tools is installed, you can use it in demonstration mode for up to 15 days. If you
want to continue to use GRM Tools after the demonstration period, you'll need to buy it and
authorize it.

Buy GRM Tools

Buy GRM Tools at any time within the 15-day demonstration period. To buy GRM Tools, do
any of the following:

· buy the software at a store


· visit the GRM Tools website at www.grmtools.org
· go to www.cdemusic.org and type 'grm tools' into the search engine

When you buy GRM Tools, you'll receive a serial number. If you purchase the software in a
store, the serial number will be in the package. If you acquire the software online or from a
demo disk, we will email your serial number to you. Keep your serial number in a safe place!
It is your proof of purchase, and it will be required when you need to obtain an
authorization or receive technical support.

Authorize GRM Tools

Authorizations are done through iLok.com.

To authorize GRM Tools, you'll need an iLok (a USB-compatible dongle), a web browser that
is supported by iLok.com, and an iLok.com account. Check our FAQ at www.grmtools.org for
suggestions on how to buy an iLok if you don't already have one, how to keep your iLok
secure and, if necessary, how to use a USB hub.

- If you do not have an iLok.com account, go to www.iLok.com and create an iLok.com


account. Then insert the iLok you plan to use into a free USB port and register that iLok.

- Register your GRM Tools bundle at www.grmtools.org. When you have completed the form,
we will deposit an ASSET into your iLok.com account and notify you.

- Go to iLok.com and transfer the ASSET to your iLok. Your iLok will then be authorized for
the GRM Tools bundle that you purchased.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 6
Please note also that there are several authorization dialogs that can appear when you do
not have an authorized iLok connected to a USB port. Some of these authorization dialogs
will request a Response to a Challenge, and some dialogs request an iLok License Card.
Neither the Challenge/Response, nor the License Card method are operational with GRM
Tools. Please disregard any Challenge/Response or License Card requests.

Check our FAQ at www.grmtools.org for more information about the authorization dialogs.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 7
Universal Controls
Every plug-in contains a variety of interactive controls to vary, display, store, recall, and
otherwise manipulate parameters. The controls are:

· Sliders
· Numerical Value Fields
· Elastic String
· Buttons
· Presets
· Tempo
· Super Slider
· Save / Load

Sliders

To change the value of a Slider, do any of the following:

· To change the value continuously, drag the handle to the left or right.
· To jump to a new value, click along the path of the handle.
· To reset the default value, click on the handle while pressing the [option] key.

Numerical Value Fields

Note that a slider is often associated with a Numerical Value Field that shows the
parameter value as a number or other alphanumeric character. You can change the value in
a Numerical Value Field directly.

To change the value in a Numerical Value Field, click within the field and drag vertically
upwards to increment a value or downwards to decrement a value. To modify the
increment of change, drag while pressing the [Command] key.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


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Elastic String

To achieve smooth movement of Sliders, 2DControllers, or the SuperSlider, click on the


object and move the mouse while holding down the [Command] key. Note: In general, the
follow-speed of the smoothing function depends upon the length of the Elastic String.

Buttons

Buttons are used to change a state or start a process. To change the state of a Button, or to
start a process, click on the Button.

Presets

Each plug-in contains 16 Presets, identified by location numbers, into which you can save all
of your parameter values and from which you can call up a specific previously saved
configuration of parameter values.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 9
To save your current configuration of parameter settings into any of the 16 Preset locations,
click on a location number while holding down the [Command] key. Note that the Status
Field, located under the Preset locations, gives the indication of the last performed
operation. In the screen shot above, for example, the Status Field displays 'Save 7',
indicating that a configuration of parameter values was most recently saved into Preset 7.

To call up a configuration of parameter settings from any of the 16 Presets, click on that
Preset number. Note that the Status Field indicates 'Load'.

To reload the factory configuration of parameter values, click while pressing down the
[option] key. Note that the Status Field indicates 'Reset'.

Note that the factory default settings for presets 15 and 16 are random values. Preset
15 applies a random variation of about 10% deviation from the current value as set by
the user. Preset 16 generates a completely random set of parameter values.

The timing of the change from current values to the recalled Preset values is determined in
one of two ways:

It can be determined by the current position of the vertical Slider located to the right of
the Preset numbers. To change the time of interpolation between current parameter
values and values called up from a Preset, move the vertical Slider up or down to reflect
your preferred timing.

It can be recalled as one of the parameters saved in the Preset. To recall the time of
interpolation from a Preset configuration along with other parameters, click on the
Interpolation Button, which is just underneath the vertical Slider, to activate it before
you click on the Preset.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


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Page10
Tempo

The functionality described here is available only in certain applications, such as Cubase SX,
etc. Consult the manual of the program you're using or simply try this feature.

Certain parameters, such as the time of interpolation between presets, can be synchronized
with variations of tempo. To initiate synchronization, hold down the [Shift] key and click on
the Slider or Numerical Value Field associated with the parameter you want to synchronize.
The display will indicate in bold characters the figures that represent the possible tempos.
The figures and the tempos they represent are:

T/64 64th-note triplets


1/64 64th-notes
T/32 32nd-note triplets
./64 dotted 64th-notes
1/32 32nd-notes
T/16 16th-note triplets
./32 dotted 32nd-notes
1/16 16th-notes
T/8 8th-note triplets
./16 dotted 16th-notes
1/8 8th-notes
T/4 quarter-note triplets
./8 dotted 8th-notes
1/4 quarter-notes
T/2 half-note triplets
./4 dotted quarter-notes
1/2 half-notes
T/1 whole-note triplets
./2 dotted half-notes
1/1 whole-notes
./1 dotted whole-notes
1 bar measure

Larger numbers are indicated in numbers of measures, as in 3 bar for three measures.
The parameters of each plug-in that can be synchronized are itemized in the sections
dealing with the individual plug-ins.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 11
SuperSlider

The horizontal SuperSlider and its associated Numerical Value Fields, located at the bottom
of each window, provide a powerful control for interpolating between Presets. Use the
SuperSlider to interpolate between any sequence of Presets to find new configurations and
create new Presets.

To select a Preset number in a Numerical Value Field, click in the field and drag
vertically upwards or downwards.

To disable a Numerical Value Field, click in the field and drag vertically downwards to an
'Off' position.

To change continuously from one Preset to another, drag the handle of the SuperSlider
to the left or right.

Save / Load Buttons

Each plug-in contains Save / Load Buttons located in the bottom of the windows. These
buttons allow you to save configurations of your plug-ins in a folder that you choose. They
also allow you to exchange configurations of GRM Tools plug-ins in other environments in
which GRM Tools is used.

To save a user file that contains the complete configuration of all of the current values
of the parameters and the 16 Presets, click on the Save Button.

To recall a user file that contains a complete configuration of all of the current values of
the parameters and 16 Presets, click on the Load Button.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 12
Band Pass
This plug-in gives you a dynamically controllable electronic "chisel" to carve your way
through the highs and lows of a sound. Create dramatic effects as you focus on the high or
low frequencies in a sound, simulate analog subtractive synthesis techniques ...

How does it work?

The 2DController, which is the ball in the center of the control window, functions like a
handle to let you control lowpass and highpass filters together as a variable bandpass or
bandreject filter. Left to right movement changes the center fequency. Top to bottom
movement changes bandwidth. The bandwidth control is particularly effective because the
filters have exceptionally steep slopes, creating sharp cutoffs and dramatic effects.

This plug-in will appear in a mono or stereo configuration depending upon whether the
track is a mono or stereo track. In the stereo version, the two channels can be controlled
independently or together. The screen shot shown above is the mono version.

The controls are further explained below in the section called Reference.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 13
A quick tutorial

We assume that you are familiar with the basic operations of your host software, that you
know how to record or import a sound into a mono or stereo track, and how to insert VST
plug-ins. For this tutorial, use a song or a wide bandwidth sound.

Set the controls for the plug-in as you see them above. Start the playback.

Grab the 2DController with your mouse and drag it through the space. The effect will
be dramatic and clear.

Use the Elastic String: Hold down the Command Key while you grab the 2DController
with your mouse and drag it through the space. Note: You're pulling the 2DController
with the Elastic String. The longer the string, the slower the motion. The Elastic String
smooths out your actions.

Create a stereo track and use the stereo version of Band Pass. Note the link button (only
in the stereo version). Unlink the left and right channels, then switch one of them to
bandreject mode, then link them again. One channel will be bandpass and the other will
be bandreject.

Store any configuration of the variables in a Preset and perform any sequence of Presets
with the SuperSlider. If you're not familiar with these controls, have a look at the page
called Universal Controls.

Reference

center freq. Sets the center frequency of the filtered band to any frequency from 23 Hz to
22 kHz. This is both a display of the horizontal position of the 2DController and a numerical
value field that you can change by dragging the number up or down with the mouse.

bandwidth. Sets the width of the filtered band. The value is given as a percentage of
deviation from the center frequency. For example, for a center frequency of 1000 Hz and a
bandwidth of 2, the values for lowpass and highpass will be respectively at the nearest to
500 Hz (1000 / 2) and 2000 Hz (1000 x 2).

pass / reject button. Selects the filtering mode. Clicking on the button sets it to the
opposite state. In bandpass mode, the frequencies between the lowpass cutoff and the
highpass cutoff are passed through the filter. In bandreject mode, the frequencies between
the lowpass cutoff and the highpass cutoff are rejected.

gain. Sets the level of the input signal from -96 dB to + 12 dB.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 14
mix. Determines the proportion of the processed signal that is mixed with the original
signal. At 0%, only the original signal is heard. At 100%, only the processed signal is heard.
In the stereo version, the same settings are applied simultaneously to both channels.

HP. The slider changes the highpass cutoff frequency in 512 steps between 23 Hz and
22050 Hz.

LP. The slider controls the lowpass cutoff frequency in 512 steps between 23 Hz and 22050
Hz.

2DController. Moving the 2DController vertically lets you control the filter's bandwidth.
Move the 2DController horizontally lets you control the filter's center frequency.

Tempo. The interpolation time between presets can be synchronized to tempo. To initiate
synchronization, hold down the [Shift] key and click on the Numerical Value Field under the
Presets.

Additional controls for the stereo version. The following controls are found only in the
stereo version:

L -> R. This button copies the settings from the left track to the right track.

R -> L. This button copies the settings from the right track to the left track.

link. This button links the settings of both tracks. As a setting is changed in one track,
the same change will occur in the other.

flip. This button exchanges the settings from one track to the other.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 15
Comb Filters
This plug-in lets you add power and resonance to a sound, transform a sound's timbre,
smooth rhythmic sounds into long continuous sounds ...

How does it work?

A comb filter, in general, is a filter that resonates a selected frequency and all of the
harmonics of that frequency. This plug-in gives you five high-Q in-parallel comb filters,
controllable independently or in ensemble, plus five low-pass filters to control the high-
frequency content of the output.

The freq sliders let you control the frequencies of each of the filters. The res sliders let you
control the amount of resonance of each of the filters. The lp sliders let you control the
cutoff frequencies of the lowpass filters, allowing you to control high-frequency content.
The FREQ, RES, and LP sliders are the master sliders for the filters.

The controls are further explained below in the section called Reference.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 16
A quick tutorial

We assume that you are familiar with the basic operations of your host software, that you
know how to record or import a sound into a mono or stereo track, and how to insert VST
plug-ins. For this tutorial, use a hand-drum or other rhythmic sound.

Set the controls for the plug-in as you see them above. Note that the filter frequencies
are set very close together to create a dense resonant sound. Start the playback.

Move the mix slider slowly towards the right. You'll hear the sound change until you're
hearing only the processed sound.

Set the RES slider at about .90 and the LP slider at 1.00. Then play with the freq
controls and note how they affect the sound. Click on different Presets. Move the FREQ
control to the left and right. For a special effect, move it all the way to the left, then
slowly to the right.

Move the RES slider all the way to the left and then all the way to the right. Move the LP
slider to the left and right. Note: Changes in resonance. Transformations in the sound.

Here's a potentially dangerous effect: Create a self-sustaining resonance that will


continue even after you stop the input sound by moving the RES and LP sliders all the
way to the right. To stop the resonance, move the LP slider to the left.

Store any configuration of the variables in a Preset and perform any sequence of Presets
with the SuperSlider. If you're not familiar with these controls, have a look at the page
called Universal Controls.

Reference

gain. Sets the level of the input signal from -96 dB to 0 dB.

mix. Determines the relative strengths of the processed and original signals. At 0%, only the
original signal is heard. At 100%, only the processed signal is heard. In the stereo version,
the same settings are applied simultaneously to both channels.

FREQ. Multiplies the resonant frequencies of all of the comb filters by a number between 0
and 2. If you multiply by 2, for example, the resonant frequencies of the five filters are
transposed upwards one octave. If you multiply by .5, the resonant frequencies of the five
filters are transposed downwards one octave.

RES. Multiplies the resonance duration of all of the comb filters by a number between 0.8
and 1.2.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 17
LP. Multiplies the cutoff frequencies of all of the lowpass filters by a number between 0 and
1.2.

freq1 - freq5. Each control sets the frequency of one of the five comb filters from 45 Hz to
20 kHz.

res1 - res5. Each control sets the resonance of one of the five filters from 0 (no resonance)
to 100 (the longest possible resonance). Note that the actual duration depends also upon
other parameters, such as the lowpass filter.

lp1 - lp5. Each control sets the cutoff frequency of one of the lowpass.

Tempo. The interpolation time between presets can be synchronized to tempo. To initiate
synchronization, hold down the [Shift] key and click on the Numerical Value Field under the
Presets.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 18
Delays
This plug-in lets you create and control any type of delay line from echo to reverberation to
phase shift, soften instrumental attacks, create a wide variety of special effects ...

How does it work?

Up to 128 delays, controlled in their amplitudes and timing, are distributed within a range of
up to 6 seconds. In the stereo version of this plug-in, the delays are assigned alternatively
to the left and right channels.

The 2DController lets you set the start time of the first delay and the range within which all
the delays will follow. Note the nr of delays slider. If you select 24 delays, for example, with
the first delay set at 50 milliseconds and the range set at 3000 milliseconds, the 24 delays
will be distributed within the 3000 milliseconds range following the first delay at 50
milliseconds. Within that range, you can control the pattern of delays by moving the sliders.
You can set the curve of the amplitude distribution to start loud and get softer, or to start
soft and get louder, or to remain equal. You can set the delay distribution to start fast and
get slower, or to start slow and get faster, or to remain equal. If you want to introduce a
random element in the delay distribution, you can vary the extent of the random deviation
and the timing of the random changes. You can also add feedback.

The controls are further explained below in the section called Reference.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 19
A quick tutorial

We assume that you are familiar with the basic operations of your host software, that you
know how to record or import a sound into a mono or stereo track, and how to insert VST
plug-ins. For this tutorial, use a series of staccato sounds or a voice counting.

Set the controls for the plug-in as you see them above. Start the playback.

When you hear the sound, move the mix slider to the right to about 70%. You'll hear the
original plus the delays at equal intervals, fading out.

Move the amp distrib slider to the right. Note that the amplitude pattern of the delays
changes to equal and then to soft-to-loud. Set the slider wherever you like.

Move the del distrib slider to the left. Note that the delays get faster towards the end
of the range. Now move it to the right and notice that the delays get slower towards the
end of the range. Set the slider to approximately 1.000.

Now, to introduce some random elemnents in the delay pattern, move the random del
slider to the right to about 400 ms and set the var rate slider at about 76 ms. Note the
irregularities in the delay timing.

Now, change the amp distrib slider to approximately 1, and drag to control ball to the
bottom center of the control window. You should be hearing repetitions of the sound,
not quite in sync.

Store any configuration of the variables in a Preset and perform any sequence of Presets
with the SuperSlider. If you're not familiar with these controls, have a look at the page
called Universal Controls.

Reference

gain. Sets the level of the input signal from -96 dB to +24 dB.

mix. Determines the proportion of the processed signal that is mixed with the original
signal. At 0%, only the original signal is heard. At 100%, only the processed signal is heard.
In the stereo version, the same settings are applied simultaneously to both channels.

nr of delays. Number of delays. Selects a number of delays between 2 and 128. Note that
the effective maximum number depends upon the power of your computer and the number
of plug-ins you are using. Note also that when this parameter is varied, the amplitudes and
the timing of all of the delays are recalculated.

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Page 20
amp distrib. Amplitude distribution. Specifies the amplitude of each delay relative to the
previous delay. For example, an amp distrib value of 2 signifies that each delay will have an
amplitude that is double the amplitude of the preceding delay. Values of less than 1 mean
that successive delays will have less amplitude than preceding delays. A value of 1 means
that delays will have equal amplitude.

del distrib. Delay distribution. Specifies the timing of each delay relative to the timing of
the previous delay. Values of more than 1, for example, mean that each delay will be longer
than the previous delay and that, consequently, there will be a continually longer time
between successive repetitions of a sound. A value of 2, for example, means that each
delay will be twice as long as the previous delay and that the time between repetitions of a
sound will be twice as long as the time between the previous repetitions of the sound.
Values of less than 1 mean that the time between repetitions of a sound will be shorter and
that sounds will occur more and more quickly. A value of 1 means that sounds will occur at
regular intervals.

random del. Randomized delays. Specifies a random number from 0 to 1000 ms which is
used to vary the timing of the delays. The actual timing will result from the combined
settings for first, range and del distrib plus the random number between 0 and the number
specified by random del.

var rate. Rate of variation, used in conjunction with random del. Specifies the rate at which
random numbers are generated.

feedback. Specifies the percentage of the delayed signal which will be fed back into the
input.

mono / stereo. Sets the distribution of delays to the outputs, from 0 (monophonic, same
signal to both tracks) to 100 (2-track output).

first. Sets the timing of the first delay to a time between 0 and 5914 ms.

range. Sets the difference in time between first and the last delay. Note that del distrib
sets the distribution of delays within this range.

2DController. The vertical dimension controls the range of the delays in time. The
horizontal direction controls the center of the range. Note that the window under the
control window contains a graphic display of the values for first, range, nr of delays, amp
distrib, del distrib, random del and var rate.

Tempo. The parameters that can be synchronized to tempo are the interpolation time
between presets, first and range. To initiate synchronization, hold down the [Shift] key and
click on the Slider or Numerical Value Field associated with the parameter.

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Page 21
Doppler
This plug-in lets you move sounds through an audio space with changes in pitch that
correspond to their movement. You can also transform sounds through loudspeaker
modulation, create unusual vibrato effects ...

How does it work?

In general, a Doppler effect gives you the impression that a sound moving towards you rises
in pitch while a sound moving away from you falls in pitch. This plug-in, shown above in the
stereo version, simulates the Doppler effects of two sounds moving around an axis.

The position of the 2DController, which is the silver ball shown above in the center of the
control window, represents an axis around which the sounds move. The little red and green
balls on either side of the 2DController represent the sounds from left and right channels as
if they were coming from two loudspeakers swinging on ropes suspended from the ceiling.
By manipulating the sliders to the right of the control window, you can determine the
variation in amplitude and pitch of each sound as it swings, the timing of each of the sounds
as it follows the other, the size of the circle in which each sound swings, the speed with
which it swings, how far apart they are as they swing through space, and their relative
positions in their swing cycles.

The controls are further explained below in the section called Reference.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 22
A quick tutorial

We assume that you are familiar with the basic operations of your host software, that you
know how to record or import a sound into a mono or stereo track, and how to insert VST
plug-ins. For this tutorial, use a song or a melodic sound.

Set the controls for the plug-in as you see them above. Start the playback.

Move the circle amplitude slider slightly to the right. Notice the balls start to move.
You'll hear changes in pitch.

Move the circle frequency slider to the right. Notice that the balls start to move faster.

Move the channel separation slider to the right. Notice that the balls are swinging
further out from the center. Now move the slider towards the left to about -0.85, so that
the balls are both swinging around the center. Now move the circle amplitude slider to
the right. The balls are now swinging around the center in a larger circle.

Move the channel phase slider to the right and the left. Notice that when the slider is
positioned in the center, the balls swing together, but when it is to the left or right, the
balls follow one another.

Now experiment with the amplitude variation slider but note that the actual level of
loudness variation will depend upon the setting of circle amplitude.

Now experiment with the doppler variation slider but note that the actual pitch
variation will depend upon the setting of 'circle frequency'.

Note that when the value of circle frequency is a positive number, the balls swing in
one direction and when it is a negative number, the balls swing in the opposite
direction. Move it in either direction to a higher number, for example to 27 hz, to
achieve a novel type of spatial modulation.

Store any configuration of the variables in a Preset and perform any sequence of Presets
with the SuperSlider. If you're not familiar with these controls, have a look at the page
called Universal Controls.

Reference

gain. Sets the level of the input signal from -96 dB to + 12 dB.

mix. Determines the proportion of the processed signal that is mixed with the original
signal. At 0%, only the original signal is heard. At 100%, only the processed signal is heard.
In the stereo version, the same settings are applied simultaneously to both channels.

GRM Tools Classic VST • User's Guide


Page 23
X pos. Horizontal position. -1 indicates that the sound is at the left. 0 indicates that the
sound is in the center. +1 indicates that the sound is at the right.

Y pos. Vertical position. -1 indicates that the sound is at the bottom. 0 indicates that the
sound is in the center. +1 indicates that the sound is at the top.

amplitude variation. Determines the amount of intensity variation relative to the distance
of the position of the sound relative to the center of the 2-dimensional potentiometer. At
0%, no variation occurs. At 100%, maximum variation occurs.

doppler variation. Determines the amount of pitch variation relative to the speed with
which the sound is moving. At 0%, no variation occurs. At 100%, maximum variation occurs.

following time. Determines the time from 0 to 10 seconds that the sound, represented in
mono as the little red ball or in stereo as the little red and green balls, will take to reach a
position as represented by the grey ball.

circle amplitude. The amplitude of the circular movement of the sound around the grey
ball. In the stereo version, two circular movements are represented for each channel.

circle frequency. Frequency of rotation of a sound around the grey ball. Positive values
from 0 to 100 Hz represent motion in a clockwise direction. Negative values from 0 to -100
Hz represent motion in a counterclockwise direction.

channel separation. In the stereo version, this control determines the distance between
the two channels.

channel phase. In the stereo version, this control determines the phasing of the rotations
of the sounds. At 0, the rotations are synchronous. At 180 or -180, the rotations are out of
sync by half a circle.

2DController. Lets you control simultaneously the parameters X pos and Y pos. The
effective position of the sound is displayed by a little red ball. In the stereo version, a little
red ball and a little green ball represent the two channels.

Tempo. The parameters that can be synchronized to tempo are the interpolation time
between presets, circle frequency and following time. To initiate synchronization, hold
down the [Shift] key and click on the Slider or Numerical Value Field associated with the
parameter.

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Freeze
This plug-in lets you freeze a fragment of a sound and scrub through the fragment with
loops of different sizes at different pitches ...

How does it work?

A sound passes through the waveform window. When you click on the freeze bar, a 3-
second segment of the sound is frozen in the waveform window as a number of
simultaneous loops. The loops can be varied in duration and pitch to encompass the whole
or any part of the 3-second segment.

As a sound passes through the waveform window, click on the freeze bar to freeze the 3-
second segment of the sound that was in the window at the moment you clicked. The sound
is frozen as a number of loops between 2 and 32, as set by the nr of loops slider. The loops
can be varied in pitch together by the pitch slider, individually by the pitch offset slider, and
randomly by the random pitch slider. The durations of the loops will depend upon their
pitch and the setting of the random dur slider. The starting times of the loops can be
coordinated by the reset Ph or randomized by the random Ph button. By dragging the
control ball up and down, you control the duration of the looped part of the segment that
you actually hear. By dragging the ball left and right, you scrub the sound through the
segment that is showing in the window.

The controls are further explained below in the section called Reference.

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A quick tutorial

We assume that you are familiar with the basic operations of your host software, that you
know how to record or import a sound into a mono or stereo track, and how to insert VST
plug-ins. For this tutorial, use a rhythmic drum track.

Set the controls for the plug-in as you see them above. Start the playback.

Position the 2DController in the center close to the bottom. Wait until you hear a
particularly interesting segment of your sound, then click on the freeze bar. Then drag
the control ball slowly through the control window. As you move it left and right, you'll
notice a scrubbing effect. As you move it up and down, you'll notice that you're sampling
a larger or shorter duration of the frozen sound.

Click on the reset Ph and random Ph buttons and note the coordination of the loops.

Move the pitch slider to the left to -15. Note that sounds are lower and longer. Move
the pitch offset slider to the right to 100% to note how the pitch changes. Then move
the random pitch and random dur sliders. Then move the pitch slider to the right and
note the differences in the sound.

Store any configuration of the variables in a Preset and perform any sequence of Presets
with the SuperSlider. If you're not familiar with these controls, have a look at the page
called Universal Controls.

Reference

gain. Sets the level of the input signal from -96 dB to 0 dB.

mix. Determines the proportion of the processed signal that is mixed with the original
signal. At 0%, only the original signal is heard. At 100%, only the processed signal is heard.
In the stereo version, the same settings are applied simultaneously to both channels.

begin. Specifies the start time of the loops within the freeze bar.

end. Specifies the end time of the loops within the freeze bar.

freeze. Triggers the capture of the three last seconds of the input sound and begins the
loop replay. The display shows the portion of sound that is saved and the start and end
points of the loops. Click again on this button to resume listening to the input signal.

reset phase. Synchronizes all loops to start together.

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random phase. Unsynchronizes the playback of the loops.

pitch. Controls the pitch of all loops from -48 semitones to +24 semitones. Note that as the
pitch changes, the duration of the loops will change accordingly.

pitch offset. Controls the pitch variation from one loop to the next. Note that as the pitch
changes, the duration of the loop will change accordingly. To achieve phasing effects, set
the interval of variation to very small values and all random controls to 0.

random pitch. Lets you specify a random pitch variation for each loop. A new value is
chosen randomly at the beginning of each loop replay and then remains constant during the
time of the loop.

random dur. Lets you vary the duration of each loop randomly from 0 to 400 ms.

nr of loops. Specifies the number of loops from 2 to 32. Note that the maximum effective
number of loops possible depends on the power of the processor and on the number of
plug-ins in use.

mono / stereo. Set the distribution of loops to the outputs, from 0 (monophonic, same
signal to both tracks) to 100 (2-track output).

2DController. Moving the 2DController vertically lets you simultaneously control the start
and end times of the loops within the 3-second field. Moving the 2DController horizontally
lets you scrub through the 3-second field.

Tempo. The parameters that can be synchronized to tempo are the interpolation time
between presets and end. To initiate synchronization, hold down the [Shift] key and click on
the Slider or Numerical Value Field associated with the parameter.

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Pitch Accum
This plug-in lets you create two distinct 'shadows' of a sound at different transposition
levels and at different delay intervals.

How does it work?

Two independent and simultaneous transposers are used to transpose the pitch of an input
sound. A pitch follower detects the pitch of the input sound and optimizes the transposition.
The transposed sounds are then transformed with delays and modulations.

In the mono version, the same input signal is sent to both transposers. In the stereo version,
the left channel of the input signal is sent to one transposer and the right channel is sent to
the other.

The controls are further explained below in the section called Reference.

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A quick tutorial

We assume that you are familiar with the basic operations of your host software, that you
know how to record or import a sound into a mono or stereo track, and how to insert VST
plug-ins. For this tutorial, use a melody.

Set the controls for the plug-in as you see them above. Start the playback.

Adjust the first transposer to a positive number. Note: The transposition is higher than
the original.

Adjust the second transposer to a negative number. Note: The transposition is lower
than the original.

Set the delays at different lengths.

Change the settings for periodic modulation, random modulation, and feedback.

Store any configuration of the variables in a Preset and perform any sequence of Presets
with the SuperSlider. If you're not familiar with these controls, have a look at the page
called Universal Controls.

Reference

transpose. Sets the interval for each transposition from -24 semitones to +24 semitones.

delay. Sets the delay of each transposition from 0 to 2972 ms.

gain. Sets the level of the input signal from -40 dB to 0 dB.

periodic modulation. Modulates the pitch set in 'transpose' in the shape of a sine wave.

frequence. Sets the modulation frequency from 0 to 20 Hz.

amplitude. Sets the modulation amplitude from 0 to 100 %.

phase. Synchronizes the modulations from 0 to 360 degrees.

random modulation. Randomly modulates the pitch set in 'transpose'.

frequence. Sets the modulation frequency from 0 to 20 Hz.

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amplitude. Sets the modulation amplitude from 0 to 100 %.

smooth. Smoothes the random variations from 0 (abrupt changes) to 100 (slow
variations).

feedback. Specifies the percentage of the output signal which will be fed back into the
input.

mono / stereo. Sets the distribution of the transposed signals to the outputs, from 0
(monophonic, same signal to both tracks) to 100 % (2-track output).

direct. Determines the level of the non-processed input signal from -40 dB to 0 dB.

crossfade. Controls the way that fragments overlap from small values and abrupt
transitions to longer values and softer transitions.

window. Sets the durations of the sound fragments used by the transposition algorithm. For
periodic sounds or sounds with quick changes, a value between 10 - 20 ms is recommended.
For complex sounds with slow variation, a longer value may prove to be preferable.

pitch detector. Ensures that the durations of the sound fragments remain consistent with
the frequency of the input signal. It is advisable to use this with periodic signals.

2DController. Moving the 2DController vertically lets you control the range of transposition
levels between the two fragments. Moving the 2DController horizontally lets you control the
transposition levels of both fragments in parallel.

Tempo. The parameters that can be synchronized to tempo are the interpolation time
between presets, delay (both voices), frequence (periodic modulation), and frequence
(random modulation). To initiate synchronization, hold down the [Shift] key and click on the
Slider or Numerical Value Field associated with the parameter.

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Reson
This plug-in lets you create new sounds from current sounds by rebalancing and
redistributing the sound's resonant frequencies.

How does it work?

Up to 128 resonating high-pass, low-pass or band-pass filters, each of which resonates a


single frequency, are distributed within a frequency range to transform a sound's timbre.

Specify the number of filters with the nr of filters slider. Move the 2DController up or down
to widen or narrow the frequency range within which the filters are distributed, and move it
left or right to place the range higher or lower. Use the distribution slider to distribute the
filters within the range. Note that the window below the control window displays the
distribution curve.

The controls are further explained below in the section called Reference.

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A quick tutorial

We assume that you are familiar with the basic operations of your host software, that you
know how to record or import a sound into a mono or stereo track, and how to insert VST
plug-ins. For this tutorial, use a series of staccato sounds or footsteps.

Set the controls for the plug-in as you see them above. Start the playback.

When you hear the sound, gradually move the resonance slider to the right. The sounds
will first take on a metallic quality, then change into bells.

Move the random factor slider and S&H rate sliders to the right. The sounds will seem
like loose metal.

Store any configuration of the variables in a Preset and perform any sequence of Presets
with the SuperSlider. If you're not familiar with these controls, have a look at the page
called Universal Controls.

Reference

gain. Sets the level of the input signal from -96 dB to + 24 dB.

mix. Determines the proportion of the processed signal that is mixed with the original
signal. At 0%, only the original signal is heard. At 100%, only the processed signal is heard.
In the stereo version, the same settings are applied simultaneously to both channels.

low. Sets the resonance of the lowest filter to a frequency between 59 Hz and 15 kHz. The
group of filters defined by 'nr of filters' will be distributed between low and high according
to the distrib curve.

high. Sets the resonance of the highest filter to a frequency between 59 Hz and 15 kHz.
The group of filters defined by 'nr of filters' will be distributed between low and high
according to the distrib curve.

nr of filters. Determines the number of filters in the mono version from 2 to 128 and in the
stereo version from 2 to 64. Note that the maximum number of filters depends on the power
of the processor and the number of plug-ins in use.

distrib curve. Determines the distribution of filter frequencies between 'low' and 'high'. For
a value of 0, the filters are distributed equally according to musical intervals. For example,
if the interval between 'low' and 'high' is one octave, and the 'nr of filters' is 12, the filters
will be tuned in semitones. For a value of 100, the distribution is by equal frequency
intervals, and you obtain a sound close to that of the comb filter.

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random factor. Sets the extent of random variation in the distribution of filter frequencies
between 'low' and 'high'. At '0', there is no variation. At '1', there is a variation between one
octave below and one fifth above the unvaried filter frequency.

S&H rate. Sets the rate at which random variations occur in individual filter frequencies. At
'0', there is no variation. At '1', there is a variation in a filter every millisecond.

resonance. Determines the duration of the resonance in the filters from '0' (no resonance)
to '1' (infinite resonance). At maximum resonance, the filters behave like sine wave
oscillators.

filter type. Selects lowpass, bandpass, or highpass filter modes. The effect will be heard
most clearly with weak resonance values.

mono / stereo. Sets the distribution of filtered signals to the outputs, from '0' (monophonic,
same signal to both tracks) to '100' (2-track output).

2DController. Moving the 2DController vertically lets you control the frequency bandwidth
within which the filters are distributed. Moving the 2DController horizontally lets you
control the center frequency of this band within the spectrum. Note that the positions of the
filter frequencies are displayed in the display window under the 2DController.

Tempo. The interpolation time between presets can be synchronized to tempo. To initiate
synchronization, hold down the [Shift] key and click on the Numerical Value Field under the
Presets.

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Shuffling
This plug-in lets you create an unusual resonance or reverberation, fill an audio space with
overlapping fragments of a sound, turn a single voice into a crowd ...

How does it work?

A sound is fragmented and the fragments are shuffled in time. You control the durations
and attacks of the fragments, their pitches, and their densities.

The fragment and envelope sliders let you control the size of the fragments and the
sharpness of their attacks, the delay slider lets you control how far apart the fragments will
be, the initial pitch, final pitch, and random pitch sliders let you vary the pitches of the
fragments, the feedback slider adds reverb, the density slider determines the number of
fragments that will be generated ...

The controls are further explained below in the section called Reference.

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A quick tutorial

We assume that you are familiar with the basic operations of your host software, that you
know how to record or import a sound into a mono or stereo track, and how to insert VST
plug-ins. For this tutorial, use a solo voice or melody.

Set the controls for the plug-in as you see them above. Start the playback.

When you hear the sound, gradually move the delay slider towards the right. You'll hear
the fragmentation begin.

Move the feedback slider to the right. You'll hear a reverb effect.

Play with the pitch controls and density slider.

Store any configuration of the variables in a Preset and perform any sequence of Presets
with the SuperSlider. If you're not familiar with these controls, have a look at the page
called Universal Controls.

Reference

gain. Sets the level of the input signal from -96 dB to 0 dB.

mix. Determines the proportion of the processed signal that is mixed with the original
signal. At 0%, only the original signal is heard. At 100%, only the processed signal is heard.
In the stereo version, the same settings are applied simultaneously to both channels.

fragment. Sets the duration of the fragments from one millisecond to about 3 seconds.

envelope. Controls the attacks and releases of the fragments from sharp to gradual.

delay. Sets the longest possible delay time. In other words, each fragment will randomly
occur at a delay that is less than this number of milliseconds. If you want the fragments to
occur further apart, move this slider towards the right. If you want the fragments to be more
mixed together, move this slider towards the left.

initial pitch. Determines the transposition at the beginning of each fragment. To get the
classical harmonizer effect, hold the [Control] key down and move the initial pitch
potentiometer. The final pitch potentiometer will move simultaneously.

final pitch. Determines the transposition at the end of each fragment. To get the classical
harmonizer effect, hold the [Control] key down and move the final pitch potentiometer. The
initial pitch potentiometer will move simultaneously.

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random pitch. Lets you randomize the transposition of each fragment.

feedback. Specifies the percentage of the output signal which will be fed back into the
input. This produces a reverb effect.

density. Lets you determine the number of fragments that will be heard. At 0%, no
fragment will be heard. At 100%, the maximum number of fragments will be heard.

mono / stereo. Sets the distribution of the fragments to the outputs, from monophonic at
0%, which means the same signal is directed to both tracks, to stereo at 100%, which means
that different fragments are directed to different tracks.

2DController. Moving the 2DController vertically lets you control the fragment slider.
Moving the 2DController horizontally lets you control the delay slider, which determines the
extent to which the fragments occur separately or overlapped.

Tempo. The interpolation time between presets can be synchronized to tempo. To initiate
synchronization, hold down the [Shift] key and click on the Numerical Value Field under the
Presets.

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