Polyplex

[braincell]

So I have been thinking about upgrading to Komplete 10, mainly because I want Polyplex. Since there is a free demo, I gave it a try first. This is the most original thing I have used ever. The key feature is the ability to randomize and the way it's implemented. The bad thing is it is a memory hog and it is tedious because you can not type in values. When importing sounds you have to set the low and highest notes so the randomising won't play an empty space out of the 127. You have to drag the mouse and it's difficult to get the exact number. I hate this! Yet the pros outweigh the cons. I don't like that it's a Kontakt plugin and not a standalone app. That does make it easier for the programmer I guess.

I've been using drum samplers for non drum purposes for a while. I have used Battery 3, Battery 4 and Groove Agent. My main tool will still be Groove Agent because it's easier to use and it has some features Polyplex doesn't have. It automatically makes up to 8 velocity switch zones when you drag and drop files from Cubase. Nice and easy. Having a 16 pad square grid device helps too because the hardware looks exactly like what I am seeing on the screen which makes it sooo much easier to remember where samples are versus a keyboard. That is a really great thing about Groove Agent.

[tlaskows]

Hmm, I'm gonna need something for drums in the future. In the past I would just draw the notes or play it on the keyboard and quantize then add swing. Something with a built in sequencer would be nice.

-Tom

[jksuperstar]

WaveDNA makes a tool called Liquid Rhythm, which I like alot. It allows for using various tools to create beats (or simple melodies/harmonies), that is based on what I think of as guided randomization, that allows you to lock down a kick, while adding variation to hats or snares, etc. Hard to describe, but fun to use and easy to build up variations in rhythms without being too mechanical, or spending so much time you drive yourself crazy. And all the while, keeps the creativity with you, the song writer.

http://www.wavedna.com/

[tlaskows]

Looks interesting, I will try the demo. Thanks!

-Tom

[braincell]

Okay, we are starting to see some interesting things. I tried the iZotope demo for Stutter Edit. It's good but I think it's overpriced.

[tlaskows]

I just looked at iZotope, looks cool, but the price, yes. 250$.

I can get AudioRealism ADM and load whatever samples I want into it for $100. But it's only a drum machine.

-Tom

[stonberg]

FXpansion's Geist is worth checking out perhaps, it's really good. The only issue I have with it is that it has so much built-in sequencing capabilities that figuring out how best to integrate/use it with DAW software can be a bit confusing.

FXP has made a set of very good tutorial videos for it over on youtube, so you can watch those to get an idea of what it can do.

Tutorial playlist is here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... 37BC77F1AB