GrainHeads

GrainHeads is a granular synthesizer that turns any sound into something entirely new. Built for sound designers, musicians, and experimental producers who want deep, hands-on control over texture and motion.

Multi-source granular engine
Load material into four sample slots and deploy independent playheads — each targeting its own source. Blend, crossfade, or dynamically switch between samples using modulation. The result: rich, multi-layered textures that evolve continuously without repetition.

Shape every grain
Each playhead carries a full set of granular parameters — position, scan speed, grain size, pitch, chance — plus a drawable grain envelope. Sculpt transient character using splinter or Bézier curves for anything from soft clouds to sharp, percussive fragments.

Modulate everything, from everywhere
A summing modulation matrix lets multiple sources target the same parameter simultaneously. Assign LFOs, envelopes, and sequencer lanes to virtually any control — including sample slot selection, filter cutoff, and even other LFOs. Filter envelopes add per-step timbral motion in Sequencer mode.

Sequencer with parameter lanes
Go beyond note patterns. The step sequencer locks any parameter per step — pitch, position, filter, grain size — with polyrhythmic lengths and clock divisions. Each playhead runs its own sequence independently.

Macros for expressive control
Four macro axes map multiple parameters to simple X/Y gestures — Time Smear, Spatial Bloom, Degradation, Complexity. Combined with the 4-finger 2D touch pad controlling up to 8 parameters, GrainHeads becomes a performance instrument.

Effects that reshape the signal
A re-routable effects chain includes delay, reverb, lo-fi degradation, and filtering — with adjustable signal flow so effects interact in the order you choose.

Key Features

• AUv3 instrument and effect plugins — use standalone or inside your DAW
• Up to 8 independent granular playheads
• 4 sample slots with per-playhead source selection
• Drawable grain envelope (splinter / Bézier curves)
• Summing modulation matrix — multiple LFOs, envelopes, and sequencer lanes per target
• LFO-on-LFO modulation for deeply nested movement
• Step sequencer with parameter locking and polyrhythmic clock divisions
• Filter envelope per step (Sequencer mode)
• Per-playhead dual Moog-style ladder filter (self-oscillating, with overdrive) with link and mirror modes
• 4 macro axes (X/Y pads) for multi-parameter gestures
• Re-routable effects section (delay, reverb, lo-fi, noise, limiter)
• Scale quantization — chromatic, major, minor, and exotic modes
• Dice — one-tap randomization for instant inspiration
• Ableton Link
• Import/export presets
• Customizable look and feel

PRO version unlocks loading external samples and microphone recording.
GrainHeads turns granular synthesis into a hands-on instrument — not a menu-diving exercise.