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senso edited this page Jun 22, 2026 · 2 revisions

Granulator

#example #audio #drawing #mouse #automation #query #control #advanced

Multi-channel granular synthesis engine with visual feedback.
Module Name Granulator
Type mtControl
Color clAudioModuleColor
Version 2.3
Source examples/Granulator/

Description

A fully-featured granular synthesis module with multiple envelope types, pitch shifting, circular audio buffer, multi-channel support, visual envelope display, and automation recording. One of the most complex examples in the SDK.

Parameters

Dynamic count (N = number of audio channels):

# Name Type I/O Range Details
0..N-1 in 1/2... ptAudio Input — Audio source
N..2N-1 out 1/2... ptAudio Output — Granulated output
2N trig out ptTriggerLed Output — Grain trigger indicator
2N+1 interval ptDataFader Input -1000 – 20000 ms Time between grains (scLog)
2N+2 grain env ptListBox Input — ASR / Bezier / RCB / Hanning / Gaussian
2N+3 env var ptDataFader Input — Envelope shape variable
2N+4 duration ptDataFader Input 0.05 – 2000 ms Grain duration (scLog)
2N+5 pitch ptDataFader Input -48 – +48 Pitch shift in halftones
2N+6 grain mode ptListBox Input — Interval / Play Button
2N+7 play ptButton Input/Output — Manual grain trigger

How It Works

  1. Audio buffering: Incoming audio is written to a circular buffer
  2. Grain scheduling: In Interval mode, a countdown triggers new grains automatically. In Play mode, grains are triggered manually.
  3. Grain processing: Each grain reads from the circular buffer with a pitch-dependent playback increment, applies an envelope, and accumulates to the output. Up to 16 simultaneous grains per channel.
  4. Envelope types: ASR (linear), Bezier (curved), RCB (raised cosine bell), Hanning, Gaussian — each with a variable shape parameter.

Key Concepts Demonstrated

  • Audio query for multi-channel support
  • Sample-by-sample processing in onProcess (not block-based)
  • Circular audio buffer for grain source material
  • Multiple envelope types with mathematical generation
  • Pitch shifting via variable playback increment
  • Custom canvas drawing (onPaint) for envelope visualization
  • Automation recording: sdkProcessRecordAutomation, sdkStopRecordAutomation, onSetRecordedValue
  • CanRecord = TRUE — automation recording support
  • Mouse interaction for real-time control (Y = env var or pitch, X = duration)
  • onSampleRateChange for buffer resizing

SDK Callbacks Used

onGetModuleInfo · onGetNumberOfParams · onAfterQuery · onInitModule · onGetParamInfo · onCallBack · onProcess · onCreateSettings · onSettingsHasChanged · onPaint · onMouseMove · onMouseDown · onMouseUp · onSampleRateChange · onSetRecordedValue

Related Examples

  • Reverb — Another complex audio processor
  • AudioVolume — Simpler multi-channel audio
  • SimplePad — Automation recording example

SDK Reference

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