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.