that was, by far, the longest "no talking" jam session I've seen ziv do after a deep dive demo vid. that speaks volumes for how much fun this magickal gadget is.
I would say this type of device would be great as a soft-synth, BUT having physical control over the sound is such a creative process that I feel it could never be replaced by something in software.
An even more in-depth GR-1 tutorial from us (almost a user manual in video form, really) : ruclips.net/video/lmC4DifIgPU/видео.html&ab_channel=TastyChips
The “reverb” sounds a lot like the one used in the SNES. A lot of these sounds, in fact, sound like they’re from an SNES that was allowed to evolve on its own for 30 years. So of course I want one.
Fantastic. First thing I've taken note of since leaving the insane and intense world of KYMA: The only thing that doing MPE and granular over 10 years ago.
Another fantastic review , my GR1 arrived in mid 2020. This synth/sampler really does reward those who will spend time learning its eccentricities.And as with all samplers , rubbish in, rubbish out. Its not a straight out of the box delight. But there are more and more videos on youtube showing its unique possibilities. With persistence the results can be quite stunning. Very similar learning curve to Monome Norns and I suspect will appeal to the same kind of people.You will either grow tired of it quickly or be draw deeper into its digital haze of granular intrigue.
I know I can not buy it because it is very expensive for my budget but I watched all the review from start to finish because it was simply amazing!! Two thumbs up! Keep up the good work!
Nightingale1887 Exactly. Looks like an easy tweak on a DAW. Not a $950 no keyboard synth. I’m not qualified to make that DAW statement, so if I’m wrong...whoops, ok?
There are deifinitely comparable VST options and Ableton Live gives access to Granulator II, which is fairly similar to this. Recently there was a sale on Iris 2, I'm not sure if it's still on.
really useful. more clear and complete than horrible 'official' manuals and videos. it is like conceptors/programmers not communicate with the commercial stuff. Thank you
Superb overview of this Magnum Opus of a sound sculpting tool..... seems like a good balance between menu and parameter/ performance knobs and sliders...I love that breathing LFO modulation of the loop
There is a hardware competitor for this in the Waldorf Quantum, obviously not in the same price league but you do get all the benefits of a true synth plus an analogue filter with distortion modes, which seems like the only thing a software granular synth cannot offer over a hardware version, unless maybe you add an Elektron Analog Heat to send your arsenal of plugins through.
technology more than ever makes that someone can do sounds and we could easily believe it's great, a genious, but it's only a sample with some random tweaking and effects. This synth is awesome and I want one OMG !!
The genius lies (and always did) in knowing what sounds good and how it combines with other sounds to create a coherent emotional response. In many ways it's harder today, infinite choice paralysis is a real thing and every piece is compared against the unbridled creativity and incredible production quality of the best of us.
Yeah. I've wanted this thing since the moment I seen it. I see a lot of people talking about waiting for the polyend tracker or that there are a ton of more powerful vst granular options, but to me the fact that it's a dedicated hardware granular with a pretty simple workflow and a lot of sliders and knobs for the parameters that make sense to control via those methods is what makes me so excited about this machine. Yeah it's a bit pricy for being a raspberry pi, but tasty chips obviously spent a lot of time and effort developing a UI that is very intuitive for the type of machine that this is. I hate pieces of gear that strive to do everything. Most of the time that stuff ends up being tedious to navigate and ends up making me frustrated. I would much rather spend $1000 on a piece of gear that was fun for me to use than anything cheaper and/or more powerful just to end up selling it because it frustrated me and ended up not being fun to me.
I can confirm that the GR-1 is really easy and intuitive to use. The flow of creation makes it as much a nice instrument to control with a master keyboard than a true sound design mini laboratory. And by itself, without keyboard, a nice "drone generator" for instant overwhelming ambient textures. (and its developpers are updating and fixing it really regularly, and they are still very disponible to answer to any mail)
No, not at all but I’m not pushing the envelope here. I don’t even use it multi-timbrally. I do use it in real-time processing mode quite a bit. So it’s much more a texture generator than a primary sound source.
I love my GR-1. If you have a sampler and I recommend you run the GR-1 through a reverb (I have an MPC Live and a Ventris dual reverb pedal), you'll really enjoy it. I've created many beautiful washes and textures, sometimes from surprising sources.
@@thedeepblueskys omg dudes you are killing me. My Collider sits on the desk, ready to spin those grains. But no GR-1, YET! Seriously cool tricks, record sweep motion. Gotta be killer riffs lurking in that thing.
@@ParadiseVibe yeah the GR-1 was one of my last big purchases. I didn’t enjoy shelling out that kinda cash but in the end it’s worth it. I got rid of half my other synths because I don’t need them. Just a some handful of hard core keepers. Virus Ti-1, Radias, and that Tasty Chips are my main go twos. I also have a few Moogs and and MS2000 & King Korg. Not to mention the Digitakt & Digitone. Might eventually pick up a Peak but other then that it’s all about them pedals. I’m totally into FX like my Microcosm and Mood. All these synths of mine need them from time to time and it adds so many possibilities. I hope you eventually get your GR-1…. You won’t regret it 🙌🏼
I use to want one of these. Now I really want one since it's upgraded. But I still dont know where it fits in my music making. I guess it's dope for making my samples sound really mashed up but.....Damn the possibilities of sounds within a sample being looped. Man. Thanks a lot (sarcastically) Loopop.
Few days bought black edition, can't wait for sessions!! Since years looking for gear compare to my vision of sound, Gr1 and MD sps-1 kick my creativity. Thank you Loopop for your reviews ❤️🙏
Wow! This thing is a monster. Full of features, nice display, controls and metal chassis. Would love to have one, but the price will keep me away for now. Fortunately I have a few good Granular synths in my iPad, to play with, until I can afford this.
impulse buy it ain't. no doubt. but deeply enticing, it most definitely is. this thing is calling me.... I was actually in the perfect circuit brick & mortar store yesterday, & this thing wooed me from across the room. it's incredible!!
My only disappointment with the Waldorf quantum is that he granular engine is not close to the GR-1 capabilities ...great review here and by far the most in depth look 👍
Amazing video as usual. This is such an incredible looking/sounding piece of gear. Too many things coming out, like the Subharmonicon, Hyperion, the Erica Synths Syntax looks amazing, not to mention all the amazing looking modules that are out or coming out. Not a great time to be into modular synth, synth of any kind, while quarantined with no regular paycheck. Keep up the fantastic videos!
Such a great demo explaining the complexities really well. I wish there was a version of this that wasn’t quite so deep (functions and price)…but wow. What a machine.
@@loopop You can absolutely take credit. Your style of presentation, attention to detail and embedded video tags etc - All contribute! :) Many thanks for your work
For comparison, and if you can settle with software: Reason costs ~400€/$ comes with the Grain synth (among many others), which does three kinds of granular synthesis and has a bunch of effects, and can be of course paired with your effects plugins of choice. You can use Reason as a plugin in other daws now too. Of course you'd lose the tactileness of a dedicated hardware interface.
i agree, but really there's no point comparing a granular hardware device with software though. obv you can do granular synthesis in software like reaktor. i would still love to buy one of these simply for the fun of using it if i could afford it. thing is 700 euros isn't a lot of money to everyone. especially when you compare it to the price of modular equipment. sheeesh thats expensive haha
Granular synthesis will be explored more in the upcoming years hardware wise. The experiences I have had in reason with grain has been incredible. I love just using grain like a crazy sampler to be honest.
I know this is being a little picky, but solfeggio in D major is by JCF Bach (Bach's son), not Bach (JS). Not sure if you knew or cared. I just wanted to let you know for future reference.
Wow this concept would be so cool for music toys. Make a little box with tons of different controls, a touch screen, speakers and or headphone/audio out, and load it with a single song or sound or have it connect to WiFi and let you buy/download more.
The GR-1 is polyphonic and polytimbral : you already can layer up to 4 timbres, meaning 4 samples. (all played as one, or with one midi channel for each) It only lacks sequencer. (but being midi, is totally cmpatible with any midi seq)
Fixed grain length seems like something I would have expected so you have a way to play a sound with uniformity across the keyboard. Thanks for pointing that out.
If you have an iPad I’d recommend you check out Borderlands Granular. Amazing app with many of the same features. Sample input from other apps is fast and easy.
orbithesun1 oh dear. Show me an alternative that has the speed and capability of an iPad and I might just buy one. I’ve been using Apple since the early 90’s when they weren’t wanky and overpriced. I still love the OS and the variety of apps that the App Store has to offer. It’s not all about posturing. And if you can’t see that, that’s your call.
@@eccremocarpusscaber5159 I agree, and the IPad has democratised music creation. You could pick up an older secondhand IPad for about £100 and just dip your toes in...Even something quite basic like GarageBand has features that 20 years ago would have cost you £1000’s.
Wonderful review!! Still looking forward to buying this to explore granular. (my studio is 100% hardware). Such an amazing UI for understanding granular. Just bought into wavetable today, curious to know what is more usable wavetable or granular for making beautiful pleasant, musical sounds??
Thanks for the kind words! I think it's a subjective thing so just trust your ears regarding what's pleasant and musical to you :) They're very different IMHO
I like GR1 - and while people easily mix samplers with granular synthesizers, I can understand why paralels with Octatrack are often heard when GR1 is mentioned. Deep granular synthesis can be extremely interesting, I got hooked to Izotope Iris and its visual/audio connection. However I think GR1 is too expensive for what it does.
I love it! Thanks for the video! Question, I see you reviewed the Iridium as well, have you had a chance to spend time with Waldorf’s ‘Particle’ engine and how do you think the two compare?
I don‘t think it would be a CPU problem. Current MPC Models run Windows embedded and Granular Synthesis is not that CPU heavy compared to other features of modern MPCs. At the same time I don’t believe AKAI would implement such a feature, simply because 99.9% of their customers won’t use it ever.
Just recently discovered your channel because of the GR-1. Really great and comprehensive reviews! Now I only need to find a (digital) alternative, until I saved up for the GR-1 haha
Had to give this a thumbs up ... as usual with your vids ... I'm intrigued and adding another synth to the list of possible purchases this year. Though, the price is a deterrent; the immediate attraction is to have another source of original, high quality sounds at the ready. Especially of the "spacey" variety. While I have you, I gotta ask if you every saw my question on the "Drum Machine Trick Video" ... I've been traveling and haven't had the time to sit down and experiment with my Digitone and Ableton. Maybe you know the answer right off the cuff?
AFAIK granular synthesis can only work with full samples. With an audio input, the synth wouldn't be able to "scan" the waveform properly as it could only move backwards (as some data hasn't arrived yet). So granular synthesisers can only work with imported samples.
@@MichaelCoombes776 Actually it can, with limitations. It can trail behind the incoming audio a little. But the spray and pitch should be leveled down a little.. depending on how much you trail behind.
The device looks beautiful, but is too big and expensive for what it does. An iPad, a few midi controllers would get you much farther than this would. You could run, say, iDensity, which gives you six independent sample slots, one Tardigrain, one Quanta, all played using MIDI controllers (with splits using AUM) and use any FX plugins you like (again using AUM) and have a multitouch screen which could be used to play Samplr or Borderlands. That’s a lot of possibility and would be cheaper than this. I was very excited when this came out. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I say I make my living out of granulating sounds :) But its size, its limitations put me off pretty quick. Sorry for being a party pooper :)
Thanks! I made this video a while ago - I don't remember ... if they're there it's for a purpose that is certainly revealed during the video - most likely in the segment that has CV in it but potentially in others :)
Great review! While it's not out yet, and I hope yet doubt that it will be less expensive, the Polyend Tracker coming out next week has a granular synth in (even though it's not its main feature). I hope you'll review it on your channel! Cheers
Really curious what could have gone into the decision to make a granular synth without an audio In. Wouldn't thst have gave this thing an immense amount of utility within a larger rig?
on point! absolutely! thank you very very much for your short and foccused videos. love your agenda in your videos - you have a good sound and a good modration voice - ;-)
When you say you need an audio interface to sample into it, what do you mean? How can you sample through the interface? Connecting the interface directly to the synth as if it was a computer? Could you do it with a usb to jack convertor or something like it?
Hello , i know that i’m late for this video but i have a quick question; is there a plugin that can emulate the Gr-1, for exemple Phaseplant or another?. Thank you VERY much, and most important, have a very nice year
I've never tried phaseplant but there are plenty of granular plugins (Arturia Pigments, NI has many, Ableton Live and I'm sure there are more). Have a great 2024!
I believe you can do this granular synthesis in with Elektron Machinedrums sample/userwave functions combined with Elektron Octatrack for the added sampling manipulation. Am I correct on this or am I not fully able to comprehend the mechanics of granular synthesis? Watching the video made me realize this is almost same method I use for the similar results in the devices I mentioned. Not fluid and straight-forward like GR-1 of course. Are my assumptions have any basis?
Anyone else have failing sliders? The large slider has issues and some of the smaller ones are very wonky. They have become super sensitive and jump all over with values. Had the small ones replaced and large one cleaned cuz you can’t find that one out there. My unit is barely used and there’s no excuse for these problems...
I agree. Between Loopop and MG the Future, I can’t make ends meet. I got the Polyend Tracker on it’s way now. You guys need to be outlawed in a good way. A warning should posted in the beginning, “The following video can have adverse effects on your immediate finances”.
that was, by far, the longest "no talking" jam session I've seen ziv do after a deep dive demo vid. that speaks volumes for how much fun this magickal gadget is.
I would say this type of device would be great as a soft-synth, BUT having physical control over the sound is such a creative process that I feel it could never be replaced by something in software.
Try tardigrain
ios has one also. but not as comprehensive as this thing it seems
I’ve been looking for this instrument all my life. Thank you..
Why dork!
@@auraglasswerks4900 lol what
Buy an iPad with Quanta and Borderlands.
yeah man, me too. Need to save up money
Hi! Did you buy it? If yes, what do you think about it?
An even more in-depth GR-1 tutorial from us (almost a user manual in video form, really) : ruclips.net/video/lmC4DifIgPU/видео.html&ab_channel=TastyChips
The “reverb” sounds a lot like the one used in the SNES. A lot of these sounds, in fact, sound like they’re from an SNES that was allowed to evolve on its own for 30 years.
So of course I want one.
Sneeees sucks genesis does what Nintendon't!!!! :D
The SNES! "Gezhundteit!"
Been in love with granular ever since getting Reaktor. Awesome explanation and review.
Fantastic. First thing I've taken note of since leaving the insane and intense world of KYMA: The only thing that doing MPE and granular over 10 years ago.
you've convinced me to get a microgranny
Always a hype when i see a new video of two hands, a ring and a synth. The synth looks awesome btw!
Another fantastic review , my GR1 arrived in mid 2020. This synth/sampler really does reward those who will spend time learning its eccentricities.And as with all samplers , rubbish in, rubbish out. Its not a straight out of the box delight. But there are more and more videos on youtube showing its unique possibilities. With persistence the results can be quite stunning. Very similar learning curve to Monome Norns and I suspect will appeal to the same kind of people.You will either grow tired of it quickly or be draw deeper into its digital haze of granular intrigue.
Go Russia
I can see why rbeny uses this now. So easy to understand and sounds lovely.
I know I can not buy it because it is very expensive for my budget but I watched all the review from start to finish because it was simply amazing!! Two thumbs up! Keep up the good work!
I'm not big on soft synths but are there no VST granular synths?
Nightingale1887 Exactly. Looks like an easy tweak on a DAW. Not a $950 no keyboard synth.
I’m not qualified to make that DAW statement, so if I’m wrong...whoops, ok?
There are deifinitely comparable VST options and Ableton Live gives access to Granulator II, which is fairly similar to this. Recently there was a sale on Iris 2, I'm not sure if it's still on.
really useful. more clear and complete than horrible 'official' manuals and videos. it is like conceptors/programmers not communicate with the commercial stuff. Thank you
Superb overview of this Magnum Opus of a sound sculpting tool..... seems like a good balance between menu and parameter/ performance knobs and sliders...I love that breathing LFO modulation of the loop
Thank you so much for the lengthy demo at the end of this!!!
Of all the synths I've ever wanted this is it. I have a jillion loops and samples I'd like to try on this baby.
There is a hardware competitor for this in the Waldorf Quantum, obviously not in the same price league but you do get all the benefits of a true synth plus an analogue filter with distortion modes, which seems like the only thing a software granular synth cannot offer over a hardware version, unless maybe you add an Elektron Analog Heat to send your arsenal of plugins through.
Glad mine was put into NL post before this video came out, I see tasty chips getting a lot of back orders on this!! 😃nice review and demo @loopop!
How to get around copyright.
Step 1: Granular synthesis
it doesn't apply in this particular case
damn that Bach copyright
technology more than ever makes that someone can do sounds and we could easily believe it's great, a genious, but it's only a sample with some random tweaking and effects. This synth is awesome and I want one OMG !!
The genius lies (and always did) in knowing what sounds good and how it combines with other sounds to create a coherent emotional response. In many ways it's harder today, infinite choice paralysis is a real thing and every piece is compared against the unbridled creativity and incredible production quality of the best of us.
@@aretwodeetoo1181 so real, infinite choice paralysis...because of that electro music in the 70's was so great
@@aretwodeetoo1181 WORD
Love the huge screen.
Yeah. I've wanted this thing since the moment I seen it. I see a lot of people talking about waiting for the polyend tracker or that there are a ton of more powerful vst granular options, but to me the fact that it's a dedicated hardware granular with a pretty simple workflow and a lot of sliders and knobs for the parameters that make sense to control via those methods is what makes me so excited about this machine.
Yeah it's a bit pricy for being a raspberry pi, but tasty chips obviously spent a lot of time and effort developing a UI that is very intuitive for the type of machine that this is.
I hate pieces of gear that strive to do everything. Most of the time that stuff ends up being tedious to navigate and ends up making me frustrated. I would much rather spend $1000 on a piece of gear that was fun for me to use than anything cheaper and/or more powerful just to end up selling it because it frustrated me and ended up not being fun to me.
I can confirm that the GR-1 is really easy and intuitive to use. The flow of creation makes it as much a nice instrument to control with a master keyboard than a true sound design mini laboratory.
And by itself, without keyboard, a nice "drone generator" for instant overwhelming ambient textures.
(and its developpers are updating and fixing it really regularly, and they are still very disponible to answer to any mail)
I love mine. One of the best purchases I made lat year. Using real-time processing of incoming audio is a very cool.
Sounds overwhelming. I love it!
Hello i have read that some people had really bad experience with a lot of bugs with this machine ? did you have any problems like that ? thanks
No, not at all but I’m not pushing the envelope here. I don’t even use it multi-timbrally. I do use it in real-time processing mode quite a bit. So it’s much more a texture generator than a primary sound source.
Whoa! Gotta warn us first before you decide to release a review of this magnitude!
Been waiting for a solid review on the GR-1 for like 2 years now
See Gaz Williams review on the GR1 it is great addition to this one.
I love my GR-1. If you have a sampler and I recommend you run the GR-1 through a reverb (I have an MPC Live and a Ventris dual reverb pedal), you'll really enjoy it. I've created many beautiful washes and textures, sometimes from surprising sources.
I feel ya. I put mine through a BigSky and it’s like they were meant to go together.
@@thedeepblueskys omg dudes you are killing me. My Collider sits on the desk, ready to spin those grains. But no GR-1, YET! Seriously cool tricks, record sweep motion. Gotta be killer riffs lurking in that thing.
@@ParadiseVibe yeah the GR-1 was one of my last big purchases. I didn’t enjoy shelling out that kinda cash but in the end it’s worth it. I got rid of half my other synths because I don’t need them. Just a some handful of hard core keepers. Virus Ti-1, Radias, and that Tasty Chips are my main go twos. I also have a few Moogs and and MS2000 & King Korg. Not to mention the Digitakt & Digitone. Might eventually pick up a Peak but other then that it’s all about them pedals. I’m totally into FX like my Microcosm and Mood. All these synths of mine need them from time to time and it adds so many possibilities. I hope you eventually get your GR-1…. You won’t regret it 🙌🏼
I use to want one of these. Now I really want one since it's upgraded. But I still dont know where it fits in my music making. I guess it's dope for making my samples sound really mashed up but.....Damn the possibilities of sounds within a sample being looped. Man. Thanks a lot (sarcastically) Loopop.
Wow, this thing is lustworthy. Thanks for the great video, Loopop, you always introduce the best stuff.
Few days bought black edition, can't wait for sessions!! Since years looking for gear compare to my vision of sound, Gr1 and MD sps-1 kick my creativity.
Thank you Loopop for your reviews ❤️🙏
Wow! This thing is a monster. Full of features, nice display, controls and metal chassis.
Would love to have one, but the price will keep me away for now.
Fortunately I have a few good Granular synths in my iPad, to play with, until I can afford this.
Yeah. iDensity gives you six of the things.
The design of this is stunning.
impulse buy it ain't. no doubt. but deeply enticing, it most definitely is. this thing is calling me.... I was actually in the perfect circuit brick & mortar store yesterday, & this thing wooed me from across the room. it's incredible!!
man this channel is a gold mine! Incredible work! Thank you!
Paid for mine yesterday.. will arrive Friday.. cant wait to hook it up to my Strymon Big Sky!
this is actually a good tutorial on granular synthesis anyway
what a beautiful instrument, sounds and looks so nice.
I agree on that... way better than Morphagene:-) These controls make sense.
@@neuroactive3301 Indeed yes!! :)
This is the best thing i've seen all day.
this is amazing, can't believe I missed it until now, thank you for another fantastic and inspiring video!
OMFG!!! This instrument is sent from heaven, courtesy of the Divine and I MUST get one!
Looking forward to the gr-mega review! Just plopped down my preoder $
Really helpful review, thanks so much, the GR1 is just brilliant 🙂
When did you find time to know all of these???? You are a walking synth encyclopedia!
it's called "RTFM" ;)
@@V3nom7 But then still you need to put TFM into action. Doing this in such an uninterrupted flow like he does requires much more than RTFM.
My only disappointment with the Waldorf quantum is that he granular engine is not close to the GR-1 capabilities ...great review here and by far the most in depth look 👍
I thought the same thing, only with the Iridium. I'm thinking about one of these as a compliment.
@@ActualKaktus yes that would be a great combo
Amazing video as usual. This is such an incredible looking/sounding piece of gear. Too many things coming out, like the Subharmonicon, Hyperion, the Erica Synths Syntax looks amazing, not to mention all the amazing looking modules that are out or coming out. Not a great time to be into modular synth, synth of any kind, while quarantined with no regular paycheck. Keep up the fantastic videos!
Another great video Loopop ...always watch your videos for the best reviews...
Added to my wishlist! Too cool and worth every penny.
No Audio Input?? I don't get it, this is the whole point of having granular in hardware?
I was shocked at that too.
Such a great demo explaining the complexities really well.
I wish there was a version of this that wasn’t quite so deep (functions and price)…but wow. What a machine.
I know it's a year later, but check out the Lemondrop. I have both and the Lemondrop is very portable and has a lot of interesting features.
Sorry, Loopop - but I think I am going to have to unsubscribe. All your reviews make me want to collect more amazing gear : ) I'm going broke! :p
I wish I could take credit - I just try and tell it like it is...
@@loopop You can absolutely take credit. Your style of presentation, attention to detail and embedded video tags etc - All contribute! :) Many thanks for your work
HAH!!!! I hear you! This means - going into f***ing D E B T!!! Again......
i know, suxx, but still, i NEED my daily synth FIX
Loving your videos
For comparison, and if you can settle with software: Reason costs ~400€/$ comes with the Grain synth (among many others), which does three kinds of granular synthesis and has a bunch of effects, and can be of course paired with your effects plugins of choice. You can use Reason as a plugin in other daws now too. Of course you'd lose the tactileness of a dedicated hardware interface.
Better yet is Reaktor at half that price that gets you thousands of synths including many granular options. Plus you can hack your own.
i agree, but really there's no point comparing a granular hardware device with software though. obv you can do granular synthesis in software like reaktor. i would still love to buy one of these simply for the fun of using it if i could afford it. thing is 700 euros isn't a lot of money to everyone. especially when you compare it to the price of modular equipment. sheeesh thats expensive haha
Granular synthesis will be explored more in the upcoming years hardware wise. The experiences I have had in reason with grain has been incredible. I love just using grain like a crazy sampler to be honest.
I know this is being a little picky, but solfeggio in D major is by JCF Bach (Bach's son), not Bach (JS). Not sure if you knew or cared. I just wanted to let you know for future reference.
I'm always happy to learn and be corrected but where (when in the video) did I play that or say it was Bach?
@@loopop 0:55
Thanks - but that’s the prelude by JS Bach I assure you
@@loopop Ah yes. I have confused it with solfeggio in D major as they open with the same arpeggiation (though in different keys). My mistake.
Like the new sound demos section at the end
Wow this concept would be so cool for music toys. Make a little box with tons of different controls, a touch screen, speakers and or headphone/audio out, and load it with a single song or sound or have it connect to WiFi and let you buy/download more.
I need this in my life! and it's made arround the corner in The Netherlands! how cool!
I so do not need this but I want it so bad! Kinda strange how they decided to not have inputs/sampling on it though.
Your reviewing this synth!! Yessss.... ok back to the show👍🏼👍🏼
looks like a serious piece of hospital equipment! would be nice if it had a way to layer samples and sequence them.
The GR-1 is polyphonic and polytimbral : you already can layer up to 4 timbres, meaning 4 samples. (all played as one, or with one midi channel for each)
It only lacks sequencer. (but being midi, is totally cmpatible with any midi seq)
I love this one - it's pretty much the Mangler in a box (even pretty much the same interface).
Had the same thought about Reason Grain synth - one of my favorite Reason devices!
sbmphr it’s only mono samples? Bummer, thanks for the info!
sbmphr Nice suggestion!
sbmphr I personally would like to see modulation envelopes being added
Fixed grain length seems like something I would have expected so you have a way to play a sound with uniformity across the keyboard. Thanks for pointing that out.
If you have an iPad I’d recommend you check out Borderlands Granular. Amazing app with many of the same features. Sample input from other apps is fast and easy.
Agreed. I think borderlands or tardigrain for 5 dollars gets you 95% of what this synth does.
ZzzhhhtttRRRyYY1818 keep it on the down low. Lol Some people need to waste money, so they feel good about themselves.
With a Usb soundcard and midi in and out...does similiat
orbithesun1 oh dear. Show me an alternative that has the speed and capability of an iPad and I might just buy one. I’ve been using Apple since the early 90’s when they weren’t wanky and overpriced. I still love the OS and the variety of apps that the App Store has to offer. It’s not all about posturing. And if you can’t see that, that’s your call.
@@eccremocarpusscaber5159 I agree, and the IPad has democratised music creation. You could pick up an older secondhand IPad for about £100 and just dip your toes in...Even something quite basic like GarageBand has features that 20 years ago would have cost you £1000’s.
Wonderful review!! Still looking forward to buying this to explore granular. (my studio is 100% hardware). Such an amazing UI for understanding granular. Just bought into wavetable today, curious to know what is more usable wavetable or granular for making beautiful pleasant, musical sounds??
Thanks for the kind words! I think it's a subjective thing so just trust your ears regarding what's pleasant and musical to you :) They're very different IMHO
Fantastic review. Thank you! Was on the fence about this and it totally clinched it for me.
I want one! Thanks for this review.
I like GR1 - and while people easily mix samplers with granular synthesizers, I can understand why paralels with Octatrack are often heard when GR1 is mentioned. Deep granular synthesis can be extremely interesting, I got hooked to Izotope Iris and its visual/audio connection. However I think GR1 is too expensive for what it does.
Tru dat I think 499.00
@@anonymousmc7727 way more see reverb refurbished is 720 quid
I love this instrument! I use one similar to it in Reaktor and Live, but as hardware, it is pretty nifty. I will go into my future wishlist. :)
Which one?
New loopop rewiev!!! :) Will watch first thing when I get home :)
Nice! Looks like they really fine tuned the multitimbral functionality from previous firmwares
Pressed like before pressing play..... 🤤
This thing looks like the future! Very good synth!
I love it! Thanks for the video! Question, I see you reviewed the Iridium as well, have you had a chance to spend time with Waldorf’s ‘Particle’ engine and how do you think the two compare?
Thanks! Yes, check out my Iridium video for everything I know about its particle engine and you'll be able to compare the two in depth
AKAI should add this to their MPC. Although it might be.a bit CPU heavy
m.ruclips.net/video/-yItJJYnJfA/видео.html
Maybe not exactly what we are looking for, but Tube Digga's mpc live/x videos are great
I don‘t think it would be a CPU problem. Current MPC Models run Windows embedded and Granular Synthesis is not that CPU heavy compared to other features of modern MPCs. At the same time I don’t believe AKAI would implement such a feature, simply because 99.9% of their customers won’t use it ever.
@@WurstPeterl The MPCs are not running Windows Embedded they are running a version of Linux.
Great idea
Granular processing is definitely not a problem even for low-power modern CPUs.
Fantastic! Like modular madness sounds for people like me who like samplers and secretly fear modular.
Dude you're the best! Every video is insanely informative. Thank you!
Just recently discovered your channel because of the GR-1. Really great and comprehensive reviews! Now I only need to find a (digital) alternative, until I saved up for the GR-1 haha
What an amazing product.
Had to give this a thumbs up ... as usual with your vids ... I'm intrigued and adding another synth to the list of possible purchases this year. Though, the price is a deterrent; the immediate attraction is to have another source of original, high quality sounds at the ready. Especially of the "spacey" variety.
While I have you, I gotta ask if you every saw my question on the "Drum Machine Trick Video" ... I've been traveling and haven't had the time to sit down and experiment with my Digitone and Ableton. Maybe you know the answer right off the cuff?
Thanks for all the thumbs up! I must have missed the question - I'll go hunt it down there...
best review/demo of the gr-1
2 Mic/line inputs and a touch screen would be useful but this bad boy is a beast regardless. I want 1!
That looks CLEAN
Thx for reviewing this. Surprised there is no audio input!?! Great to see a hardware granular synth.
AFAIK granular synthesis can only work with full samples. With an audio input, the synth wouldn't be able to "scan" the waveform properly as it could only move backwards (as some data hasn't arrived yet). So granular synthesisers can only work with imported samples.
@@MichaelCoombes776 Actually it can, with limitations. It can trail behind the incoming audio a little. But the spray and pitch should be leveled down a little.. depending on how much you trail behind.
@@TastyChips That's a nice feature. I think the only limitation would be that you can't fly through the audio super quickly. That's really cool though
Was thinking an audio input for direct sampling needs rather than a real time effect
@@MichaelCoombes776 you can fly.. but only backwards :)
The device looks beautiful, but is too big and expensive for what it does. An iPad, a few midi controllers would get you much farther than this would. You could run, say, iDensity, which gives you six independent sample slots, one Tardigrain, one Quanta, all played using MIDI controllers (with splits using AUM) and use any FX plugins you like (again using AUM) and have a multitouch screen which could be used to play Samplr or Borderlands. That’s a lot of possibility and would be cheaper than this.
I was very excited when this came out. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I say I make my living out of granulating sounds :) But its size, its limitations put me off pretty quick.
Sorry for being a party pooper :)
Korhan Erel you’re completely correct
They didnt support MPE
Can you please explain the two eurorack modules purpose in your setup? Great video by the way:)
Thanks! I made this video a while ago - I don't remember ... if they're there it's for a purpose that is certainly revealed during the video - most likely in the segment that has CV in it but potentially in others :)
Great review! While it's not out yet, and I hope yet doubt that it will be less expensive, the Polyend Tracker coming out next week has a granular synth in (even though it's not its main feature). I hope you'll review it on your channel! Cheers
vgm and stuff Yes - coming soon... However the granular synth in tracker is simple compared to this (they may improve it of course)
Really curious what could have gone into the decision to make a granular synth without an audio In. Wouldn't thst have gave this thing an immense amount of utility within a larger rig?
on point! absolutely! thank you very very much for your short and foccused videos. love your agenda in your videos - you have a good sound and a good modration voice - ;-)
Dear Loopop, pardon for taking your attention, please tell me - focusrite scarlet solo should be fine with connection too??
Greetings from Wrocław ❤️🙏
It's best you ask the company to make sure
Famous Loopop screens right in the hardware!!!! :)
They’re trying to put me out of business!!!
@@loopop LOL they will have to pay royalty first :D
When you say you need an audio interface to sample into it, what do you mean? How can you sample through the interface? Connecting the interface directly to the synth as if it was a computer? Could you do it with a usb to jack convertor or something like it?
yes, out need a USB audio interface (even a simple one should work, but check with the company prior)
Hello , i know that i’m late for this video but i have a quick question; is there a plugin that can emulate the Gr-1, for exemple Phaseplant or another?. Thank you VERY much, and most important, have a very nice year
I've never tried phaseplant but there are plenty of granular plugins (Arturia Pigments, NI has many, Ableton Live and I'm sure there are more). Have a great 2024!
I NEED 4 OF THEM NOW
I believe you can do this granular synthesis in with Elektron Machinedrums sample/userwave functions combined with Elektron Octatrack for the added sampling manipulation. Am I correct on this or am I not fully able to comprehend the mechanics of granular synthesis? Watching the video made me realize this is almost same method I use for the similar results in the devices I mentioned. Not fluid and straight-forward like GR-1 of course. Are my assumptions have any basis?
Love the premise. Are there any VST granular synths i couldn check out to get a similar kind of workflow?
Quanta
Very nice overview. Thanks!
34:39 like the granular syntese for voices !
is nice to have this tutorial now so ta can compare it with the polyend tracker which come in a week.
Tremendously deep.
how does this compare to the granular engine in the waldorf quantum/iridium?
Adding this to the lineup
Anyone else have failing sliders? The large slider has issues and some of the smaller ones are very wonky. They have become super sensitive and jump all over with values.
Had the small ones replaced and large one cleaned cuz you can’t find that one out there. My unit is barely used and there’s no excuse for these problems...
I agree. Between Loopop and MG the Future, I can’t make ends meet. I got the Polyend Tracker on it’s way now. You guys need to be outlawed in a good way. A warning should posted in the beginning, “The following video can have adverse effects on your immediate finances”.
wow - nice explanation ! thanks a lot !!