Create Complex Sound Textures with Grain Delay

Grain Delay is one of the most exciting effects today. It is based on Granular synthesis, a unique sound synthesis that operates on the microsound time scale, enabling you to produce truly unique results. Moreover, Grain delay works on the same principle as sampling. However, the samples are not played conventionally but are split into small pieces of around 1 to 50 milliseconds. These small pieces are called grains. You can layer these multiple grains on top of each other and play them at different speeds, phases, volumes, and frequencies. As a result, grain delay is suitable for creating unique sweeps, swooshes, and builds. Furthermore, it's also perfect for adding interest to glitched-out sounds. Therefore, it is an effect for those who want to create those crazy robotic sounds!  

Grain Delay Introduction

These days, many different Grain Delay VST plugins with various controllable parameters are available. In addition, one can produce many diverse sounds by varying the waveform, envelope, duration, spatial position, and density of the grains. In the following tutorial, I will try to demonstrate what one of these plugins is capable of. I find the Grain Delay component within Guitar Rig 5 by Native Instruments a perfect match since it's simple and has a user-friendly interface. On a newly created midi channel in SoundBridge, I will first load an instance of Spire by Reveal Sound and make a simple pad sound based on a saw-tooth waveform. Firstly, I will automate the cutoff frequency parameter of the filter section. Let us hear how it sounds:

~Pad Sound with Automated Cutoff Frequency  

Dive Into the Granular World

Moving forward, I will load Guitar Rig 5 in the same midi channel where I have placed Spire. Among various Guitar Rig 5 components, I will choose the Grain Delay. With its innovative granular approach, this effect will allow you to refine the spatial aspects of your tones and build massive walls of echoing energy. Its interdependent controls invite you to experiment and will help you achieve truly unique effects. In the process of setting the remaining parameters the way I like, I will automate the dry/wet knob to smooth out the changes I've made. Afterward, I will also automate the space parameter, which determines the duration of the grains. I will also insert a reverse effect at the end of the chain to counteract dryness. Let's hear it now. 

~Pad Sound with Automated Cutoff Frequency and Grain Delay parameters

In the end, the original sound has been significantly altered by automating the "space" knob. This introduces a speeding-up effect and enhances the sense of movement – much like an up-lifter. Try it for yourself, and have fun!