Real-Time Granular Synthesizer X

What's new?

New Features in version X.2.4Universal:
• Video Controller window: lets you control any slider in the main RTGS-X window using a webcam or the built-in iSight.
• Some extra options have been added to the little-known "Smoother Buffer Scrub" menu command.
• A couple of minor changes have been made to make it run a bit smoother under Leopard (OSX10.5)

New Features in version X.2.2Universal:
• As of version 2.2Universal, RTGS-X is fully compatible with both PowerPC (G4 and G5) and Intel-based Macintosh computers.
• More parameter settings, including VST plugin parameters, EQ settings, and Custom Envelope shape, are saved in the presets.
• Enhanced Output Extras window, including a MIDI-controllable EQ, and improved Limiter
• New Capture Performance window for recording slider movements
• New Generate Audio window lets you generate various waveforms (Sine Wave, Triangle Wave, Sawtooth Wave, Square Wave, White Noise, orr Pink Noise) or copy the contents from one buffer to the other

New features in version X.2:
• an output extras window, with a built-in 5-Band Graphic Equalizer, VST plugin insert, and built-in peak limiting.
• new methods of generating envelopes in the Graphic Slider Control window: amplitude analysis of a buffer's audio waveform, random line segments and a drunk walk algorithm.
• an Audio Controllers window, which allows for mapping amplitude and/or noisiness of incoming audio to any parameter
• more ReWire support

Bug fixes and improvements:
• fixed initialization bug which caused problems when changing the number of voices in the prefs window
• custom grain envelope bug squashed
• fixed wierd problem saving and reading presets files
• fixed rare crash when registration code was entered
• help files and some background graphics are no longer loaded at startup, which saves memory and startup time
• more responsive user interface sliders
• added miscellaneous help texts and tips
• easier to set loop in and out points

What is RTGS-X, and what can I do with it?

RTGS-X is the new OSX incarnation of the now legendary Real-Time Granular Synthesizer application which was originally released nearly 5 years ago for MacOS 8.6. RTGS-X is meant to replace the plethora of poorly designed and programmed granular apps and plugins that are currently floating around the internet. And at less than a third of the price of comparable commercial applications it delivers far more features and flexibility than most audio designers and electronic music composers could ever ask for.

The early versions of RTGS were made around the time when consumer-level computers were just becoming fast enough to do granular synthesis in real-time. Nowadays of course any computer capable of running OSX is in practice fast enough to do granular synthesis in real-time, and more recent computers can even handle rather thick grain densities. But in spite of the advances in hardware performance, most granular synthesis programs and plugins still offer only a fraction of the possibilities of this great synthesis technique. They are often limited to generating a limited array of textures, either because they do not offer enough parameter control to the user or because their complicated interfaces hinder spontaneous creativity. The RTGS-X user interface was designed to allow instant and intuitive access to the main granular parameters, while still giving the user the power to exploit a wide range of modifications to and control over those parameters (RTGS-X is also externally controllable through MIDI, or by sequencer software using Apple's IAC driver).

Granular synthesis can be used to generate brand new sounds or to manipulate and distort existing sounds. It is very useful in generating dense sonic textures, which can evolve quickly or over long periods, to create alien soundscapes. It is also useful for creating short sound effects or sonic motives, which could be used in musical or theatrical situations. One of the most interesting applications of granular synthesis is the manipulation of existing sound through temporal distortion (time stretching, compression, reversal, and fragmentation). Taking a short sample of a sonically rich sound and stretching it to a hundred times its original length can yield some remarkably interesting results! I have been able to generate some wild, interesting and fresh sounds using granular synthesis. What I like most about it is that it is possible to generate sounds which have a certain "natural" quality to them, unlike sounds generated using FM or other oscillator-based synthesis techniques. I hope that in your exploration of granular synthesis you will also find sounds that stimulate your senses and creativity!

I believe that granular synthesis can become a musical and compositional tool for more people than just hard-core computer programmers or audio design specialists. RTGS-X was created with the intention of introducing granular synthesis to a wider audience, including musicians, composers, sound effects creators, and performance artists.

What's new in this version?

RTGS-X was reprogrammed completely from scratch for OSX. This was necessary due to timing and efficiency difficulties which are inherent in the current Macintosh operating systems. As a result, RTGS-X performs remarkably well in comparison to earlier versions and can generate far denser and richer textures than were previously possible.

Many new enhancements and features were also implemented. Most remarkable is the new interface, which allows for even more flexibility and control under your fingertips. Interface enhancements include:

System Requirements

RTGS-X requires a Macintosh G4, G5 or Intel processor of at least 800 MHz, OSX version 10.3.9 or newer, and a screen size of at least 1024x768 to run. At least 512 MB of memory is recommended, though depending on your system configuration it may run with less. For best performance an Intel Mac with MacOSX 10.4.8 or later is recommended.

How to purchase and register RTGS-X

Several features are disabled while RTGS-X is in Demo mode. To enable features such as Capture Output to File, Capture Performance, VST Plugins, 5-Band EQ, Limiter, Audio Driver Setup and others, you will need to purchase a registration code.

You may purchase a registration code at Kagi's secure ordering page. Once you've received your code, you can activate your copy of RTGS-X by clicking the "Enter Code..." button in the splash window that appears whenever RTGS-X is launched. Refer to the Registration Instructions document in the RTGS-X folder for detailed information about registration.

contact: supportatLowNorthdotnl