June 17th, 2020

Puremagnetik - Strata

Puremagnetik are carving out a name for themselves as the creators of plug-ins that are a little bit different to everything else that is out there – we've already covered their Driftmaker delay on this blog. Now, they have released Strata, a brand new 'Particle Tape Loop Device'.

Inspired by both microsound and tape music, the plug-in combines looping capabilities with tape emulation and granular synthesis – an intriguing mixture of processes. 

The granular synthesis parameters encompass controls for time stretch, particle size and 'random modulation factor' – as well as a mix control for adjusting the balance between the particles and the loop. The tape controls include 'Debris' that simulates dust and dirt, 'Age' that adds the flutter of old analogue tape and a mix control for this section of the plug-in as well. 

There are two performance modes; 'Single' and 'Add'. You can therefore choose whether the loops play back individually or blended together. It is possible to record up to six loops into the plug-in. 

Driftmaker is available as a VST or AU plug-in. Both Mac and PC are supported. There is a slightly unusual method that needs to be followed in order to get hold of Strata. Go to the Chris Child & Micah Frank Bandcamp page, where you can download their Tape Pieces Vol. 2 album for free. In the zip file is a link to a Dropbox folder from which you can download the plug-in for either Mac or PC.