The latest addition to the Lunacy Audio line-up promises to usher in the next generation of interactive granular sound design and flexible parallel processing. Beam comes equipped with an innovative audio graph interface, and makes quick work of transforming any sound using granular processing a range of built-in effects.
The plug-in has been built around real-time granular processing, with users able to create everything from “shimmering particle clouds” to percussive grooves and rhythmic soundscapes. It has been optimised for speed and performance, and is capable of running up to three granular engines simultaneously. There’s also a built-in convolution reverb engine loaded with a curated set of impulse responses, including a selection created by sound designers Benn Jordan and Venus Theory. The company say that the responses are far from your average spaces, with the collection covering everything from otherworldly halls to synthetic textures.
It’s possible to create all manner of different routing series and parallel effects chains — the plug-in boasts up to six parallel routing paths — and settings can be modulated by a pair of customisable LFOs, with yet more manipulation provided by a Macro control. Over 250 preset patches created by renowned sound designers are included, and can be refined further thanks to a sub-preset browsing system that makes it possible to audition different Grains and LFOs. The plug-in is also equipped with a Preset Maker feature, which uses a probability algorithm to instantly generate new patches at the click of a button.
Compatibility
Beam is supported on PCs running Windows 10 and above, and Macs running macOS 10.15 or higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Beam is available now, and is being offered for an introductory price of $59 until 24 April 2024, after which it will cost $99.
