Sound design is iterative. Design → record → process → record → process. Each generation adds complexity. The output of one round becomes the input of the next.
Synth
→
Record to Audio
→
Process
→
Bounce Again
→
Process More
→
Final Sound
Step
Action
Detail
1. Set Up
New audio track → input set to Resampling
Captures the master output. Or route a specific track's output to the recorder for isolated capture.
2. Perform
Arm and record while synth plays
Automate parameters in real-time — filter sweeps, LFO rates, wavetable position. Capture the performance, not just the sound.
3. Consolidate
Cmd+J the recorded clip
Now it's a single audio file you can manipulate independently.
4. Re-instrument
Drop into Simpler/Sampler
Slicing, granular, or pitched playback. Or keep as audio and process with effects.
5. Repeat
Output → new input
Each generation = new possibilities. Keep a "generations" folder: Gen1, Gen2, Gen3.
Pro tip: Sometimes Gen2 was the sweet spot. Always save generations separately so you can backtrack. Cmd+Shift+S is your friend.
Warp Mode
Best For
Character
CPU
Beats
Drums, percussion, rhythmic loops
Preserves transients. Repeats small segments.
Low
Tones
Monophonic melodic — bass, vocals, leads
Granular stretching optimized for single pitches.
Low
Texture
Polyphonic / complex — pads, atmos, noise
Best for preserving harmonic content. Slight smearing at extremes.
Medium
Re-Pitch
Vinyl/tape effects
Like a record player — tempo = pitch. Speed up = pitch up.
Lowest
Complex
Full mixes, stems
High quality pitch-independent stretching.
High
Complex Pro
Reference tracks, final stems
Best quality. Formant control for vocals.
Highest
CREATIVE WARPING TECHNIQUES
Technique
How
Result
Extreme Stretch
1-second hit → warp to 8 bars. Texture mode.
Granular clouds, evolving drones from a single transient.
Glitch Markers
Place warp markers at random points. Drag them around.
Stutter, skip, glitch effects on any audio material.
Reverse + Warp
Reverse audio (Rev button) → warp-stretch.
Reversed textures at any tempo. Great for risers.
Half-Speed Trick
Set segment BPM to half your project tempo.
Audio plays at half speed = pitched down one octave. Free sub content.
Tone Smearing
Tones mode + extreme stretch on a chord.
Frozen, sustaining pad from any harmonic audio. Infinite drone.
Transient Shaping
Beats mode + adjust Transient Envelope.
Decay control on drums without a transient shaper plugin.
Tool
What It Does
Production Application
Instrument Rack
Layer multiple instruments on one track. Chain selector for switching.
Layer sub bass + mid growl + top noise in one rack. Velocity splits for dynamic playing.