GR-1 Update 3.0: Tasty Chips Expands the Capabilities of the Granular Synthesizer
New Version 3.0 of the Synthesizer
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GR-1 Update 3.0: Tasty Chips Expands the Capabilities of the Granular Synthesizer · Source: Tasty Chips Electronics
[24 January 2025] The new GR-1 Granular Synthesizer update version 3 from Tasty Chips Electronics significantly expands the device’s functionality and optimizes the user’s workflow. With new features such as simplified memory management, samples, patches and performances can be saved and named internally without the need for external file managers. Of course, that’s not all, along with a number of bug fixes!
All About Tasty Chips Electronics GR-1
GR-1 Update: More Control for the Granular Synthesizer
New user-friendly features have been added, including mute functions when loading and saving performances, an enhanced text editing system, and a redesigned user interface with higher-contrast colors and easier-to-read fonts.
The GR-1 now allows multi-timbral presets to be saved and loaded within performances, making it easier to create more complex setups. At the same time, the menus have been restructured to provide more efficient access to performances, system settings, and the file manager. These changes support a faster workflow and prevent unintentional changes or data loss with confirmation prompts during critical actions.
From multi-timbral to mute and more
The update also focuses on improving stability and performance. Faster patch load times and improved performance, as well as the ability to safely shut down the device, protect data from corruption. Samba file shares can now be selectively enabled to minimize unwanted access conflicts. In addition, a new “Busy/Working” pop-up design provides clear feedback during data-intensive actions such as copying.
The new features of GR-1 Update 3 not only address existing user requests, but also significantly expand the synthesizer’s potential for studio and live applications. The new firmware can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Tasty Chips Electronics crowd funds their GR-1 granular synthesizer
[25 August 2017] It has emerged that Tasty Chips Electronics are planning to launch a hardware polyphonic granular synthesizer on Kickstarter. Now, I can’t think of another hardware device based on granular synthesis. There are a few Eurorack modules like the Make Noise Photogene that do this sort of thing and the odd DIY noise box. But up until now, it’s all been in the realms of software – where the technology originated. That alone makes the GR-1 quite an interesting prospect.
GR-1
It’s polyphonic, it has loads of internal and options for external memory for samples. It has MIDI/USB and also a handful of CV/Gate connections to make it work with your modular. It has a load of knobs and sliders for working with the waves, slices and grains and a very cool looking display.
They say it’s very simple to load, copy and save samples and patches. There are 4 banks of 8 patch preset buttons within a “Performance”, giving you 32 presets each with its own samples. You can save as many performances as you have disk space for.
The display is 800×600 true colour which shows the waveform and the envelope. Along with that 4 of the sliders act as a global ADSR envelope. Other knobs control parameters such as Density, Size, Spray and Scan. And there seems to be a dedicated LFO. I’m also liking the 4 port USB hub on the back – very handy.
In order to launch on Kickstarter they will need a working prototype so it will be interesting to see it in action. Tasty Chips say it will cost around €800. It’s new and unexpected but does it offer something more than software instruments such as Reaktor or PadShop. Is it just in the hand-ons nature of hardware? Maybe that’s enough.
Kickstarter details will be along soon. In the meantime here are some audio samples.
- More information on the slightly unfinished Tasty Chips website or their Facebook page
- More about Tasty Chips Electronics on GEARNEWS
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