This is a screenshot of a standalone application designed and custom built by me (about 3 years ago now), called 'Moduloop'.
Moduloop is a standalone sound mangling/manipulation tool made using MAX/MSP, specifically geared towards users of drum loops – there is, however, no limitation as to what grooves you decide to moduloop! You can import any wav or aiff file, although the program works best on predefined loops of audio, as it syncs the BPM of the loops to the modulation matrix..
You can use pre-looped samples from sample CDs, or set up sound loops processed in your favourite software package (Peak, Wavelab, Soundforge etc). The loops can be as long or short as you wish. Once truncated, you can then import your processed loops into programs such as recycle to do further sonic damage - or re-import them into Moduloop for more carnage! Moduloop can record 'live' for on-the-fly processing of sound files. Alternatively it can be used as part of a live set-up using a laptop.
This application is not a commercial product - you can download and use Moduloop for free. The downloadable zipped folder (see below) includes a readme.txt file on how to install and use. As I have mentioned, Moduloop was designed and built using MAX/MSP - you don't need MAX/MSP for the program to work as it has the max/msp engine built in for standalone use.
Moduloop Download
You can download it here (3.7mb). Please read the important info at the bottom of this page.
A Microsoft Word / Open Office .doc instruction manual is avalable to download here
System Requirements
Moduloop is compatible with Win XP and Mac OS systems - 500mhz minimum. 1ghz recommended. Unfortunately Max/MSP is not currently compatible with Linux.
Windows users will need to have Quicktime components installed. You can download Quicktime here.
Before (or whilst) you download the application, you might want to hear what this little beast is capable of. I've included 'before' and 'after' mp3 examples. I haven't truncated the 'after' files into short loops, hence why they are larger files. From these examples you can start to see the scope that is available from this program. Even from one unprocessed loop, you could create countless loops out of one recording session.
Example 1 before and after
Example 2 before and after
Example 3 before and after
These examples have been recorded by Moduloop 'as is'. No further processing has taken place, except for converting the output wav files into mp3's.
Try using it on vocals or other instruments for some interesting effects. You can also just play the sine wave and create some interesting bass lines.
**Important please read!**
The modulation matrix can be extremely powerful (sonically), and must be handled with care. When using the comb filter function, ensure you turn each dial down to it's minimum and work slowly upwards to avoid any unexpected (and dangerous!) peaks in the signal that could potentially damage your ears or equipment.
Updates will be made to improve the functionality and graphical user interface. I'll also add a few extra features and iron out a few operating bugs when I get the chance. At the moment you have to press the bypass button twice before using the program, so you can monitor the FM sinewave output section.
There can also sometimes currently be a tendency for recorded output files to be clipped if the output volume isn't turned down enough (even though the meter might be showing that the audio isn't clipping).
I keep meaning to update it with a few enhancements but never get round to it!
