It’s been a long, long time coming: AudioMulch has finally gone from “preview” to 1.0. That means a strong new candidate for your modular sound-making brainwaves might be ready for prime time. (And check out that “meta surface” interface, pictured!)
For a long while, a loyal following on Windows has immersed themselves in pre-release versions of the AudioMulch Interactive Music Studio. Granular sounds and grungy digital effects have made it appeal to noise lovers, while a traditional complement of live audio processors and MIDI tempo-synced pattern tools make it a serious modular package. It has nothing approaching the depth and flexibility of Max/MSP or Reaktor, but it also doesn’t approach their premium price. It’s not nearly as flexible and extensible as Pd, either, but it’s also much friendlier and more Windows-like. (Is that a positive adjective, or does that just work on Mac? Well, you get the point.)
AudioMulch’s simplicity is a big part of its appeal. It’s modular and customizable, and has network sync and surround capabilities, but it opts for a selection of useful objects instead of a zillion-object smorgasboard. The 1.0 release should make it much easier to learn: the passionate AudioMulch community has contributed a host of new example files.
I’m too deep into Max/MSP/Jitter and Reaktor to get into AudioMulch; when I tried it I felt it was missing some things I liked. But if you’re looking for something cheaper and streamlined and you’re on PC, this could be it. There’s a 90-day trial (wish others would do that!) so you get a full evaluation to decide. Let us know what you think!
for years, my favorite audio app on the PC by far. great community behind it too.
really, mulch should have been at a v1 years ago. ross is just a bit of a perfectionist.
Does Audiomulch work on Mac? because I'm planning to get a mac book.
This is apparently what Girl Talk uses in his live shows.