SLYCER is a stand-alone audio application that can randomly alter the playback speed and length of audio files. Geared towards audio experts and novices alike, SLYCER features an intuitive interface that will have you creating abstract sonic architectures immediately. Simply load an audio file into one of three consoles, engage the “audio on” switch, and you are ready to begin.
Features:
• extensive control over playback speed and file length
• up to 3 audio files can be loaded and played back at once
• files can be loaded at any point, even during playback
• minimal tax on cpu
• real-time manipulation of audio
• great for studio or live performance
• work in SLYCER can be exported as an aiff file
• randomization feature yields serendipitous sonic adventures
• free!
Getting started:
To start using SLYCER, simply load an audio file using the “read” button at the top of each console. You will be presented with a dialog box asking you to locate the file you want to play.
Click the “engage loop” button to set the file to loop playback.
Finally, click the “audio on/off” button to start the sound.
If you do not hear your file playing, check the settings in your Sound Control Panel. If you hear your file playing, everything is ready to go. You can load two additional files using the same method in the remaining two colored consoles. Files can be loaded at any point, even while the other two consoles are playing.
(NOTE: If you hear your first file playing but the remaining two are not, you may need to click the “audio on/off” button again to restart the audio).
The consoles:
Randomize playback speed:
The first section in the console underneath the “engage loop” bubble controls the randomization of the playback speed. Click the round button near the “start/stop” text. The “random rate” controls will set the rate at which the speed is randomized; 2000 = once every 2 seconds, 1000 = once per second, 500 = twice per second, and so on. The “intensity” box sets the range of numbers that will trigger the playback speed; a setting of 100 will set a range between 0 (no speed) and 1 (normal speed). Experiment with the rate and intensity for varied time-stretching effects.
(NOTE: The playback speed bubble will not allow for negative or backwards file playback. Reverse playback is possible, however, by stopping the randomization of the playback speed and manually entering a negative value in the “output” bubble. Refer to the “output” section for more details).
Randomize file length:
The controls for the randomization of file length are almost identical to the “randomize playback speed” bubble, with a couple of exceptions. The “random rate” section includes a setting of 4000 which will randomize the “loop end point” once every 4 seconds. The “range” box sets the maximum length of the audio file that will be played back.
(NOTE: You can create effects similar to granular synthesis by inputting a small number in the “range” box).
Output:
At first glance, the “output” section may seem fairly sparse and featureless, but within this bubble you can manually set the speed of the file playback (including negative/reverse speeds), and the loop start and end points. The only stipulation in this section is that the playback speed and file length randomization bubbles must be stopped in order to manipulate the output’s controls. Otherwise, the user’s input will be fighting the program’s automation.
Volume:
The volume bubble is relatively straightforward -- it adjusts the output level of the sound file. Each volume slider is independent, meaning you have creative control over the levels of each sound file you are using over time. This is especially useful if you are using SLYCER live or employing the AIFF export feature.
Oscilloscope:
This feature serves little practical purpose except that it looks nice. It will display a very short section of each audio file that you are playing back -- too short a section for it to be of any real use other than eye candy. But it’s there, so enjoy.
Global control:
The following features are not independent and will affect or export all audio that is playing.
Resetting:
If your mix becomes too chaotic at times, the reset features in SLYCER will quickly restore the default settings of both the playback speed and the end of the audio loop. Just click the “1.” box to start all files playing at normal speed, and the “1000.” box to set each file to loop for one second.
Recording:
SLYCER is a powerful tool when used in a live setting, but its application would not be very helpful for studio musicians if not for its ability to export audio. By saving your mix as an audio file, you can import your work back into your favorite sequencer, sampler, or SLYCER itself for further processing. To prepare recording, click the “open” box next to the “name the AIFF file” text. A dialog will be presented asking you to name the resulting file and pick a place on your hard drive for the file to be saved. When you are ready to start recording, click the “start/stop recording” button. When you are done, simply click the button again to stop the recording.
(IMPORTANT NOTE: When recording, make sure you are mindful of how much hard drive space you are taking for each file. You will not be presented with a window showing how much time has elapsed, or how much space has been taken up. It is up to the user to decide how long the recording will be. As such, be careful not to accidentally engage recording without knowing what you are doing).
Additional notes:
• SLYCER was made with the amazing, all-powerful Max/MSP. more information can be found at http://www.cycling74.com .
• on a G4 400mhz Titanium Powerbook with 512mb ram, SLYCER was only utilizing 6 percent of the cpu. Your mileage may vary.
• SLYCER marks the debut of sineqube’s venture into the world of audio applications.
• unlike many audio applications, SLYCER stays crispy in milk. (not so much in root beer).
• running SLYCER in the background while one works on other tasks can bring a special glow of happiness to an otherwise dull and cumbersome existence.
• although SLYCER is fortified with 9 essential vitamins and minerals, it should not be ingested by human beings or lemurs.
• sineqube bears no responsibility in regards to the well-being of your hard drive. use the software at your own risk, and leisure.
• if you like SLYCER, you may enjoy the work of its author at http://www.sineqube.com .
• “Waking Life” is perhaps the best film ever made.
• SLYCER is the property of sineqube productions. any unauthorized redistribution thereof or financial gain as a result of its resale is just mean because it’s freeware so be nice or lawyers will become involved. and if you want to give me money, by all means, feel free.
Special thanks:
• the academy
• j
• the family
• the testers
• the users (yeah, you! thanks!)
enjoy.
~[]