HG Fortune has released Ghost Machine, a multi-part algorithmic composing machine in the form of a VST instrument plug-in for Windows.
Ghost Machine features a Pad part with Long Wave Sequencing, a HiSq part with a 16 step sequencer and customizable note pattern, a bass part with a 16 step sequencer and customizable note pattern, and a drum part with 4 instruments parts each with a 16-step sequencer. All these 16-step sequencers are pattern driven which are changing due to an internal algorithm to create music.
In AutoPlay mode you can let the machine do all the composing work for you, or you can transpose manually at realtime to change the current root-note. As the system is based on scales (97 heptatonic) you need not worry about getting some 'wrong' notes in between.
For more advanced usage i.e. not just playback of a patch, it is recommended to fade in/out and/or mute a part in realtime, or, even more, 'hold' some patterns for a certain time in disabling algorithmic pattern change. In fact the spirit of this machine is more about flowing pattern changes and arranging a track or performance in realtime.
There are three different sequencers driving each other. The main sequencer with 16 beats drives HiSq, Bass and Drum part, and after several loops triggers the Note Sequencer to change the root note which then triggers the third sequencer to advance the count for the Wave Sequencer at the Pad part till its end count is reached to change to next wave. The step count at the Note Sequencer for the root note is also incremented, and the one at the Wave Sequencer respectively, if transposed manually via MIDI keyboard.
Thus the algorithmic system works in manual transpose mode too. Along with the fairly slow progressing of Note and Wave Sequencer certain algorithmic rules have been applied to change pattern and waves at the HiSq, Bass and Drum part.
Pad Part:
- 128 PCM waves.
- 16 slots for long wave sequencing.
- 24dB resonant LowPass filter.
- 1 Spook Fx.
- 1 AR EG with three characteristics.
- Delay.
HiSq & Bass Part:
- 128 PCM waves.
- 4 waves selectable to be switched over time.
- 24dB resonant LowPass filter.
- 1 ADSR EG with three characteristics.
- Presence (HiSq part), Saturate (Bass part).
- Delay.
Drum Part:
- 128 PCM waves.
- 4 instrument parts with 2 waves selectable to be switched over time.
- Decay, Pitch, Pitch Vel. Mod, Drive, Routing Option, Pan, Level.
- Aux FX can be used as insert FX with each drum instrument part:
- Spook, AuxDelay 1, and AuxDelay 2.
Other features (Pro version):
- MIDI Out for each part selectable.
- Single audio out for each part selectable.
Pricing & Availability
GhostMachine Pro Suite is available for Windows at the introductory offer price of €49 instead of €79 until June 21st, 2012.
GhostMachine Pro Suite includes:
- Ghost Machine Pro (normal one screen).
- Ghost Machine TS Pro (variant with tabbed screen).
- Wave Slot Player for adding OneShots and atmospheric loops.
- Ghost Machine WoF Edition Pro (128 patches, 97 scales).
There are two Demo Suites (each comes with two freebies):
- Ghost Machine Suite Demo:
- Ghost Machine Pro Demo.
- Wave Slot Player Free for adding OneShots and atmospheric loops.
- Ghost Machine WoF Edition free (64 patches, 16 scales).
- Ghost Machine Suite TS Demo:
- Ghost Machine TS Pro Demo (variant with tabbed screen).
- Wave Slot Player Free for adding OneShots and atmospheric loops.
- Ghost Machine WoF Edition free (64 patches, 16 scales).
