Twisted Tools Buffeater Overview and Tutorial

Simply put, Twisted Tools Buffeater is a very cool effects pack that works as a real-time granular, buffer and time-based processing tool for any kind of sound. It runs inside of Native Instruments Reaktor and can be used with external MIDI controllers for more dynamic studio sessions and live performances. There are six main effects in total; Stretch, Tape, Slice Repeat, Deconstruct, Scratch and Feed Grains. This overview touches on each one, how it works and how it can be used. The effects can be layered using the dynamic ordering engine built-in to this amazing ensemble, which provides you with basically infinite possibilities in how you can affect your sounds. And you can set up automation both inside and outside of Buffeater!

The Stretch effect unit is a granular, time and pitch stretcher. The Tape effect is a tape deck vari-speed manipulation tool. The Slice Repeat effect is a beat repeat and beat juggling unit that also gives you control over pitch and playback direction (reverse/forward). The Deconstruct effect is time, space and slide manipulation unit that works in such a unique way that you can literally deconstruct your sounds on-the-fly. The Scratch effect give you some cool turntable style effect options to spice up the mix a bit. The Feed Grains effect is a granular feedback unit that is offers control over size, pitch and timing elements.

Twisted Tools Buffeater is able to be used in two main modes. You can either have it affect live audio flowing into it, or you can choose to use the Beat Looper tape deck style playback device included in the interface. The Beat Looper offers additional controls that you would expect from a simple sampler tool like this. Automatically the ensemble is set up to be controlled by a MIDI keyboard. If you use Maschine or Kore controllers, they have also designed some very nice templates for you to use.

The guys at Twisted Tools have also put together a nice users manual for Buffeater, but you should bookmark this tutorial right now so you can refer back to it later on. There is a lot going on in this effects pack, and you can easily miss something cool that you’d probably love to know about and use in your projects and performances. If you currently use Twisted Tools Buffeater, we would love to hear from you! We’d also enjoy hearing it in action in one of your projects!

Remember to shoot us a message before you leave if you have a tutorial request, or would like to share one of your own with the community.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers,
OhmLab