Manipulator
by Polyverse · Multi-FX · Granular vocal manipulator
Not rated yet
A real-time pitch and timbre processor for monophonic sources, made with Infected Mushroom. Granular algorithms shift pitch, formants and harmonics, and add smearing, grain alternation, FM and pseudo-stereo effects.
It can be played from MIDI with up to four voices, and has modulators for movement. It is used for robotic and alien vocals, harmonies, and turning vocals or leads into new sounds.
Best for: Vocals, Sound Design, Keys & Synths. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Ambient & Cinematic.
Keywords: vocals, granular, low latency, futuristic, keys, creative, extreme, live performance, MIDI-controllable, mixing, preset-driven, sound design, steep learning curve, zero-latency.
What it does
Manipulator is a vocal and instrument processor that uses granular algorithms to reshape monophonic audio.
- 10 effects: including pitch, formant and harmonics shifters, sound smearing, a granular alternator, FM and pseudo-stereo.
- MIDI control: play pitch in real time from a keyboard, with up to 4 voices of polyphony.
- Modulation and presets: five modulation options, hundreds of presets and zero-latency processing for live use.
Source: Polyverse product page
When to use it
Manipulator focuses on voices and melodic lines rather than whole mixes. Use it for robotic, alien or harmonised vocals, vocal chops played from MIDI, and risers or sound effects for film and games. For glitch sequencing or broad chains, the rated multi-effects (Infiltrator 2, Effectrix2) fit better.
What producers say
- Bedroom Producers Blog (2017, 80%) praised the clarity of its pitch shifting and its MIDI modes, but found extreme harmonics settings sound robotic and called it a niche tool.
- Audio Media International (2017) liked its live-performance design and modulation, noting a learning curve and mono-only input.
Where to buy
- Best Service: $149
- Polyverse: $149
- Sweetwater: $149
- Plugin Boutique: $149
- PluginFox: $149
- AudioDeluxe: $149
Tutorials and reviews
- Manipulator: Full Basic Tutorial
- Manipulator by Infected Mushroom & Polyverse | Review of Key Features Tutorial
- Polyverse Manipulator plugin - Gearslutz @ Winter NAMM 2017
- MMTV: Polyverse Manipulator
- Manipulator plugin demo - by Infected Mushroom
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