Array
by Sinevibes · Modulation · Spectral step sequencer
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Array is a spectral sequencer from Sinevibes that splits audio into 8 frequency bands one octave apart and gates each band with its own step sequence.
Optional resonant band-pass filters, pan spread across the bands and polymetric timing turn pads and loops into rhythmic spectral patterns, for $29.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Drums, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM.
Keywords: rhythmic, spectral, samples & loops, drums, multi-band, pads, wide, simple, clean, creative, evolving, free, macro controls, mixing, neutral, randomize, reverse, sound design, synths.
What it does
Array is Sinevibes' spectral sequencer: it splits the input into 8 bands spaced exactly one octave apart and runs each band through its own step-sequenced gate. The result is rhythmic movement across the frequency spectrum rather than a plain full-band volume gate.
- Crossover bands: 8 octave-spaced bands from clean, neutral -24 dB/octave crossover filters that add no tonal colour.
- Resonant filter mode: optional state-variable, resonant band-pass filters per band, with adjustable slope, for vocoder-like morphing between bands.
- Sequencer: 8 gate patterns of up to 32 steps, with a separate gate sequence for each band.
- Timing: rhythmically correct swing, plus polymetric and polyrhythmic patterns across the bands.
- Smoothing: two-pole analog-style lag filters set how soft the gate transitions are, and one-pole lag filters keep continuous controls click-free.
- Stereo: mono-to-mono, mono-to-stereo and stereo-to-stereo use, with a progressive bipolar pan spread that places the bands across the stereo field.
- Macro editing: copy, paste, reset, trim, invert, mirror, reverse, evolve, randomize, shift and loop functions for patterns.
The current version is Array v4; the upgrade is free for owners of earlier versions, and a demo and user manual are available.
Source: Sinevibes product page
When to use it
Array does one specific thing well: it gates separate frequency bands in rhythm, which gives a spectral, sequenced shimmer that a full-band trance gate cannot produce. Compared with ShaperBox 3, it is far narrower in scope, with no volume, filter or distortion shapers, but its per-band gate sequencing is built in rather than something you have to set up. Compared with LFO Tool or Kickstart 2, it is a creative pattern effect, not a sidechain or pumping tool. It is also much cheaper than Effectrix2 or ShaperBox 3.
- Best for: turning sustained pads, chords and drum loops into rhythmic patterns that move across the spectrum, and vocoder-like effects with the resonant filters.
- Genres: electronic music, especially techno, IDM, glitch and ambient electronica.
- Look elsewhere if: you need a simple volume gate or sidechain pump (LFO Tool or Kickstart 2), or many effect types sequenced in one plug-in (ShaperBox 3 or Effectrix2).
- Tip: on drum loops, add some swing; Computer Music found it helps counter clicks on transients.
What producers say
Reviews of the first versions were positive about the sound and simplicity; the main complaints were about missing fine control, some of which later versions have added.
- Computer Music (via MusicRadar, 2012, version 1) said it "delivers spectacular rhythmic multiband filtering," praising the sound, the intuitive interface and the value, and found it works on drums, vocals, basses and full mixes.
- The Pro Audio Files (Mark Marshall, 2015) praised sequencing the spectrum rhythmically with an intuitive visual layout, and suggested it for synth tracks and drums.
- Criticisms: Computer Music noted little fine control in version 1: no separate filter frequency and resonance, few slope options, no per-step release and no built-in LFO.
Where to buy
- Sinevibes: $29
Tutorials and reviews
- Sinevibes Array v4
- 🎧Sinevibes Array 4🎧 -Revisión Oficial en Español-
- Sinevibes Array Spectral Sequencer - Tutorial
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