Rigid Audio Interference is a unique and powerful audio manipulation tool designed for producers and sound designers seeking to inject contemporary, edgy vibes into their tracks. This Kontakt-based plugin specializes in generating high-quality glitch and interference sound effects that mimic digital corruption and data stream errors. Interference offers a wide range of customizable settings to control the intensity and character of the glitches, providing a source of sonic inspiration that can be used for subtle background textures or dominant audio elements. The plugin features eight engines – four for loops (A, B, C, D) and four for drums, percussion, and noise (E, F, G, H). Users can combine these elements to create complex, evolving soundscapes. Interference’s advanced algorithms can break down incoming audio signals into fragments, adding rhythmic complexity that breathes new life into stale samples or loops. The interface is intuitive, with tone selection menus, key split functionality, and loop randomization options, allowing for quick and creative sound design.
Pros:
• Extensive library of high-quality glitch and interference sound effects
• Intuitive interface with eight engines for complex sound layering
• Advanced modulation capabilities for creating evolving, dynamic sounds
• Key split functionality for versatile performance options
• Randomization features for quick inspiration and sound variation
Cons:
• Requires full version of Kontakt, limiting accessibility for some users
• Steep learning curve due to the depth of features and modulation options
Interference boasts a comprehensive set of features that cater to both novice and experienced sound designers. The plugin’s eight engines form the core of its sound-generating capabilities. The first four engines (A, B, C, D) are dedicated to loops, allowing users to layer and manipulate various glitch and interference patterns. The remaining four engines (E, F, G, H) focus on drums, percussion, and noise elements, enabling the creation of rhythmic structures and textural backgrounds.
Each engine comes with its own set of controls, including volume, pan, pitch, and filter settings. Users can fine-tune these parameters to shape the character of individual sound elements. The key split functionality adds another layer of versatility, allowing different sounds to be assigned to specific keyboard ranges for more dynamic performances. The plugin offers table-based modulation, allowing users to create complex, evolving patterns for various parameters. This system enables the creation of intricate, ever-changing soundscapes that can breathe life into static loops or samples.
The randomization features in Interference are particularly noteworthy. Users can randomize individual engines or entire setups, with the option to stay within specific sound categories. This feature is invaluable for quick inspiration or for generating unexpected combinations that can spark creative ideas.
Interference also includes a powerful effects section, featuring a “Disturb” effect that adds additional glitch and interference elements to the overall sound. This effect can be modulated and automated, providing even more options for sound manipulation.
The plugin’s arpeggiator is another powerful tool, visually displaying the played notes and allowing for complex rhythmic patterns. Combined with the modulation options, the arpeggiator can create intricate, evolving sequences that add movement and interest to the sound.
Interference’s interface is designed for ease of use, with clear visual feedback on modulation and parameter changes. The quick overview pages for each modulation table allow users to quickly see which parameters are being modulated, streamlining the sound design process.
The blend knob is a useful feature that allows users to balance the levels between loops and drums, providing a quick way to adjust the overall mix of the sound. Additionally, the sub-engine adds low-end reinforcement, allowing users to beef up their sounds with additional bass content.
While Interference requires the full version of Kontakt, which may be a barrier for some users, it leverages Kontakt’s powerful engine to deliver high-quality audio manipulation. The steep learning curve associated with mastering all of Interference’s features is balanced by the potential for creating truly unique and compelling sounds.
While Rigid Audio Interference stands out in its focus on glitch and interference effects, it shares some similarities with other sound design and glitch-oriented plugins. Compared to iZotope’s Stutter Edit 2, Interference offers a more loop-based approach and a broader range of sound types, while Stutter Edit 2 focuses more on real-time effects processing and performance-oriented features. Glitchmachines’ plugins like Fracture and Hysteresis offer similar glitch and sound mangling capabilities but tend to be more focused on specific types of effects. Interference, with its eight engines and extensive modulation options, provides a more comprehensive toolkit for creating complex, layered sounds. In terms of workflow and interface, Interference’s Kontakt-based system sets it apart from many standalone glitch plugins. While this may require a steeper learning curve, it also allows for deeper integration with other Kontakt instruments and more complex sound design possibilities.
This plugin is best for:
• Electronic music producers seeking unique, glitchy textures and rhythms
• Sound designers working on sci-fi or futuristic projects
• Film and game composers looking for unconventional sound effects
• Experimental musicians exploring new sonic territories
• Producers aiming to add contemporary, edgy elements to their tracks
Rigid Audio Interference is a powerful and versatile sound design tool that excels in creating complex, glitchy soundscapes. Its eight-engine system, combined with extensive modulation options and a vast library of high-quality samples, provides an incredibly deep well of sonic possibilities. The plugin’s ability to generate evolving, dynamic sounds makes it particularly suited for electronic music production, film scoring, and experimental sound design. The intuitive interface, despite the plugin’s complexity, allows for quick experimentation and inspiration through its randomization features. However, the depth of options available means that users can also spend considerable time crafting intricate, detailed sounds. The key split functionality and arpeggiator add performance-oriented features that expand the plugin’s utility beyond mere sound design. For producers and sound designers willing to invest the time to explore its capabilities, Rigid Audio Interference offers a vast playground of glitchy, futuristic sounds. Its ability to breathe new life into stale samples and create evolving, complex textures makes it a valuable addition to any electronic musician’s toolkit. Whether used for subtle background elements or as the centerpiece of a composition, Interference provides the tools necessary to push the boundaries of conventional sound design.