United Plugins Randomachine is a versatile audio effect plugin designed to add variety and unpredictability to audio samples and tracks. It aims to eliminate the monotony often associated with repetitive sounds by introducing randomized changes to various audio parameters. Randomachine offers a unique approach to sound design and audio processing, allowing users to inject life and movement into static or lifeless audio material. Its ability to breathe new life into stale loops, samples, and tracks makes it a valuable tool for creative sound manipulation and experimentation.
Pros:
• Intuitive interface with easy-to-use controls
• Versatile randomization options for multiple audio parameters
• Three triggering modes (Transient, Sync, and MIDI) for flexible integration into workflows
• CPU-efficient design with the ability to bypass unused effects
• Capable of creating unique and evolving sounds from static audio material
Cons:
• Limited to randomization effects, lacking more traditional audio processing tools
The features of United Plugins Randomachine are comprehensive and well-designed for its intended purpose. The plugin’s core functionality revolves around six main effect modules, each of which can be randomized independently:
Pitch randomization allows for subtle to extreme variations in the pitch of the processed audio. This can be used to create interesting melodic variations or to add slight detuning effects for a more organic sound.
The Formant module shifts the formants of the audio, which can be particularly effective on vocal samples or other harmonic-rich material. This can create robotic or alien-like vocal effects or add character to synthesized sounds.
Pan randomization introduces movement in the stereo field, creating a sense of space and width. This can be especially useful for adding interest to mono sources or creating more immersive mixes.
The Ambience module randomly alters the reverb characteristics of the audio, changing both the time and space aspects of the reverberation. This can help create a sense of varying environments or add depth to dry samples.
Timing randomization affects the rhythmic aspects of the audio, potentially creating interesting groove variations or glitchy effects. This can be particularly useful for drum loops or rhythmic patterns.
The Distort module adds varying amounts of distortion to the signal, which can range from subtle saturation to more aggressive distortion effects. This can add warmth, grit, or edge to the processed audio.
The plugin features a sleek and intuitive interface with six main effect modules: Pitch, Formant, Pan, Ambience, Timing, and Distort. Each module can be independently randomized, giving users precise control over the randomization process. Randomachine operates in three distinct modes: Transient, Sync, and MIDI, providing flexibility in how the randomization is triggered.
One of Randomachine’s standout features is its three triggering modes. The Transient mode uses the incoming audio signal’s transients to trigger randomization, with a sensitivity control to fine-tune the triggering threshold. Sync mode synchronizes the randomization to the DAW’s tempo, allowing for rhythmically consistent changes. The MIDI mode enables external MIDI input to trigger randomization, offering even more creative possibilities.
Randomcachine has a preset system, allowing users to save and recall their favorite randomization settings. This can be particularly useful for quickly accessing specific “flavors” of randomization or for maintaining consistency across different projects. Randomachine’s user interface is clean and straightforward, with clear visual feedback on the randomization amount for each module. The ability to set the randomization range for each effect independently gives users fine-grained control over the randomization process.
While Randomachine may not be a one-stop-shop for all audio processing needs, it fills a unique niche in the plugin market. Its ability to create subtle variations or extreme transformations makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of audio applications. The three triggering modes offer flexibility in how the randomization is applied, allowing it to fit seamlessly into various workflows. The plugin’s CPU-efficient design and the ability to bypass unused effects demonstrate thoughtful development, ensuring that it can be used effectively even in resource-intensive projects. However, users looking for more traditional audio effects or extensive sound mangling capabilities may need to supplement Randomachine with other tools.
When compared to similar plugins, Randomachine stands out for its focused approach to randomization. While there are other effects plugins that incorporate elements of randomization, such as Izotope’s Stutter Edit or Sugar Bytes’ Effectrix, Randomachine is dedicated solely to the concept of randomized parameter changes. Unlike more complex multi-effects units, Randomachine’s streamlined interface and purpose-built design make it easier to achieve randomized effects quickly. However, it lacks the broader range of effects and sequencing capabilities found in some of its competitors. Compared to plugins like Native Instruments’ The Finger or Glitchmachines’ Fracture, which focus on glitch and stutter effects, Randomachine offers a more subtle and musical approach to audio manipulation. Its ability to affect parameters like formant and ambience sets it apart from purely rhythmic glitch tools.
This plugin is best for:
• Electronic music producers looking to add variation to loops and samples
• Sound designers seeking to create evolving and unpredictable textures
• Film and game audio professionals needing to generate unique sound effects
• Musicians wanting to breathe new life into static or repetitive audio material
• Producers aiming to add movement and interest to otherwise flat mixes
United Plugins Randomachine is a specialized tool that excels at injecting unpredictability and movement into audio. Its strength lies in its ability to take static or repetitive audio material and transform it into something dynamic and engaging. The plugin’s intuitive interface and focused feature set make it accessible to both novice users and experienced professionals. Overall, Randomachine is a powerful and creative plugin that can inspire new ideas and breathe life into stale audio material. Its unique approach to audio processing makes it a valuable addition to any producer’s toolkit, particularly for those working in electronic, experimental, or sound design-heavy genres. While it may not replace more comprehensive multi-effects units, its focused functionality and ease of use make it an excellent choice for quick and effective audio randomization.