New Algorithmic Composing VSTi For Windows, Ghost Machine

HG Fortune has released Ghost Machine – a multipart algorithmic composing machine for Windows.

Ghost Machine features:

  • a Pad part with Long Wave Sequencing
  • a HiSq part with a 16 step sequencer and customizable note pattern
  • a bass part with a 16 step sequencer and customizable note pattern, and
  • a drum part with 4 instruments parts each with a 16 step sequencer.

Here’s what they have to say about Ghost Machine:

These 16 step sequencers are pattern driven which are changing due to an internal algorithm to create music. In AutoPlay mode you can let the machine do all the composing work for you, or you can transpose manually at realtime to change the current rootnote. As the system is based on scales (97 heptatonic) you need not worry about getting some ‘wrong’ notes in between. For a more advanced usage i.e. not just playback of a patch, it is recommended to fade in/out and/or mute a part at realtime, or, even more, ‘hold’ some pattern for a certain time in disabling algorithmic pattern change. In fact the spirit of this machine is more about flowing pattern changes and arranging a track or performance at realtime.

There are three different sequencers driving one the other. The main sequencer with 16 beats drives HiSq, Bass and Drum part, and after several loops triggers the Note Sequencer to change the root note which then triggers the third sequencer to advance the count for the Wave Sequencer at the Pad part til its end count is reached to change to next wave. The step count at the Note Sequnecer for the root note is also incremented, and the one at the Wave Sequencer respectively, if transposed manually via MIDI keyboard. Thus the algorithmic system does work in manual transpose mode too. Along with the fairly slow progressing of Note and Wave Sequencer certain algorithmic rules have been applied to change pattern and waves at the HiSq, Bass and Drum part.

Here’s a demo video of Ghost Machine in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UaaTN76mtQ

GhostMachine Pro Suite is available now for 49 Euro til June., 21st. After that, it will be priced at 79 Euro. See the HG Fortune site for details.

9 thoughts on “New Algorithmic Composing VSTi For Windows, Ghost Machine”

  2. You know, this is the 3rd or 4th Windows-only doodad I’ve seen that caught my eye. These guys need to step it up and show the Mac users a little love.

    2. I agree about Mac versions, but if you are just one person or part of a 4-person shop, you have to partition your time and labor to best effect. I bemoan that a bit at times, but I don’t take it personally because I understand the logistics. I don’t have or WANT “everything.” Part of the creative process is your limits as well as your strengths. A “loss” in one area can lead to a strength in another. Lately, that’s been a fun sort of challenge in my doings.

  3. Fortune’s synths SOUND GREAT. The only fly in the soup is the cramped GUIs he tends to release. Some of us get cross-eyed over dense grids; there is a cutoff point where it becomes more work than play. That’s part of why I am not fully impressed by iPads. A person needs a little knob real estate to get a better work flow going. The UVI engine is the best around, IMO. I use MOTU’s Symphonic Instrument and its so smooth to use, its a separate pleasure from the great SOUND! If his tools had Mac versions and were 25% less cramped, I’d buy two of them I have seen, because they are often keepers. Like Rob Papen, he has a couple of cool design twists that are all his own.

  4. As far as small shops go, if the sales from other platforms are good, you can afford to have one other person coding.

    I’m not a programmer myself, so I can’t confirm or deny this, but I was under the impression that since Apple switched to Intel cross-platform coding wasn’t too bad anymore?

  5. Looks very cool! Wish it was for MAC!! I’d like to know if anyone here has used this and say…Noatikl or Numerology and whether they think this is better, not as good, or Apples and Oranges? I’m personally liking Noatikl 2 so far, but it’s early days.

  6. Is this not like Propellerhead ReBirth in a VST? Its got 4 16 step sequencers, not 303s or Roland gear but basically similar idea 😛 i’d love to screw around with this and see what it can do. Well done HGF Team! Pretty looking too 😀

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