Sugar Bytes

Reviews | Sugar Bytes Egoist
86
T
he latest release by Berlin-
based developer Sugar Bytes
is a ‘mini-DAW’ that combines
sample-slicing with beat
programming, synthesis, step
sequencing and creative signal
processing. Divided into three main
pages – Slicer, Bass/Beat and Effects
– Egoist runs as a VST/AU/RTAS/AAX
plug-in and standalone, and is intended
for use as an electronic music
sketchpad rather than a complete
production environment.
The Slicer page facilitates the
chopping up of samples, either
imported or from the included library,
which packs in 760MB of beats,
chords, basses, synths, vocals, FX and
more. Up to 16 slices can be created
(automatically, based on the transients
in the sample; or manually, by dragging
the slice handles around) for triggering
by the 16-step sequencer or MIDI note
input. Each step houses a 16-notch
slider for specifying which slice it
triggers, and there are lanes for per-step
modulation of level, pitch (up to two
octaves up or down), playback direction
and envelope shape (attack and decay).
Further tweaking is on hand with the
global Pitch, Length and Envelope
parameters, and a limiter and, like all of
Egoist’s sequencers, the Slicer’s can be
set to run forwards, backwards, forwards
then backwards, or randomly.
Beats and basslines
Bass/Beat plays host to a sample-based
drum machine and a very simple
bassline synth. The drum machine
includes 15 kits, each one containing a
selection of 32 kicks, snares and
hi-hats. Even though the range of
sounds on offer is pretty broad, the
inability to import your own or mix and
match between kits is disappointing.
Programming drum patterns is done
by clicking hits into the three
drum-specifi c lanes of the bottom-most
sequencer, with multiple clicks cycling
between regular and ‘attenuated’ hits,
the global level of the latter determined
by the Att knob. And that’s it on the
percussion front, apart from per-drum
level and pitch control, and the same
normalising limiter as the Slicer.
The Bass module is a one-oscillator
virtual analogue synth, switchable
between square and saw waveforms,
and boasting a trio of fi lter types
modelled on those of the Roland
TB-303, Minimoog and Korg MS-20.
The only editable parameters are fi lter
Sugar Bytes
Egoist | €99
This ‘groove sketchpad’ aims to inspire. Is there more
to it than meets the ear asks Ronan Macdonald?
WHAT Is IT?
Streamlined virtual sample
slicer and groovebox
CONTACT
Who: Sugar Bytes
Web: www.sugar-bytes.de
HIGHLIGHTs
1 Intuitive and easy to use
2 Good onboard sounds
3 Clearly coming to iPad!
INCLUDES AUDIO
l
FMU285.rev_sugarbytes.indd 86 08/10/2014 17:16