Do you require any special effects in the music you produce, other than that? Follow this Top 10 Glitchmachines Plugins 2023 to show what an outstanding assortment the people at Glitchmachines have.
Ivo Ivanov, a sound designer, developed Glitchmachines in 2005. His sound design is used by numerous software plugins, games, SFX libraries, and multimedia ventures. Some of the most renowned game developers, post-production studios, recording studios, and artists employ Ivo’s innovative sounds and technologies.
The firm initially concentrated on producing handcrafted hardware products. In 2010, they turned their attention to creative audio plugins and sound effects after selling a small number of units through California boutique synth stores and bespoke instruments to several artists and sound designers.
Their objective is to surpass expectations by offering sales and technical support to their valued clients. Its mission is to deliver you great sound effects and creative audio software and develop while actively maintaining its whole line of specialized products and defying creative and technological trends to keep costs down.
They’ve produced art out of what it means to modify sounds, so I welcome you to have a look at the collection they’ve planned for 20232.
Top 10 Glitchmachines Plugins 2023
1. Glitchmachines Cataract 2
Check on PluginBoutique (Trial Available)
Cataract 2 is a sample slicer plugin designed by Glitchmachines.
Glitchmachines is known for designing experimental and extreme-sounding plugins. Cataract is another addition to their plugin collection that further showcases that. Cataract is a segment slicer with FX modules, a dedicated sequencer, and many controls that help intensify the experimental nature of this plugin. As the company’s name suggests, Cataract is excellent for Glitch sounds that stand out.
Key Features:
- Scanner modules
In the center of Cataract’s interface lie two scanner modules that contain two sample slots. The scanners are synced to the DAW’s clock and dynamically scan segments of up to four samples. They then distribute these segments in time and manipulate them. You can tweak and modulate even the most minor details of the scanners with dedicated slots and scanner sequencers, and LFOs. - FX module
Glitchmachines added a powerful FX module that pushes the sound even further. It includes a delay, a crusher, a ring modulator, a chorus, a phaser, a formant filter, and a multi-mode filter. In addition, the FX module has a dedicated sequencer that adds depth and complexity to these effects. - Modulation
Cataract includes a global parameter sequencer that can modulate almost all parameters. This can provide an overwhelmingly large amount of options, so if you’re ever in doubt, feel free to search through the presets included.
Compatibility:
Cataract is available on Windows 8 or higher and macOS 10.12 or higher in 34-bit VST3 or AU formats.
Summary:
Cataract is an experimental sample slicer effect plugin like no other. Like all of Glitchmachines’ products, the sound can get pretty intense and extreme, so use it with caution. The amount of sonic flexibility is vast and, at times, overwhelming, so I wouldn’t recommend this to a beginner producer. However, if you’re an experienced producer who needs a new powerful sound design toy, this could be an exciting solution.
Related Reading:
Top 6 Sampler VST Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Plugins)
2. Glitchmachines Polygon 2.0
The updated version of Polygon by Glitchmachines, Polygon 2.0, is a hybrid synth sampler with many modulation modules and complex tools to provide excellent sound design.
The Glitchmachines plugin offers an extensive amount of controls on its interface to help any sound achieve uniqueness. Its granular mode is beyond helpful for delineating any instrumental vibe.
With a complete interface, Polygon 2.0 will entirely control any sound’s texture characteristics with intuitive knobs.
Key Features:
- Granular Engine
Polygon 2’s Granular Mode will bring depth and color with its brilliantly designed algorithms. Any samples will be highly modified while still containing natural textures and organic elements when processed through Glitchmachines’ unique technological Granular Engine featuring a modern dual oscillator. The granular mode, when active, will offer many granular synthesis settings, such as timbre textures and sonic characteristics in the grains. When you assigns this mode, he will select between Rectangular, Triangular, and Hanning windows, changing aggressiveness levels. A Grain Chaos parameter is also present in this segment. It is an exciting tool for setting specific amounts of deviation on the size, pitch, and space of the granular level. - Mod Section
The modulation segment on Polygon 2.0 is fascinating. This segment will be optimal for any experimentation and sound designing technique while offering four mod sequencers, 8 LFOS, and many mod utilities. Featured in the Modulation Section is an impressive Randomizer panel, which, when active it isolates the plugin’s parameters for either a broad or narrow randomizing setting defined by yourself. - 4 Sampler Modules
The sampler modules come in four sections that you can insert any audio files. Apart from the many presets available, you can load his samples in the Modules section and define a significant number of parameters. By activating a chromatic mode, the plugin will play the sample chromatically. It can also reverse itself if you select the reverse playback option. Each of the four samples features attractive sound design options such as Amp, Coarse, Fine, Pan, Attack, and Release. The loaded samples can also be tuned, allowing some parameters and oscillators to track a standard pitch.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for Windows 8 or higher and macOS 10.11 or higher, both 64-bit only. It comes in VST 2/3, AU, AAX, and RTAS formats.
Summary:
Polygon 2 is an upgraded version of the renowned Polygon sampler. This new version features an immense field of possibilities for any producer and sound designer that wants unique and complex sound effects or instrumental tones. With many exciting features, the Granular Engine grabs extra attention with its easy-to-use controls and in-depth parameters.
Be ready to introduce unique and specially customized sound effects by changing many sonic textures and characters with the sophisticated and unique sampler by Glitchmachines. Another splendid sampler from Glitchmachines is Palindrome. Check it out as well.
Related Reading:
29 Best Sound Design VST Plugins (Creative Tools)
3. Glitchmachines Subvert
Subvert, by GlitchMachines, is a multi-effects plugin centered around multimode distortion.
The plugin lets you route and modulate any parameter of the fifteen effect processors. It gives you a multimode filter, a metalizer, a digitizer, an FM ring modulator, and a multimode distortion. Each effect has three adjustable channels, and thanks to the multimode filter, the plugin can be used as a multi-band effects processor.
Key Features:
- Metalizer
This versatile addition creates very short delays of the signal to generate metallic effects, but if you modulate the delay it can become a chorus/flanger. - Modulations
The plugin’s four LFOs, two envelope followers, four mod mixers, and two mod inverters are significant if you want to add movement to the effects and create bizarre combinations. - Modulation Source
This is the plugin’s heart and soul, as it lets you use any modulation to work any available parameter. - Mod Mixers
This is a simple concept, but this plugin’s strength is having four of them, which allows you to blend several modulations and minimize the whole interface into four smaller commands.
Character & Sound:
Overall, Subvert sounds very electronic and inorganic, like most of GlitchMachines’ plugins, which draws people’s attention. The brand is known for its highly reroutable plugins, and Subvert is no different. This plugin’s most fantastic feature isn’t the sound it makes but the process of achieving it. You can spend hours here fine-tuning your sound, even if you started from a preset.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.11 and higher and Windows 8 and up in VST and AU formats.
Summary:
GlitchMachine’s Subvert is a lot more than a distortion plugin. Although its main focus is distortion, the addition of four other effects gives this plugin the punch it needs to be one of the best on this list. Definitely, it’s a great addition to your collection.
Related Reading:
The 10 Best Multi-Effect Plugins (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
4. Glitchmachines Tactic
Tactic is a plugin that focuses on growing sequences and metamorphic rhythms.
Glitchmachines’ Tactic features a large number of sample banks, as well as the main trigger sequencer and multiple modulation sequencers that can create percussive rhythms, noisy loops, and even total sonic chaos. You can also completely personalize the plugin to your needs, like adding your own samples and matching it with any of your favorite processor plugins and effects chains.
Key Features:
-
- Sample slots
There are eight slots available for adding samples of your own or from the vast library included. Once loaded, each slot can control parameters over the start and endpoints of the waveform, pitch and volume adjustment, and much more. All alterations can be made through the five knobs located in each slot. - Sequencers
All sample slots are powered by a trigger sequencer, with additional support from two modulation sequencers and a generative sequencer. At the triggering stage, you’ll have 16 steps in which you can modify any sample, use no sample at all, or trust Tactic to choose one for you at every step. The modulation sequencers all feature parameters to tweak around with, while the generative sequencer explores parameter randomization that can affect notes, the movement, generation, or even modulation.
- Sample slots
Compatibility:
The plugin is available for macOS 10.12 or higher and Windows 8 or higher (64-bit only). It comes in VST3 and AU plugin formats.
Summary:
Tactic is a fun plugin to play around with, mainly because of the many patterns and rhythmic formulas you can craft. The eight sample banks are great spots to feature your best percussive samples – and other ones if you’d like to – and tweak them to your liking. The sequencers can help the samples take a character of their own, and the generative sequencer excels at creating awesome pattern randomizations. You can spend hours with the best pattern-based sound design controls, and the results can be just as creative as if you’d done it manually.
Related Reading:
Top 13 Sequencer Plugins (Synth, MIDI & Step Sequencers)
5. Glitchmachines Convex
Convex, by Glitchmachines, is an artefact generator with over 70 built-in presets.
The plugin’s engine is based on three effects: Multimode Filter, Pitch Shifter, and Delay. It gives you two instances of each effect. It can create uneven digital textures and syncopated patterns via crossfading and a large array of modulation options.
The generated sound can be used as soft texturized layers for instruments and loops or thoroughly warped digital sound effects.
Key Features:
- Multimode Filter
This section gives you two multimode filters with adjustable crossfade between them and selectable curve types, resolution, and a drive knob. Additionally, you can adjust the cutoff frequency in Hertz. At the bottom right of the cutoff knob, there is an arrow down symbol. Click it to change the modulation source coming into this plugin. The Crossfade knob also offers modulation capabilities, and the drive knob significantly adds grit and aggressiveness to your tracks. - Inverters
These two controls are exceptional and make this plugin genuinely unique compared to others on this list. You can use them to invert the modulation signals for the LFOs, Envelopes, and Modulation Mixers. This simple yet effective trick allows you to modulate two parameters in opposite synchronized directions. To do so, just assign any modulation to any parameter. Subsequently, assign the inverted version of the modulation to another parameter. The plugin makes it that easy to generate confusing but remarkable sounds. - Multipliers
The Multiplier modules work similarly to ring modulators, but they perform different tasks. In this plugin, the Multipliers let you convolve two modulators to control and modulate yet another parameter. It’s simple to start using this powerful tool. Just select the two signals you want to blend, and the module will spawn their outcome.
Character & Sound:
Most importantly, Convex is excellent at delivering on its promise. The glitchy sounds are compelling, and the overall digital experience it conveys is fascinating. The delay module’s pre-parameter allows you to reroute the signal path, creating even more pleasing sounds.
The plugin supports real-time processing, which will enable it to be used on stage or to modulate analog instruments in the studio.
Compatibility:
This plugin is available for macOS 10.8 and higher and Windows 8 and up in VST and AU formats.
Summary:
Convex is a powerful sound designing tool that can create anything from incredible alien sounds all the way to frenetic rhythmic offerings. Producers and futuristic movie sound designers can thrive on this plugin’s maddening possibilities.
If you’re looking for experimental results that can still sound harmonic and desirable, this plugin belongs to your collection.
Related Reading:
Top 12 VST Glitch Plugins (Best Stutter Tools + Freebies)
6. Glitchmachines Cryogen
Cryogen, by Glitchmachines, is aimed at electronic music producers and sound designers looking to simulate musical malfunctions.
The plugin’s modular buffer approach consists of 4 LFOs and pairs of bit crushers, multimode filters, and buffers. All effects can be routed into one another and mixed at any of the four built-in mixers, combining audio and modulated signals in any imaginable way.
The goal is to generate robotic artifacts and abstract malfunctions, so the more pairing and modulation, the better.
Key Features:
- Modulation Matrix
You can bend the signal flow to your liking by clicking the Matrix button in the lower right corner. From there, you’ll find a drag and drop menu that lets you reroute any input or effect into any output. As a result, you can create unexpected signal chains that will further expand the plugin’s usability. - Rate Multipliers
These features are present in the four LFOs, and allow you to create sounds that most other plugins can’t. Traditionally, an LFO is used for simple modulation, but Cryogen will enable you to expand its usability by letting you transform your LFOs into dirty tone generators. These dirty tones can then be assigned to any other effect using the Matrix menu. - Initialize
If you’re working on a new patch, but you don’t feel confident about the signal path you’re attempting, the plugin makes it easy to undo any complex rerouting. You’ll find the Initialize option by accessing the global menu in the “M” button at the UI’s bottom center. This will reset the signal path to its most basic format. From there, you can redo your work without having to reset all parameters.
Character & Sound:
The plugin’s 140 presets and thorough control over parameters and the signal path ensure this to be a reliable tool for producers. Whether you’re just going for a creative noise generator or looking to add textures to your instruments, Cryogen solves your problem.
You can add nuances to your drums, guitars, synths, bass; you name it. The results will always be distinct and impressive and might as well fit your productions like a glove. Additionally, preset number 001 was designed to set the Modulator’s parameters at interestingly natural settings without affecting the signal path.
This gives you the freedom to decide in what order the modulations should occur without having to tweak the parameters necessarily. All this makes Cryogen an extremely beginner-friendly plugin since it allows the user to learn how the plugin works gradually.
Compatibility:
Glitchmachines Cryogen is available as a VST and AU plugin for macOS 10.11 and higher and Windows 8 and up.
Summary:
Cryogen represents a departure from more conservative modulation plugins, entering a zone of its own. Even though it doesn’t offer as many effects as other plugins on this list, Cryogen provides the creative freedom of rerouting the signal in any imaginable way.
This is not a modulation plugin, per see. It’s an audio destroyer that generates great-sounding results. If you’re an electronic musician, sound designer, or simply a noise enthusiast, this plugin should be in your collection.
Related Reading:
Top 7 Bitcrusher Plugins (And 4 Best FREE Bitcrushers + 3 Bonuses)
Best FREE Glitchmachines Plugins 2023
1. Glitchmachines Fracture
Fracture is a buffer, delay, and granular effect plugin by Glitchmachines.
Glitchmachines makes some of my favorite and most experimental plugins, and Fracture is no exception. It also has an advanced version which includes a patch bay on the bottom to connect and modulate parameters in a modular style. This free version is more than enough to convert anyone into a Glitchmachines fan.
Key Features:
- Multiple effects
Fracture includes a multi-mode filter, a delay, and a buffer engine. You can set the size of the buffer, the number of repeats, and the ratio of repetitions, while the delay comes with usual time and feedback controls. Things get interesting once you start modulating these parameters through the LFOs to create evolving effects. Finally, each of these effects can run in time with the host DAW or freely. - Modulation
Fracture includes three LFOs to modulate all of the effects included and add interest to your sound. This is where Fracture truly shines since it can achieve chaotic sounds with relative ease. - Presets
Fracture includes 110 presets designed by household names like Ivo Ivanov, Thomas Hennebert, and Alex Retsis. The presets showcase the full range of Fracture, with glitchy IDM sounds, smooth ambient pads, and mad effect sounds.
Compatibility:
Fracture is available on Windows Vista or higher and macOS 10.7 or higher in VST and AU formats.
Summary:
Fracture is a free effect that can add insane complexity to any sound. Anything can be turned into chaotic glitch madness or ambient beauty with a few tweaks. The presets sound incredible and can inspire at all times, and the overall workflow is easy and clean.
Related Reading:
30 Best Free Plugins For DnB, EDM, EBM, IDM & Experimental Music
2. Glitchmachines Hysteresis
Another plugin by Glitchmachines is Hysteresis, a delay plugin on steroids.
The way Hysteresis works is unlike most delays. Firstly, the signal is sent through a delay engine, then through various other effects for more processing, a second delay, and then fed back into the original delay engine’s input. The result is a sonic range of unparalleled quality.
Key Features:
- Unique sound
Once the signal is fed through the first delay, it’s then sent into the stutter engine. Here you can chop up the audio and set the speed and size of the repeats. The signal is then sent to a filter module for sculpting and a second delay. This delay is under the hood, and you can’t see or alter it. The signal is then fed back into the original delay, achieving a dirty and gritty sound. Furthermore, all the effects are stereo. - Delay
The delay engine is the heart of Hysteresis. It can be synced to the host DAW or run freely in ms. You can adjust the feedback without delay, but be conscious that the feedback will affect the signal twice. Therefore, high feedback values will always sound way more extreme than conventional delay plugins. That’s why there’s a panic button on the output panel. Finally, a stereo separation parameter can achieve subtle stereo effects or chaotic left and right split effects. - Stutter and filter
The stutter engine is more than just a stutter effect since it acts as a simple granular module. You can create granular-like effects by looping slices of the incoming audio and altering their size and speed. In addition, the filter module comes with a mod fx knob, meaning you can modulate the filter’s values to add movement and interest.
Compatibility:
Hysteresis is available on Windows 8 or higher and macOS 10.12 or higher in VST3 and AU formats.
Summary:
Hysteresis is one of the most unique and insane delay plugins you can find on the market. The fact that it’s free makes having it a no-brainer. If you are a producer looking for a creative tool to inspire and transform your ideas into complex and often chaotic gems, Hysteresis is the way.
Related Reading:
Top 10 FREE Delay Plugins For Musicians (VST, AU, AAX)
Death metal enthusiast here. I am a Romanian musician and producer with over 13 years of experience in the music industry. I’ve experienced all types of Metal up until now, playing Melodic Death Metal, Brutal Death Metal, and Black Metal with different bands. Learning by doing is my base principle, which is why I’ve been drawn to sound design from an early age. Read more…