Surreal Machines has released Transient Machines, a new set of Max for Live devices, aimed at bringing studio-quality transient shaping to Ableton.

Modeled after studio transient-shaping units, Transient Machines is a versatile tool for reshaping the dynamics of drums, loops, and much more.

Designed to seamlessly integrate into Ableton (and also compatible with Push right out of the box), the Transient Machines Pack is split up into two separate devices:

• Impact is a multi-channel dynamic processor switchable between one, two or three bands of transient modification. This means that different frequency bands can be adjusted independently, so that if you want to cut the reverb tail from a snare drum, while in the same group, boost the boom of a kick drum, you could simply adjust the sustain on the mid-band and increase the sustain on the bass-band.
• Crack is a more compact and streamlined transient shaper ideal for more straightforward sound-shaping purposes such as adjusting the dynamic properties of a single drum sound or quickly adjusting a loop. In addition, Crack also features Dry/Wet signal controls, enabling users to make interesting blends using both the processed audio and the original signal.

Dynamic Processing

Both Transient Machine devices include a signal chain designed specifically to process transient material, making it easy for users to add additional layers of sonic character to the sounds they’ve chosen to shape. As part of its dynamic processing chain, Impact includes four switchable styles of analog-modeled saturation and four-bands of parametric EQ along with a clipper, limiter and maximizer. Like Impact, Crack also features a custom limiter for peak reduction, soft analog-modeled clipping and a maximizer.

Pricing and Availability

Transient Machines by Surreal machines is available immediately for $49/ €39. For more information, check out Transient Machines on the Ableton website.