ForumsNews ← Tutorial: multi-channel waveforms for Kaivo

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Learn how to load up Kaivo's granulator module with multichannel waveforms!

One of Kaivo’s most unique features is that its granulator module allows the use of multichannel waveforms. You can set up LFO’s or other modulators to cycle through these waveforms, and create sounds that are ambient and textural or adjust the settings and get more snappy percussive sounds. Samples of up to four channels can be imported.

When combined with the Resonator and Body module, multi-channel Granulator waveforms open up a whole universe of sounds that are unique to Kaivo.


Kaivo Multichannel Granulator Waveforms

Let’s get started with building our own multi-channel granulator waveform using the freeware program Audacity.


Custom Kaivo Granulator Waveforms Mix Audacity

Start by going to Edit > Preferences and then set your Audacity Import/Export preferences to Use Advanced Mixing options. This will help us later when we’re exporting our final multichannel file.


Kaivo Multichannel Audacity Preferences

Import your audio files by going to File > Import > Audio. For this example, I’m using four different Fender Rhodes chord samples that I grabbed from one of Legowelt’s free sample packs.


Files Image


Mix Stereo Files to Mono Image Audacity

Once we’ve imported our files, we’re going to need to click on each imported wav file and convert it to Mono by going to Tracks > Mix > Mix Stereo Down to Mono


Kaivo Mono Samples Audacity

Now we have converted our imported Fender Rhodes chords into mono. We’re almost done! Let’s get our final multichannel file exported and imported into Kaivo.


Export Multichannel Files Audacity

Click File > Export > Export Audio


Advanced Mix Settings Image

Important: Make sure that your output channels in the export popup are set to the number of wav files you are exporting.

Export the final multichannel wav file to someplace handy for the next step.


Kaivo Import Sample Image

Finally, let’s import the multichannel wav file into Kaivo by clicking on the Granulator module waveform name and then clicking Import. In this next dialog, find your multichannel export (in this example it’s called Final.wav), and then give it a name for the Kaivo Granulator (Rhodes in my example) and click Save.


Import Success Image

Now we have our multichannel wav file imported successfully into the Kaivo Granulator! You can apply this process to any type of sound and get all sorts of interesting results. For more information on the Granulator module, check out the complete Kaivo Manual.

Enjoy the sounds!

It may be worth stating that there's a limit of 4channels to audio importable into the Granulator. i tried with more, without success.

Good point! Thanks for the feedback.