Ridgewalk (VST3/AU/CLAP plug-in)

A wandering granular looper. Ridgewalk lets you explore sound in unique ways not possible before. Meander between microscopic moments in a sample to create an infinite soundscape, or stretch or compress audio in realtime, all while recording and reacting to new input instantly.

Ridgewalk is both a looper and a granular engine. Output is generated by a set of independent microloopers that traverse a single buffer of audio. The audio buffer can be freely recorded to, overdubbed over, and reverted to a previous version, and the microloopers will transition smoothly and instantly. With control over the microloopers’ size, behavior, and movement throughout the buffer over time, you’re free to reimagine and reinterpret audio like never before  - all in realtime.

Ridgewalk is designed as a modular tool for flexible usage. It is equally comfortable at the heart of your composition, collaborating with you as you perform, or as a finishing touch to provide a unique complementary atmosphere to deepen your mix. Ridgewalk is fully compatible with modulators such as Ableton CV or Bitwig LFOs to broaden horizons even further.

Video manual and demo.

"The current offerings Aqeel has are honest to goodness quality. They are idea machines for the musicians looking to expand their creativity and push themselves to new places. Similarly, they are approachable and intuitive enough for the beginner to benefit as well. I’ve always found a new sound and idea every time I launch one of his plugins and they’ve been the catalyst to many recording sessions in my own work." - Six Missing

"Aqeel's devices seamlessly connect inspiration and intuition. They lend themselves to easy flowing creativity while also offering a suite of sound shaping options. Highly recommended." - Blankfor.ms

Ridgewalk has the following controls available:

• Recording: Record via your choice of two unique techniques. Choose between automatic recording via input volume detection and a classic latching recording technique that can record infinitely. Buffers can be up to 60 seconds or 16 bars.
• Overdubbing: Freely overdub on top of existing audio with two methods. Choose between a traditional feedback dub or a unique sidechain dub which compresses existing audio against new input. Playback will smoothly transition to new recordings instantly.
• Layers: Each overdub creates a new layer, which you can then move between smoothly and revert to previous versions of audio.
• Full recall: All recorded audio will be saved and reloaded when reopening a project.
• Sample importing: Rather than record, Ridgewalk can import samples directly.
• Volume controls: Independent volume trim controls for dry and wet volume.
• Playback: Looper playback can be played and paused independently of input and recording. Playback will instantly reflect any changes to recorded audio.
• Hold time: Looper playback can be automatically paused after a defined time since starting. This allows Ridgewalk to act like a strange reverb or delay.
• Reverse: Playback can be reversed and audio can be recorded in reverse as well.
• Looper size: Loopers can span from microscopic fragments of the buffer to the full size, and can be synchronized with your BPM.
• Looper amount: Up to 7 microloopers are available, which move together in concert with one another.
• Drift: Looper size and positioning can be randomly and independently desynchronized to add variations and unpredictability.
• Blur: A one-stop-shop for increasing ambience: this controls looper crossfading as well as introduces reverb.
• Repitch: Playback can be repitched from ±2 octaves.
• Random movement (Wander): Looper positioning can be set to randomly wander the sample over time via Brownian motion.
• Sequential movement: Looper position can move linearly through a sample over a time defined in seconds or synchronized to your BPM.
• Manual looper positioning: Loopers can be positioned manually via tap or click, turning Ridgewalk into a performative instrument.
• Instant playback: Ridgewalk can start playing back from recorded audio as soon as it is able, turning its granular looping algorithm into a live effect.
• Transport syncing: Ridgewalk can be synced with your DAW’s transport to automatically start/stop playback or recording.

Suggested configurations:

• As a track effect: Place Ridgewalk directly on an audio track, and set dry volume to maximum to allow your original sound to pass through, while dialing in the wet volume to taste.
• As a send effect: Place Ridgewalk on a return channel, while setting dry volume to 0 and wet volume to maximum. Send any number of tracks to Ridgewalk to get an ambient bed related to all incoming audio.

FAQ:

• Can I trial this product before buying? Yes, please see the trial listing for this product. In “trial” mode, all features will be available to you, however, there will be periodic audio drop outs.
• How many times can I authorize Ridgewalk? Purchase of this product grants you license to use the product on two computers.
• What are the system requirements?
  • Mac: Version 10.13 or later, 64-bit. Intel and M1/M2 chips.
  • Windows: Windows 10 or later, 64-bit.
• Why is there no Windows installer? As a fledgling developer, the costs associated with validating a .exe installer are untenable for me at the moment, and the process of installing a VST3/CLAP plug-in is generally fairly simple. Instead of an installer, robust installation instructions will be given upon download for Windows users. If there are any issues, please do not hesitate to contact us for support.
• Does Ridgewalk require an internet connection? Ridgewalk will require an internet connection for initial license validation. Afterwards, this will not be necessary.
• Where does the name come from? Inspired by the natural world, I chose to name this tool after the “ridgelines” that are found between mountainous peaks. The “ridgewalk” along these lines allows for a beautiful panoramic view at altitude.

Any other questions? Feel free to send me an email or a message!

** Please be aware: Gumroad offers a tipping option by default at checkout. While appreciated, tips are not necessary by any means!