TET Effector

Inspired by the insertion and deletion mutations of DNA and providing an arcane sounding stretching/shrinking algorithm that operates on real-time inputs, the TET Effector harmonizes, stutters, glitches, and makes melodies and rhythms by riding a wave of input into creation and chaos alike. The TET manipulation produces raw sounds, as if you can hear the mingling bytes, with musical control and responsiveness that’d make it right at home in some kind of electronic avant-garde jazz piece, but also in an experimental remix or lofi piece. The method is derived from Playertron’s TET Trigger Player, modified to operate on an incoming signal, even as it is being created. An array of extra functionalities grant it real-time dexterity and nimble changeability.

The dual pitch controls consists of a deletion knob that raises the pitch and an insertion knob that lowers it. The ratio between the two determines the overall pitch change - a 2:1 (inner:outer) ratio doubles the frequency for an octave jump up, while a 18:25 ratio sends the pitch down 6 semitones. Check out the TET Calculator for tuning ratios to create scales or just stretch and shrink by ear until it sounds interesting or make use of the auto-ratio Note Selector knob to achieve semitone shifts through motorized dials. Alternatively, pitch shifting can also be activated by the micro-MIDI connection, allowing a two-octave keyboard response (notes C3-C5).

By linking many modules together, you can create a piano of pitches or a palette of rhythms or both, all immediately responsive for improvisation or readily sequenced with gate signals. Some useful details include an “on volume” knob to set the amplitude when the device is engaged (excessively loud stutters can be tamed and quiet pitch drops can be elevated), a trim pot screw (top-center) for mixing the original signal with the effected sound, and CV controls for on/off, shift size, insertion, and deletion. It can be run in stereo too.

Use the TET Effector to make melodies of falling apart sound and rhythms of bytes zigzagging through time.