http://dblue.illformed.org/?dir=code/glitch

“Glitch” is a semi-automated audio manipulation system which attempts to emulate the advanced and intricate effects often found in the IDM musical genre.

The user provides an audio loop, defines some basic parameters such as how many “slices” (beats) the loop should be divided into, how many times the loop should be processed (to increase overall intricacy), etc. The glitch system then takes over, randomly applying effects such as retrigger, time stretch, bit crush, overdrive, amplitude modulation and several others, resulting in a new loop which is quite different from the original and often a lot more interesting. The random nature of the system means that no two results are ever quite the same. This unpredictability makes it a lot of fun to play around with.

In addition to creating new loops, the program is also equally useful for creating single-shot sounds. By enabling the correct option (documented in the readme file), Glitch will export every slice to its own unique file; quickly creating a collection of interesting sounds which you can resequence in your software of choice. You could process a fairly normal drumloop into an array of strange new, experimental percussion sounds, for example.

Please note, however, that this program is not intended to be a lazy man’s tool for instant IDM creation. If you use it as such you will only eventually end up with boring, generic results. Glitch does not write your music for you. The power of the program comes from using it creatively; as an extra, interesting layer to your own original creations.

The program is also in an early stage of development so it is not very optimised or user friendly. It is currently only available for Windows systems and runs via the command line. (Start > Run > cmd.exe)

Update: A VST version is currently in development.