Etappe is a geometric delay workstation utilizing the Golden Ratio to produce intricate and mathematically elegant echoes. Developed in collaboration with Puremagnetik, Etappe features advanced delay design capabilities through two parallel chains of stages, ensuring a rich matrix of non-overlapping reflections. It serves as the enhanced successor to Stages — no kidding!!! — the first of its kind Golden Ratio Delay, or in this case, a Dual Golden Ratio Delay, introduced with my album “Shapes (for a Name)” in 2023. More about the comparison of the two plug-ins, my approach, and the research and development involved in my next post…
Etappe is available now
I asked my good friend and mentor, Uwe Zahn aka Arovane, to try out Etappe and share his thoughts. Over the past years, Uwe has consistently supported me with his advice and experience as both a person and a musician. I have had the opportunity to meet and speak with him in person several times. A lot has accumulated over the past 12 years. So, it was only natural that I sent him Etappe, a plugin I am very proud of, to see what he, as an expert, thinks of it.
Uwe sent his honest opinion (I had no idea what he would write) along with a sound file for us to listen to. Thank you, Uwe!
Review by Arovane
Etappe by An Moku & Puremagnetik
«Another delay plugin in my extensive collection, or so I thought initially. However, upon closer inspection, a different picture emerges!
I am fascinated by delays. Besides reverb as an effect, delay is my number one creative tool. I started with a simple delay from a no-name brand and the Korg MS20. A so-called bucket-brigade delay. Analog, mono, very noisy. Later, it became more expensive and complex. After the Alesis Wedge, which I used extensively as a delay in the studio and for sound design, a Sony D7 and a TC Electronics Fireworx soon joined. Another step was the modularity of a Kyma system, which allowed me to create an FDN (Feedback Delay Network) delay according to my ideas. I could control all delay parameters using a motor fader box. The transition to software-based delays was seamless.
An Moku, a good friend and fellow musician, and Puremagnetik (Micah Frank) have developed a “Geometric Delay Workstation.” It is based on the “Golden Ratio” – a design rule that refers to the division ratio of a line segment or another size. The ratio is 1:1.618 and is considered particularly harmonious by many people.
This proportional rule is applied in architecture, art, and music. Thus, it is here, developed by An Moku and Puremagnetik. Each of the two delay stages, with a total of 14 steps, offers options for filtering, positioning in the stereo field, and the ability to play the audio signal backward. This creates complex structures and fascinating patterns. A button called “Jumble” randomly shuffles all the plugin parameters. This opens the door wide for experimentation.
The delay surprises with nested, lively structures that always seem harmoniously coordinated. Golden Ratio, indeed.
I used Ableton’s Operator FM Synth for the sound examples, with different envelope settings, from percussive to soft swelling.»
Etappe is available now
-> More about Arovane: Minimalismus im Studio, arovane.net
Quellen/Copyright:
Fotos von Arovane & Puremagnetik
Audiobeispiel von Arovane
«Etappe von Puremagnetik, entwickelt in Zusammenarbeit mit AnMoku» verfasst von Uwe Zahn, übersetzt von Dominik Grenzler
An Moku 