Hey what’s good fam!
You may have noticed I do not do much with Reaktor, honestly, I’m not much of a fan of it.
I do like some of the premade ensembles by third parties though, and even the stuff like The Mouth or The Finger from NI.
But on a whole, I usually steer clear of Reaktor, just not my thing.
However, Matt Cellitti let me know about an FX ensemble from Twisted Tools, so I had to check it out!
It’s called Rolodecks…so let’s peep it!
What IS Rolodecks?
It’s basically a real-time, modular stype multi effect that made to be used inside of Reaktor 5
It even has a slot where you can plugin your own external Reaktor fx if you wish.
In addition to the fx, there’s a bunch of step modulation available for the parameters…
in an easy to tweak interface.
Quick Specs
- format: Reaktor 5 (full version)
- price: $49 (standard) $69 (pro)
So how cool is it really? How does it sound?
If you see me talking about anything involving Reaktor it has to be pretty cool, and this is pretty cool.
What I first notice, is the interface is really professional looking, not only that, it’s easy to navigate and understand.
Next thing I notice is that the FX are not only useful in the sense that they sound good, but they are fun to play with.
You get quick access to all the parameters you would want for each effect, which makes it quick to use.
The included effects are slicer, decay, filter, flange, reverb and the ext fx slot which is used by a granular stretch effect by default.
All sound good, and unique, not so much your vanilla, every other effect box type of sound either.
I would call these creative fx, made for messing up your sounds in unique ways.
So what’s the bottom line?
Well, I will admit I’ve seen Twisted Tools before but quickly glanced over them as some sort of live fx performance stuff for Reaktor.
Had it not been for Matt raving about it, I wouldn’t have checked it out.
I’m glad I did!
Rolodecks is a fun way to manipulate and control your sounds in realtime or over time. The interface makes it really easy to automate and sequence your fx and the sounds you can get allow you to be really creative.
I give Rolodecks 4 out of 5 subs, I was really impressed, I know many want to mangle and mash their sound and this tool lets you do it rather quickly.
If you’re like me, and you don’t do much routing or building in Reaktor, save yourself the 20 extra bucks and just get the standard version. I still has 1 external fx slot if you’re feeling gutsy!
Go on over and watch their video demos man, it’s really cool: http://twistedtools.com/shop/reaktor/rolodecks/
Leave me a comment below, lemme know what you think
aww shyt! this is cool, thanks saintjoe
@xavier.p, thanks for watching fam, it’s pretty cool.
Thanks for giving your take on Rolodecks. I’ve had my eye on this for a minute but just haven’t pulled the trigger yet, trying to decide if I’d have need of the pro version or not. In checking out the other TwistedTools offerings, especially with their bundle promo, I think this one has more appeal for those into making hip-hop, dub/dancehall, soulful/jazzy house or downtempo (i.e. flying lotus or nujubies)that would like creative fx especially owners of Maschine due to the mapping. Whereas their other fx ensembles like Scapes or seem to be more geared towards glitchy-experimental genres. So far I’ve been having happy accidents with the freebies.
@Jamari, I totally agree. And if you don’t get into Reaktor, connecting fx and routing in the programming section of it, you wouldn’t need the Pro version. The standard version also has an external slot for you to use other FX in there.
But yeah, this one is cool, probably the perfect one for me, glad Matt let me know about it lol.
@saintjoe, thanks for the info, that really helped my decision process. Reaktor is definitely interesting yet intimidating at the same time. I’m slowly attempting to learn or at least get comfortable with it. Matt’s a cool cat with a wealth of information. I like how in his videos he approaches things with the energy similar to a kid with a new toy..just excited to play.
@Jamari, Glad to help fam, yeah…I don’t have any interest in learning Reaktor lol. I just like the premade stuff honestly lol. But that’s just me!
Looks tight bro. I may have to cop it.
@Madbull Studios, Word fam, it’s really nice actually.
SJ,This is a nice product to add to a musicians’ arsenal. Thanks for bringing the review.
@Baddboy2000, yeah I’m diggin it, thanks for the comment fam