Diffusion of Useful Noise

Rarefaction describes itself as a company “Providing an extreme assortment of brain-twisted sounds.” And to be perfectly honest, that is what “Diffusion of Useful Noise” ($149) is all about. It’s a set of musical and rhythmic cacophony by sound designer and “sculptor of dissonance,” Keith Hillebrandt.

Our review disk came with 493 Mb of samples. The format is 16 bit, 44.1 kHz AIFF files. That means the required hardware is a Mac computer with a CD-ROM. Sound files load directly into any audio workstation like Pro Tools, Peak, Digital Performer, Studio Vision or DECK II. From the computer, the files can be edited (if need be) and then recorded directly into a sampler. For best results, a digital card should be installed in the computer. This will allow a direct transfer into the sampler. Of course, the sampler needs to be able to support stereo files via a digital interface. Yes, this process can be handled in the analog domain but do not expect the same results.

“Useful Noise” is divided into eight categories: Alternate Atmospheres, Ambient Textures, Construction Kits, FX Machines, Melodics, NetherVox, Percussivities, and Rhythmic Loops. Expect to hear samples with buzzes and bleeps, metallic tones, distorted radios, cranky analog synths, abstract machinery, industrial drones, alien factories, clanky noises, static and more noise. Sounds are derived from both generated and found sources and have been manipulated through digital and analog processors. Sound files like “Sewer Ride," “Nail Factory,” “Phase Air Train,” “Deep Rubber,” “Fried Tooth Fairy” and “Alien Bondage Chamber” help to paint the picture. Sample times range anywhere from a fraction of a second up to 30 seconds. And do not expect to find any multi-samples in this package - these are merely one shot deals.

If there is anything like “clean distorted noise,” this is it. A lot of time was spend on the recording and production of these samples. They have been normalized and pre-trimmed with zeroed end-point crossovers. Loop points are tight with start and end times flowing together flawlessly. There really is little editing to be done before putting these sounds to work. And the DSP imagery is excellent. Also to be noted are the rhythmic Construction Kits. The BPMs in these files range from 87 - 140 and are sample-accurate for use in sequencers.

Without question, this disk has an attitude. Either you love it or hate it. As Hillebrandt states, “This is not the CD-ROM to go to if you’re looking for that ‘Love Unlimited Orchestra’ string sound.”

Distorted Reality

“Distorted Reality” (CD-ROM: $199; Audio CD: $99) by Spectrasonics is another apply entitled disk. The emphasis here is on the abstraction of reality. By reality, I mean recognizable samples. Many of these sounds are highly processed and edited. Sound designer, Eric Persing is not afraid of stretching samples beyond their recognizable limits. He then feeds them into a string of signal processors to see what comes out. It is kind of like throwing sonic dice. However, the results are consistently winning combinations. On the disk’s liner notes, Persing states, “By exploring some of the more eccentric signal paths and extreme processing techniques, it is possible to create a vast array of extraordinarily bizarre & beautiful sounds, if you have the time and patience for it.”

Distorted Reality comes in a variety of CD-ROM formats (Kurzweil, Roland, Akai, E-mu, Ensoniq and SampleCell). We used the Kurzweil version. Spectrasonics also has an audio CD available. Unfortunately, the audio version (while cheaper) has 30 percent fewer sounds. Buried on this disk are 645 MB of sample data. Be prepared for weird effects, altered 3D atmospheres, fuzz mutations, trance inducing percussion loops, modular drones, analog noises, metallic voices, sci-fi effects, abstract ambient pads and much more. To take full advantage of this disk, your sampler will need 16 MB of RAM - some of the sounds are rather long and large.

Favorites in this package are many. “Bad Dreams” is a distorted rock guitar that is cut up, mixed up, and pasted back together again. Kind of like an abstract sound collage. “Reverted” is another distorted guitar lead sandwiched in-between layers of white noise. “Pigheaded” and “Phuzz Phunk” sound like beat loops processed through an old analog distortion box. On other samples, multiple layers of sounds mysteriously morph into one another. Check out “Byrd Strike.” This one starts with a quick edgy crackling attack and then dissolves into a smooth ethereal pad. And on “Trane Train” (I hope John’s listening), a ton of dissected saxophones spin in and out of one another. The effects processing on this disk are excellent. There are moving pans, 3D effects, lush reverbs and in-your-face distortion. Multi-samples are used on many of the sounds - especially on the Pads. Again, there isn’t much editing to be done here either. These samples are really impeccable.

Initially, Spectrasonics was reluctant to release a disk with “limited” appeal. Needless to say, it has been their best seller. Later this year the company will put out Distorted Reality 2: Darkness & Light.

Depending which sampler is used determines the organization of the file formats. My only gripe with these disks (and others) is the over use of directories. Expect to navigate into multiple layers of nested sub-subdirectories. Remember the good old days of DOS computing? As for documentation, “Diffusion of Useful Noise” has none. Yes, there are some liner notes, but they do not say anything. “Distorted Reality” has some background info and a great list of the gear used. However, neither disk has a master list of the samples and their respective directories. Couldn’t they have put this into a text file on the disk?

OK, there you have it. Both disks have enough samples to mesmerize, annoy and inspire any creative sound designer. Of the two disks, “Useful Noise” is more industrial while “Distorted Reality” is more abstract. Neither of them are for the faint of heart. But if you’re doing any kind of experimental music, sci-fi sound tracks, creative post production, sound effects, techno dance or ambient new age, you’re in business. Proceed at your own risk.

Rarefaction 415 346-0171

Spectrasonics 800-747-4546