Tranches is a live beat repeat and redirect software tool for GNU/Linux. It is controlled by MIDI and supports multiple inputs and outputs, and runs on the Jack sound server.
Tranches has various features that make it desirable for music producers. It allows for live beat repeat using midi CC or midi note. Additionally, it has multi-inputs, which can be selected in real-time via midi CC, and multi-outputs, which can also be selected in real-time via midi CC. The program utilizes jack transport to locate beats and has a midi controllable slice frequency.
Other features include reverse mode, configuration in a .tra file through XML syntax, and lash support. The GUI version has a usable and good-looking GUI and a reload/reset function so that there is no need to restart the program when editing the .tra file. The command-line version has a command-line menu.
Tranches requires the SCons build system, libxml2, ALSA, jack, and lash. If using the GUI version, FLTK is also necessary.
To install Tranches, one must first build it via the following steps (replace "tranches" with "tranches-no-gui" for the command-line version): tar zxf tranches-0.0.x.tar.gz, cd tranches-0.0.x/, scons, and scons install (needs to be done as root, and will be installed in /usr/bin).
To use Tranches, one must have the jack server running and a program acting as the transport master (try seq24 for example). The program requires a .tra file for the command-line version, which is specified by typing "./tranches example.tra" (or "tranches example.tra" if installed in /usr/bin).
Tranches allows users to slice a part of an input stream and loop it while redirecting it to the output port of their choice. The program creates a dry output for each input so that when users are not slicing an input, it is sent directly to the corresponding dry output. When users toggle the slice mode, Tranches plays and records the selected input simultaneously starting from the upcoming beat for a period called the slice frequency. The frequency can also be controlled by midi CC and ranges from 1/32 beat to 1 beat to as many beats as desired. Tranches loops the slice until the midi note is released.
Users can change the selected output and increase the frequency during the loop. It is possible to create as many outputs as desired, such as an output for a filter effect and another for a pitch effect. If a long slice size is chosen, the program behaves as if it is redirecting the selected input(s) to a different output, allowing for an effect on the entire input stream.
Overall, Tranches is a powerful tool for music producers who want to manipulate and repeat their music in real-time.
Version 0.0.5: N/A