Reactive Audio has launched Growth, a modulation-focused audio effect built around a continuously evolving reaction-diffusion simulation. The plugin combines a generative visual field with a multi-stage effect chain, allowing users to derive modulation directly from an autonomous mathematical system.
At the core of Growth is a Gray-Scott reaction-diffusion simulation, a mathematical model associated with naturally occurring patterns such as spots, stripes, and coral-like forms. Within the plugin, this simulation runs continuously and does not repeat. Users can select a starting pattern and adjust parameters including Feed, Kill, and Flow, shaping how the field evolves over time. The system is locked to audio time, ensuring that rendered output matches playback.
Rather than functioning as a traditional X-Y controller, Growth’s surface operates independently. The animated field moves on its own, and users place modulation readers onto it. These readers interpret the values of the evolving pattern and translate that movement into modulation signals routed to the built-in effects.
The plugin provides several methods for extracting modulation from the field:
- Probes: Up to four probes can be placed on the surface. Each probe reads the value beneath it and can be routed to any parameter in the effect chain, with independent depth control.
- Edges: Users can link two probes to create an edge. The edge derives a signal from the relationship between the probes, such as contrast or flow along a bendable path through the field.
- Drawable scans: A user-defined path can be drawn directly on the field. A scanning point travels along this path, outputting the values it encounters as a modulation waveform shaped by both the drawing and the evolving pattern. Scans can run freely or be tempo-synced.
- Proximity: This feature measures the distance between two independently moving scan points. As they converge and separate at different rates, rhythmic modulation signals are generated in time with the track.
- Envelope follower: The incoming audio level can be used as a modulation source, allowing the effect parameters to respond dynamically to performance intensity.
Growth routes these modulation sources into a five-stage effect chain. Each stage provides parameters that can be targeted by any of the available modulation signals.
- Multimode filter
- Granular texture processor
- Frequency shifter
- Reverb with tempo-synced delay
- Stereo width, pan, and tremolo controls
A global dry and wet control is included, alongside an auto-gain function designed to maintain consistent output levels during A/B comparison. A transparent safety limiter is also provided. Growth ships with eight curated presets intended as starting points for exploration.
The plugin is available in VST3 and AU formats, as well as a standalone version, and supports macOS and Windows. A free demo version with periodic muting is offered.
Growth is available from Reactive Audio for $30, with an introductory price of $20 for the first 60 days.
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