- Publisher: Dillon Bastan
- Product: Natural Selection S
- Release: GTA
- Version: 1.0.2
- Format: Max for Live device (.amxd)
- Requirements: Ableton Live 10 or higher
Natural Selection explores an evolutionary process in sound design, treating preset parameter values as DNA that mixes and mutates over generations to create new sounds. As the user, you guide the evolution by selecting preferred sounds, shaping their progression toward your sonic preferences. This intuitive process allows for sound design without direct parameter manipulation—unless desired.
Two versions exist:
- Natural Selection S: Evolves presets within an internal poly synthesizer, rhythm/note generator, and effects chain.
- Natural Selection P: Applies evolutionary processing to external audio devices or racks.
Designed by: River Marchand
Included in Natural Selection S:
- The device
- User manual
- 117 presets (some containing multiple embedded presets)
Version Compatibility:
- Works with Ableton Live 10 and newer
- Some bass presets require Live 11+
Key Features
Genetic Sound Evolution System
- Genetic algorithm treats preset parameters as ‘DNA’
- Child presets inherit and mutate traits from parent presets
- Mutation settings with adjustable intensity and two mutation modes
- Control over generational depth and selection criteria
- Ability to start a new preset tree from a previous one
- Two methods for seeding presets:
- Using current device values (optionally with randomized variation)
- Fully randomized seeds
- Remix and save custom DNA combinations
- Rating system biases favored genetics
- Two-page UI for easy navigation of generations and child presets
- Morph up to 8 presets using two XY quadrants and a blend slider
Internal Poly Synthesizer
- Two Sound Sources:
- Morphable oscillator with FM
- Resonator with mallet exciter
- Karplus Strong String with mallet exciter
- Wavetable oscillator with FM and user file import
- White noise oscillator
- Unique Partials System:
- Define multiple partials per voice
- Adjustable spread for harmonic or inharmonic textures
- Exponential scaling (bias) for enhanced sound shaping
- Filters:
- Basic filter shapes, ladder filter, vowel/formant filter
- Modulation System:
- Two LFOs, two envelopes, two spray values
- MIDI sources: pitch, velocity, pitch bend, aftertouch, modwheel
- Additional Features:
- Portamento
- Internal limiter
- Up to 16 voices
Rhythmic Note Generator
- Trigger system with sync and free-rate modes, plus swing control
- Two Gating Modes
- Euclidean sequencer with ‘Slope’ parameter for clustered pulses
- Random note gating
- Two Pitch Modes
- Step sequencer
- Randomized pitch, with scale and tonic control
- Randomized velocity and duration for expressive dynamics
- Enables evolving rhythmic patterns, treating presets as unique musical ‘organisms’
Effects System
- Distortion
- Chorus
- Phaser
- Delay
- Reverb
- MPE Support for modulation mapping
Installation & Preset Usage
- Extract the ‘Natural Selection S’ folder (not the version-numbered folder)
- Place it in:
- Mac: Music/Ableton/User Library/Presets/Instruments/Max Instrument
- Windows: My Music/Ableton/User Library/Presets/Instruments/Max Instrument
- The final path should be:
ableton/user library/presets/instruments/max instrument/Natural Selection S/Natural Selection S.amxd - Restart Ableton Live and access the device in the Max Instrument category.
Experience sound evolution like never before!