Quanta 2 vs Sample Dicer

Quanta 2 is a granular synthesizer plugin for shaping imported audio samples into playable sounds. Its grain engine can produce up to 100 simultaneous grains per voice and works with AIFF, WAV, Broadcast WAV, FLAC, MP3, and Ogg files in any sample rate, bit depth, or channel configuration. Two virtual analog oscillators and a noise source add other sound sources, with dual filters that can run in series or parallel. Modulation includes four envelope generators of up to 99 steps each, two LFOs, sample and hold, and four assignable macros. Chorus, stereo dual delay, and reverb are built in. Quanta 2 supports MPE controllers, MTS-ESP microtuning, and TUN-format tuning tables. Desktop plugin formats are VST3, AU, AAX, and CLAP; the iPhone and iPad version is AUv3 and is sold separately. A fully functional demo has a 20-minute session timer and disables saving. The listed desktop license is $99 as a one-time purchase, with no subscription or DRM. A 2026 update added real-time recording and additional filter modes.

Sample Dicer is a four-layer one-shot sampler that turns raw audio into playable sounds that evolve. Each drag-and-drop layer has waveform, volume, pitch, start, shift, and fade controls. Users can randomize samples and parameters together or separately, lock layers, and use Back to restore the previous roll. Performance tools include per-trigger evolution, Round Robin, Burst repeat, chromatic key tracking, and up to 16 voices. The interface provides twenty colour themes, scalable presets, and an optional Glitch Mode that changes sound and visuals. It is available as AU and VST3 plug-ins and as a standalone application. The maker describes the AU version for Logic Pro and other AU hosts. Listed uses include music production, sound design, live performance, sample-library creation, rapid prototyping, game development, film, video, and podcasts. The free indie-use plan costs nothing, subject to company revenue below USD 1,000,000 and project production and development budget below USD 250,000. Eligible users can publish and monetize music, games, films, and sound effects without royalties or attribution.