TimeShape – Time & Volume Shaper Free
Meet TimeShape, a powerful time-manipulation and volume-shaping plugin designed to bend rhythm and time in creative ways. Similar to classic stutter or glitch effects (like Gross Beat), TimeShape allows you to draw custom curves on a 4-beat grid perfectly synced to your DAW’s tempo.
Whether you want to create classic vinyl tape-stops, intricate sidechain ducking, trance gates, or complex rhythmic stutters, TimeShape gives you total, visual control over the flow of your audio.
Features:
TIME & VOL Envelopes: Switch between manipulating the playback speed (to create pitch-downs, tape stops, and stutters) or the Volume envelope (for gating, tremolo, and sidechain pumping).
Drawable Grid with Tension: Add, drag, and curve your points on the grid to create exactly the rhythmic shape you need.
28 Automatable Slots: Store up to 28 unique time and volume shapes per instance. Automate the “Active Slot” parameter in your DAW to switch rhythmic patterns dynamically during your track!
Global Smoothing & Mix: Use the global TIME and VOLUME depth knobs to dial in the perfect amount of effect, and use the Attack/Release controls to eliminate unwanted audio clicks on sharp transitions.
Compatibility: Windows (64-bit) VST3. Compatible with FL Studio, Ableton Live, Studio One, Reaper, Logic Pro, Cubase, etc.
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TimeShape User Manual – Features and Controls
1. The Envelope Grid (Right Panel)
The central grid represents a 4-beat measure, perfectly synced to your DAW’s tempo.
- You can add points by clicking on the lines, and drag them to create shapes.
- Drag the lines between points to change the tension (curve) of the segments.
- Double-click a point to delete it.
2. Envelope Modes (TIME vs VOL)
Use the [TIME] and [VOL] toggle buttons on the left to switch between editing the Time envelope and the Volume envelope.
- TIME Envelope: Manipulates the playback speed and position of the audio. Dropping the curve downwards will create a “tape stop” or pitch-down effect, while sharp jumps will create stutters.
- VOL Envelope: Manipulates the volume of the audio. Use it for sidechain-style pumping, gating, or tremolo effects.
3. Slots (1 to 28)
TimeShape gives you 28 slots per instance. Each slot stores a unique drawing for the grid.
- Click any slot to recall its shape instantly.
- You can automate the “Active Slot” in your DAW to switch between different rhythmic patterns dynamically during your song.
- Note: Slots only save the grid shapes. The knobs at the bottom are global parameters.
4. Global Knobs (Left Panel)
- TIME (%): Controls the overall depth of the Time envelope. At 100%, the time-bending effect is fully applied. At 0%, the Time envelope has no effect.
- VOLUME (%): Controls the overall depth of the Volume envelope.
- MIX (%): Controls the Dry/Wet balance of the entire plugin. At 100%, you hear only the processed signal.
- ATT (Attack in ms): Smooths out the beginning of the effect envelope to prevent clicks.
- REL (Release in ms): Smooths out the end of the effect envelope.
- TNS (Tension %): Adjusts the curve of the global smoothing envelope. 50% is linear.
5. Bypass
Click the power button in the top right corner of the header to bypass the plugin.
Tips for Best Results
- For classic Vinyl/Tape Stop effects, draw a straight diagonal line going downwards in the TIME envelope.
- For Trance Gating, use the VOL envelope and draw square-like steps.
- If you hear audio clicks when the grid jumps sharply, slightly increase the ATT (Attack) and REL (Release) knobs to smooth the transitions.
