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nvk_CREATE

Build layered sounds from your sound library in Reaper

Layering a sound from a library means searching, auditioning, trimming each file to the take you want, and lining the layers up. The script searches your Media Explorer databases as you type. In multi-layer mode, Enter builds layered variations from the search, trimmed to takes and lined up on their peaks, as items you can keep editing.

Purchases go through Gumroad.com

Try it free: install guide

4.9 · 24 ratings

Reaper with layered variations built from the search “sci fi whoosh”, next to the nvk_CREATE window searching “ice impact” with its multi-layer settings and a waveform of the selected file

How it works

  1. Search

    Open the script and type. It searches the Media Explorer databases you picked. Press Enter or drag a result to insert it.

  2. Set up the layers

    Press Tab for multi-layer mode. Set Variations, Items, and Length, and how much Pitch, Offset, and % Reverse to randomize.

  3. Press Enter

    The script builds the variations in your project. Add plug-ins to the tracks, edit the items, and render when it sounds right.

Features

  • Search as you type

    Search several Media Explorer databases at once. There's no box to click: start typing and the results update. Shift+Space previews the selected file.

  • Multi-layer mode

    Set how many variations to build and how many items each one has. They land as items in your project, so nothing is rendered until you're ready.

  • Auto-trim

    Items are trimmed to their first take as they come in, with take markers on each take's first peak and a snap offset at the first one, ready for nvk_TAKES.

  • Randomized layers

    Pitch, Offset, and % Reverse vary each layer. Random picks a different take from each file, and Trim lines the layers up on their peaks.

  • Waveform view

    Click the waveform to seek while a file plays, or drag from it to bring a single take into the project.

  • Replace from the track name

    nvk_CREATE - Replace swaps the selected items for new matches. On a track named ice crunch l6 p12 r50, it brings in 6-second layers with 12 semitones of random pitch, about half of them reversed.

Multi-layer settings

These appear under the search when you press Tab.

Variations
How many variations to build.
Items
How many items, or layers, each variation has.
Length
The length of the items. The script looks for takes that fit before it randomizes pitch.
Pitch
Random pitch for each item, in semitones.
Offset
Random offset for each item's position, in seconds.
% Reverse
The share of items to reverse at random.
Random
With Trim on, each item is trimmed to a random take. With it off, each item gets a random take offset.
Trim
Analyzes the files, so items are trimmed to real takes that fit the Length and lined up on their RMS peaks. With it off, files are dropped in and cut to length.
Normalize
Normalizes the items after they're added.

Search syntax

Quotes, OR, and NOT narrow a search. A number followed by a letter filters by the file itself.

  • "wild horse" OR mustang NOT vehicleQuotes, OR, and NOT
  • "wild horse",mustang -vehicleThe same search, with a comma for OR and a hyphen for NOT
  • growl 48k+Files matching growl at 48 kHz or above
Search tokens
TokenFilters byExamples
bBit depth32b, 16b+, 24b-
chChannels1ch, 6ch+, 2ch-
kSample rate (kHz)192k, 48k+, 22k-
sFile length (seconds)5s, 1s+, 40s=
tTake length (seconds)5t, 1t+, 0.5t-

+ means at or above, - at or below, and = an exact match. Take length needs the file cache, which F5 builds.

nvk_RECORD

With the script docked, click the waveform view while no items are selected to turn on nvk_RECORD. It keeps the last 20 seconds of Reaper's output, so you can right-drag to select something you just heard and drag it into your project.

nvk_CREATE docked, with the search box on the left and the last 20 seconds of Reaper's output as a waveform on the right, one part of it selected

Video walkthrough

There's also an introduction to nvk_CREATE (opens in a new tab).

FAQ

Can I try it before buying?

Yes. The script includes a 14-day trial with no card required. Install it by following the install guide, then run it in Reaper. When the license prompt appears, leave the field blank and click OK.

What does it search?

The Media Explorer databases you set up in Reaper. Create a database in the Media Explorer, add the folders that hold your sounds, then pick it in the script.

Which versions of Reaper and which systems are supported?

Reaper 7 or later on macOS and Windows.

What do I need before installing?

Reaper, ReaPack, the SWS/S&M Extension, ReaImGui, and the js_ReaScript API. The scripts install through ReaPack; the install guide walks through every step.

Can I use my license on more than one computer?

Yes. Each seat may be activated on up to four computers at a time, all used by the same person.

Can I buy licenses for a team?

Yes. Use the team license option at the bottom of this page to choose how many people need it, and you'll get one multi-user key. Questions? Email support@nvk.tools.

nvk_CREATE

Includes nvk_CREATE - Replace and updates through ReaPack. Try it free for 14 days before you buy.

Purchases go through Gumroad.com

Buying for a team? Choose how many people need it and you'll get one multi-user key. Each person can use it on up to four of their own computers. $149 per license.

The Sound Design Bundle includes nvk_CREATE and nvk_AUTODOPPLER 2 for less than buying them separately.

See the bundle