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nvk_VARIATIONS

Create variations from items in Reaper

Games need several versions of most sounds, and making them by hand means copying items and nudging pitch, volume, and timing one at a time. The script copies the selected items into as many variations as you set, and randomizes pitch, volume, pan, tone, position, and takes within the ranges you choose.

Purchases go through Gumroad.com

Try it free: install guide

5.0 · 6 ratings

The nvk_VARIATIONS window with Variations, Pitch, Position, Track, Volume, Pan, and Tone settings, the Apply button, and Item Overrides

Hear the variations

An impact made of three layers on three tracks, followed by the variations made from it. Each item has four takes, and each variation moves to the next one, so they differ before anything is randomized. The settings below randomize on top of that. Play them in turn, or tap one to hear it alone.

The sound is synthesized in your browser to show what the settings do. Takes change as in the script's Default mode; Random would pick them at random. Pitch uses the Playrate mode, so a higher pitch also makes the item shorter, as it does in Reaper. Pitch Envelope and Volume Envelope add random points to envelopes inside each item, within the Pitch and Volume ranges.

How it works

  1. Select items

    Select the items that make up the sound, on one track or layered across several. Each variation copies all of them.

  2. Run nvk_VARIATIONS

    Set the Amount and how far pitch, volume, pan, tone, and position can move. Press F and D to jump between variations while you listen.

  3. Apply

    Click Apply or press Enter. Set Amount to 0 to randomize the selected items in place without making copies.

Features

  • Takes in order or at random

    The Default mode moves to the next take in each item for every variation, and Random picks one. Chaos moves to a random offset in each item, and None keeps the same take.

  • Pitch, volume, pan, and tone

    Pitch shifts in semitones by Playrate or Shift. Volume varies in dB, with a chance to mute an item. Tone adds ReaEQ to each item and randomizes its bands.

  • Randomized envelopes

    Pitch, Volume, Pan, and Tone each have an Envelope setting that adds random points inside every item, so even one sound moves differently in each variation.

  • Item overrides

    Turn a section off for one item to keep that layer consistent, like a sub that stays at its pitch while the layers above it vary.

  • Presets on hotkeys

    Save settings in preset tabs. The Randomize and New Variation preset scripts run a preset on the selected items without opening the window, so they can go on a key.

  • Position and track shuffle

    Offset moves each item's position at random. Track sets the chance that items swap tracks, so variations run through different effects.

Settings

Every setting is in one window. Tabs along its top hold presets, and the preset scripts run them from a hotkey.

Variations
How many variations to make, how far their lengths can differ, and the Mode that picks takes.
Pitch
Random pitch in semitones, a pitch envelope, and Playrate, Shift, or Random between the two.
Position
Space between variations (Auto fits them to their length) and a random Offset for each item.
Track
The chance that items in each variation swap tracks.
Volume and Pan
Random level and pan, envelopes for each, and a chance to mute an item.
Tone
ReaEQ on each item with random gain on each band, and an envelope for the EQ.
Item Overrides
A row of toggles for each selected item, to leave it out of any section.
The nvk_VARIATIONS window set to 13 variations with pitch, volume, pan, tone, offset, and track randomization, and Item Overrides open with a row of toggles for each of six selected items

Video walkthrough

There's also a video on its additional features (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.

Does it work with sounds layered across several tracks?

Yes. Select the items on every track that makes up the sound, and each variation copies all of them. Item Overrides leave a layer out of a section, for example to keep a sub layer at its original pitch.

What happens to other items in the project?

Ripple mode decides. With ripple on, items on other tracks that overlap the new variations move right to make room. With it off, they stay where they are. There's also an option to create the variations in lanes instead of as new items on the track.

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_VARIATIONS

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. $99 per license.

The Everything Bundle includes nvk_VARIATIONS and every other nvk.tools script for less than buying them separately.

See the bundle