When it comes to software samplers the choices are vast. And HY-Plugins have just added to this long list of options with an update to their HY-Slicer sample slicing and arrangement tool. The rather imaginatively titled HY-Slicer2. And the good news is if you want to get a taste of what this sample tool offers, you can dip your toe in with a stripped-down free version.

So what makes this sampler a slice above the rest?

So first off, the HY-Slicer2 and its predecessor are not just your standard sampler. Yes, it comes with all the standard features you would expect from a soft sampler but has many added bells attached. The main USP of this plugin is it features a fully integrated grid-based sequencer. For those not familiar with grid sequencers, just think of iconic 80’s drum machines like the Tr 808 and 909.

With the integrated sequencer, the act of Sample slicing and arrangement are intrinsically linked. This results in a very intuitive and immediate approach to sample manipulation. The internal grid sequencer is made up of 16 steps per bar which makes it perfect for 16th-note quantisation. You also have the ability to apply swing and groove templates to the steps of the sequencer making it perfect for genres such as LoFi and Hip-Hop.

The full version features 5 sequencer tracks and you can add up to 8 samples to an instance of HY-Slicer2. Slicer2 has numerous sample slicing modes to chop up your loaded samples. If the chops don’t quite drop perfectly it’s super easy to go in and manually adjust them. Once your sample(s) are chopped up simply start dragging your chops into the sequencer for instant gratification. And for even more glitched-out fun, try applying various filters, shapers and effects to the individual samples.

To see the Slicer2 in full sample slice mode check out this video

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Feel the FX

Not only does the Slicer2 have fantastic sample-slicing facilities, but you can also route your chopped samples through the Step FX and Master FX before reaching the final audio output. The diagram below shows the way samples are routed through Slicer2

HY Plugins are renowned for their innovative FX and it looks as though they have bundled all you’ll need to get going with Slicer2. You have a 3-band equalizer, a compressor, a Clip module with 4 different clip types (hard, soft, cubic, and sine) and a wide array of reverb and delay effects.

The fact that everything you need to mould and shape your samples is included in the Slicer2 interface makes for a really efficient workflow. Who wants long chains of 3rd party plugins attached to your samples? And if you just want to apply an effect to individual samples this can often mean additional routing hassle.

Full vs Free version

The HY-Slicer2 comes in two incarnations. The Free version and full version at $60.

The free version is obviously somewhat stripped down. You get just three individual samples (slicer units) to play with as opposed to the full version’s eight. You also only get the one available sequence whereas the full version supports up to five.

Apart from these restrictions, the free version is identical. This represents a very generous offering from HY-plugins making this an amazingly powerful FREE tool. The free version should certainly attract many new users to the product who will hopefully upgrade to the full version once sold on the concept.

And finally, for anyone who had purchased the original HY-Slicer the upgrade to Slicer2 is free.

Verdict

I think it’s fair to say that HY-plugs are not aiming this device at the Scoop a Loop & Go beatmakers. Instead, this plugin encourages users to practice some serious sample mulching and manipulation. Because you can slice and rearrange as you go in real time it’s perfect for creative discoveries. And let’s face it, the potential for some slice-tastic fun times is high!!!

I can see this appealing as much to the Glitch Hop gang as the Junglist massive (Perfect for endless Amen Break butchery) In fact the HY-Slicer2 has much to offer any experimental sample-loving producer.

Key Features and Details of Full Version.

• 8 slicer units
• 5 sampler tracks
• Built-in grid sequencer for triggering sliced samples 
• Step FX (4 multi-effect units)
• Master FX (EQ, Compressor, Clipper)
• Sample browser

HY-Slicer2 comes with VST2, VST3, and AU formats for both Mac (64-bit only) and Windows.

Download from HY-Plugins : HY-Slicer2 (free and paid versions available)

Remember – RouteNote Create subscriptions start from as little as $2.99, and you also get 10 FREE credits to spend on samples when you sign-up as well as your FREE sample bundle!