FAQ
General
What is Anima?
Anima is a resonant filter instrument. It runs audio through eight tuned harmonic filters that respond to MIDI notes.
How is Anima different from a sampler?
Traditional samplers play back audio at different speeds to change pitch. Anima uses resonant filters - the sample provides texture and timbre, but the pitch comes from tuned harmonic filters.
How is Anima different from Angels?
Angels is a granular effect plugin that processes incoming audio. Anima is an instrument plugin that responds to MIDI notes and uses loaded samples as source material for resonant filtering.
Can I use Anima commercially?
Yes. Any audio you create with Anima is yours. No royalties or credits required.
What samples can I use?
Any audio can be loaded. WAV, AIFF, MP3, and other common formats are supported. Samples can be up to 60 seconds long.
Technical
What systems does Anima support?
Anima runs on macOS 10.15+ (Catalina or later) and Windows 10/11. It supports Apple Silicon natively. Plugin formats: VST3, AU (Mac only), CLAP.
Does Anima support MPE?
Yes, full MPE support. Per-note pitch bend and pressure are recognized. Use Velocity or Pressure mode to control how aftertouch affects amplitude.
How many voices can Anima play?
1, 4, 8, 12, or 16 voices, selectable per session. More voices means more CPU usage.
What sample formats are supported?
WAV, AIFF, MP3, and other common audio formats. Samples can be up to 60 seconds long.
Are presets self-contained?
Yes. Anima presets include the embedded sample, so you can share presets without worrying about missing audio files.
Does Anima require an internet connection?
Only for initial license activation. After that, Anima works completely offline.
Using Anima
How do I load a sample?
Drag audio files onto the waveform display from your file browser, DAW, or desktop. You can also use the capture feature to record audio directly into Anima.
What do the Material types do?
Material changes the harmonic ratios of the resonators:
- String: Integer harmonic series (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8)
- Membrane: Circular membrane ratios (0.5, 1, 1.59, 2.14...)
- Bar: Stiff beam ratios (0.5, 1, 2.76, 5.40...)
- Plate: Metal plate ratios (0.5, 1, 1.73, 2.09...)
- Bell: Bell-derived ratios (0.5, 1, 2.4, 3.0...)
How does scale quantization work?
Choose a scale and enable Scale Mode. Pitch bend and harmonic transpose will snap to scale degrees instead of semitones. This makes it easier to stay in key when using expression controllers.
What does LIFE do?
LIFE adds slow random modulation to harmonic frequencies over time.
How do I blend two samples?
Load samples into Slot A and Slot B. Use the BLEND knob to crossfade between them. Each slot has independent settings.
Purchase & Licensing
How many computers can I use Anima on?
Your license allows activation on up to 2 computers at a time.
Can I use the same license on Mac and Windows?
Yes. Anima licenses are cross-platform.
Is there a trial version?
Not currently. We offer a 30-day refund policy - if Anima isn't for you, contact support for a full refund, no questions asked.
Will I get updates?
Yes. Your purchase includes all updates to the current major version.
Troubleshooting
No sound when I play notes
Check that a sample is loaded and the waveform is visible. Verify DRY/WET isn't set to 0%. Make sure at least one harmonic has gain above 0%.
The sound is too quiet
Increase INPUT GAIN and/or OUTPUT GAIN. Make sure harmonic gains aren't all set low. Check that the amplitude envelope SUSTAIN isn't at 0%.
The sound is harsh or distorted
Lower INPUT GAIN if the sample is hot. Reduce RING if harmonics are building up too much. Lower individual harmonic gains.
CPU usage is high
Reduce voice count. Disable granular mode if not needed. Lower grain density if using granular. Mute unused harmonics.