Extractor is an audio plugin that isolates sounds from loops and tightens their timing using transient or tempo-synced modes, with single-band and multi-band processing options.
Purpose and Modes
Extractor is designed to transform and tighten drum loops, synth patterns, and other rhythmic audio without relying on harsh gates or compression. It offers two detection modes: Transient mode, which finds individual hits with a sensitivity control, and Beats mode, which syncs to your DAW’s tempo.
In Transient mode, you can extract specific hits or declutter complex percussive material. Beats mode locks extraction to note divisions, from whole notes to 32nd notes, making it easy to isolate consistent elements like a kick drum from a busy loop. This foundation supports both sound extraction and creative beat manipulation.
Processing Options
Extractor provides two processing methods. Single-Band mode processes the full frequency spectrum at once and includes a Shape control that adjusts the decay envelope, letting you make sounds tighter or more open. This mode is ideal for transparent full-band extraction.
Multi-Band mode enables frequency-dependent extraction, allowing you to favor lower or higher frequencies using a Frequency Bias control. This is useful for isolating a kick drum with a short click at the top end and a long bass tone at the bottom, even from noisy loops. Both modes are tuned for musical results.
Workflow and Automation
Extractor includes a high-resolution visualizer that shows the original waveform in grey and the extracted signal in yellow, giving immediate visual feedback as you adjust controls. An output gain control at the end of the signal path helps you set proper gain staging within your FX chain.
All controls are automatable, particularly the extraction amount, which ranges from subtle to extreme (up to click and transient sound design). Automating this parameter can thin out loops during quieter sections and bring them back fully for intensity. You can also automate the Frequency Bias for sweeping effects, making Extractor a flexible tool for adding variation.
Practical Applications
Extractor excels on drums, percussive synth parts, guitars, and bass. Use Transient mode to tighten complex patterns or denoise loops by extracting and removing unwanted hits. In Beats mode, set a quarter-note resolution to isolate kick drums from crowded mixes, then reshape them with the Shape control.
For advanced shaping, use Multi-Band mode to create frequency-specific extraction, such as preserving a bass tone while tightening the attack. Automate the extraction amount to add dynamics to static loops, or use it to create new sample material with defined transients. This makes Extractor a valuable tool for beat production and mix refinement.
Key features
- Transient detection mode with sensitivity control
- Beats mode with 1/32 to 1/1 note resolution
- Single-Band mode with Shape control
- Multi-Band mode with Frequency Bias control
- High-resolution visualizer showing original and extracted waveforms
- Automatable extraction amount and Frequency Bias
- Output gain control for staging
Best for
Producers and sound designers who want to tighten drum loops, isolate kick drums or other elements from busy mixes, and add creative transient shaping to their tracks without resorting to rigid gating. Ideal for electronic music, hip-hop, and any genre where rhythmic precision and sample extraction are key.