# RetroGrid

RetroGrid is a REAPER JSFX plugin for rough, early-digital sampler character.

It is inspired by the crunchy sample feel of old Fruity Loops / early FL Studio workflows: clipped levels, ring modulation, reduced bit depth, reduced sample rate, and the kind of damaged 4-bit and 8-bit edges that can make small samples feel loud, cheap, direct, and alive.

The plugin file is:

```text
plugins/RetroGrid.jsfx
```

Inside REAPER the effect currently appears as:

```text
Retro-Grit Master (Sinus RM & Fixed Scope)
```

## Controls

- `Input Gain (dB)`: drives the signal into the distortion and clipping stages.
- `Waveshape Drive`: adds arctangent waveshaping before the lofi stage.
- `Ringmod Mix`: blends in ring modulation.
- `RM Freq (Hz)`: sets the ring modulator frequency.
- `RM Shape`: switches the ring modulator between sine and sawtooth.
- `Bit Depth`: reduces the signal resolution from cleaner 16-bit down to rough lower-bit textures.
- `Sample Rate Reducer`: holds samples longer for aliased, older-sampler movement.
- `Clip Threshold (dB)`: sets the hard clipping ceiling.
- `Output Gain (dB)`: final output trim after the effect.
- `Scope Zoom`: changes the built-in oscilloscope view.

## Basic Use

1. Add `RetroGrid.jsfx` to a track or item in REAPER.
2. Start with `Input Gain` low and `Output Gain` around unity.
3. Lower `Bit Depth` for 8-bit or 4-bit style grit.
4. Lower `Sample Rate Reducer` for darker, stepped sample playback.
5. Add `Waveshape Drive` for rounded saturation.
6. Add a little `Ringmod Mix` for metallic or game-like sidebands.
7. Use `Clip Threshold` to push the sound into a flatter, older digital ceiling.
8. Use `Output Gain` to match the level after the effect.

## Notes

The red scope zones show the clip threshold area. The cyan and magenta traces show left and right signal movement. Click the peak readout to reset the peak value.

RetroGrid is an effect for character, not transparent repair. It works well on drums, one-shot samples, small loops, voices, game-like sounds, and anything that benefits from being pushed into a rougher grid.