Giada 1.2.0

Overview

Giada is a free audio manipulation tool for use by live performers, electronic musicians and DJs.

The software works by first choosing an audio channel, add the audio samples or MIDI events, then move ahead with the show. The software can act as its own drum machine, loop machine to repeat audio clips more than once, a live sampler, or a sequencer.

There is support for MIDI messaging and VST plug-ins. VST support is crucial because most quality instruments and other audio comes via VST plug-ins that deliver additional musical functionality within the software, and then to the user. VST instruments can be easily added and then used in a live performance or recording. MIDI messages can be read and written to send messages between musical systems.

There is a wave editor to delve directly into the music composition, a live quantizer, a recorder and editor, a looping system for samples, and a fast 32-bit floating point audio engine to keep up with the real world demands of both live performances and recordings.

The software is cross-platform with versions available for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. All versions are capable of being used for either live sets or in production of quality audio recordings.

Installation

The installation is straight-forward and only needs the ZIP archive to be unzipped. The application technically does not need to be installed as the executable file can run on its own. Subsequently there were no issues with malware, adware or other unwanted extras.

The software requires Windows XP or later version.

Interface

The interface is a slick black one that will look cool in a darkened club or venue. Some small toolbars are presented at the top. There are numerous options that can be tweaked and adjusted as a live set is played, audio samples are played and repeated, instruments played, and live performances unfold.

The whole interface is impressive, but it is also complex and will take a bit of time to learn how to get the most out of it.

Pros

• Audio editor, create new recordings, and work with audio samples
• Supports sending and receiving MIDI messages
• Add VST and VST instruments and use them right away
• Play the drum machine live
• Play other instruments live
• Load in audio clips and use them on a repeating loop
• Put on a live set through this software

Cons

• Complex interface for anyone not used to using an audio package that can do live performances.

Conclusion

Giada is a great audio app to create recordings or perform a live set. Add audio samples, loop through them, play a set and create a new experience at a rave or club. Sleek black interface that looks cool to anyone visiting the DJ booth.