Interface Overview
aerial's interface is organized into two screens, each focused on a different part of the workflow. You can switch between them at any time by clicking the preset bar.
Two Screens
aerial splits its functionality across two distinct views:
- Grid Screen — The scatter plot and sample folder browser. This is where you explore, search, and audition samples.
- Playback Screen — The full sampler controls. This is where you shape the sound of a loaded sample.
Grid Screen
The Grid Screen is the primary exploration view. It is divided into two areas:
Scatter Plot (Top)
The upper portion of the Grid Screen displays the 2D scatter plot. Each dot represents a sample from your library, positioned according to two audio attributes you choose. Axis selectors on the X and Y axes let you change which attributes are mapped. Click any dot to audition the sample instantly.
Folder Browser (Bottom)
The lower portion shows your sample folders. Add folders with the + button, browse their contents, and see analysis progress for newly added directories.
Playback Screen
The Playback Screen gives you full control over the loaded sample's sound. It includes:
- Waveform Display — A visual representation of the sample showing start/end markers and loop points. Drag the markers to adjust playback range.
- ADSR Envelope — Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release controls for shaping amplitude over time.
- Filter — Low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass filters with cutoff and resonance.
- Loop — Enable looping and set loop start/end points within the waveform.
- Reverse — Toggle reverse playback of the sample.
- Glide — Portamento between notes when playing chromatically.
- Fine Tune — Detune the sample by cents for precise pitch adjustment.
- Pitch Bend — Set the pitch bend range in semitones.
Navigation
Switch between the Grid Screen and Playback Screen by clicking the preset bar. You can switch freely at any time without losing your place. The loaded sample and all playback settings persist across screen changes.
Resizing
The aerial plugin window can be resized by dragging any edge or corner. The interface scales smoothly to fit your preferred size, making it easy to work on any display.