TL;DR: Beetlecrab Audio has released firmware 2.3 for their Tempera granular synth, introducing cross-modulation, grain skip probability, and an envelope follower. The update is free for existing users and significantly expands the synth’s modulation and sound design capabilities, making it one of the most powerful portable granular instruments on the market.
- New cross-modulation engine lets modulators modulate each other, enabling complex, evolving textures.
- Grain skip probability (0–100%) adds organic, stuttering effects, especially effective with the Euclidean sequencer.
- Per-emitter pitch shift allows independent pitch control for each of the four emitters, opening melodic grain patterns.
- Envelope follower extracts amplitude from internal or external audio for dynamic modulation.
- Waveform display now shows grain sparkles for real-time visual feedback on grain density and position.
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What is Tempera?
We at Noxal have a soft spot for granular synths that don’t require a PhD in computer science to operate. Beetlecrab’s Tempera, a portable granular sampler/synthesizer from the Czech Republic, has been one of our favorites since its launch. With up to 4096 grains, live sampling, and real-time granularization, it’s a beast in a compact form factor. But what really sets it apart is the company’s commitment to free updates. Version 2.3 is the latest, and it’s not just a minor tweak—it’s a substantial expansion that makes an already deep instrument even more versatile.
The hardware itself is a tactile delight: poly aftertouch pads, a crisp display, and a layout that invites exploration. I’ve spent many late nights with Tempera, and every update feels like discovering a new instrument. The 2.3 firmware continues this tradition, adding features that address both experimental sound design and live performance needs.
Grain Skip Probability: The Organic Touch
If you’ve ever wished your granular textures could breathe a little more, grain skip probability is your new best friend. This per-emitter setting (0% to 100%) randomly omits individual grains, creating everything from subtle gaps at 10% to sparse, stuttering textures at 50%, and near-silence with only occasional grains slipping through at 90%. It’s a simple concept, but the effect is profoundly organic.
I’ve found that pairing it with the Euclidean sequencer (added in a previous update) produces rhythms that feel almost alive. At 30% skip probability, a pad can transform into a glitchy, percussive pattern that’s impossible to program manually. It’s the kind of feature that rewards experimentation—and it’s free. For those of us who think of synths as instruments rather than preset machines, this is gold.
Cross-Modulation and Envelope Follower
The headline feature of firmware 2.3 is cross-modulation, which allows you to route the speed, size, and phase of any modulator as a modulation target. Yes, you can modulate modulators with other modulators. It’s the kind of recursive madness that makes modular enthusiasts weep with joy. For example, you can have an LFO modulate the speed of another LFO, which in turn modulates the pitch of a grain emitter. The result is a constantly shifting, unpredictable soundscape that remains under your control.
Complementing this is the new audio envelope follower. Route any audio—internal grains, external synths, drum machines, even a guitar—and Tempera extracts its amplitude envelope as a modulation signal. This opens up incredible possibilities for reactive sound design: imagine your kick drum triggering grain density changes, or a vocal performance shaping filter sweeps. It’s a feature that bridges the gap between instrument and effect, and it’s executed with the same polish as everything else in this update.
Visual Feedback and Workflow Improvements
One of my frustrations with earlier firmware was the lack of visual feedback for grain emission. Version 2.3 fixes this with “grain sparkles” on the waveform display, showing each grain’s density and position at a glance. It’s a small change, but it makes a huge difference when dialing in complex textures. You can now see exactly where grains are landing, which is invaluable for aligning with transients or creating rhythmic patterns.
Other workflow enhancements include the ability to nudge cell markers during live recording, a grain shape tilt option for creating asymmetric envelopes (from plucked to reverse-swelled), and the expansion of link slots to 16 parameters for a custom quick-access menu. Macro controls now let a single knob control up to four parameters—a lifesaver for live performances. And you can stretch selected waveforms across all four displays, making it easier to work with short samples. These aren’t flashy features, but they’re the kind that make you wonder how you ever lived without them.
Pricing and Verdict
Firmware 2.3 is a free update for all existing Tempera users. The hardware itself is available for 849€/£737/$964, including taxes and worldwide shipping. That’s a significant investment, but when you consider the continuous evolution through free updates, it starts to look like a bargain. Tempera has matured into one of the most capable portable granular synths on the market, and this update only cements its position.
Who is it for? If you’re a sound designer, live performer, or any synthesist who craves deep modulation and organic textures, Tempera 2.3 is a no-brainer. It’s not for the faint of heart—there’s a learning curve—but the payoff is immense. We at Noxal rarely use the word “essential,” but for granular enthusiasts, this update comes close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tempera 2.3 update free?
Yes, it’s a free firmware update for all existing Beetlecrab Tempera owners. No additional fees or hardware upgrades required.
Does the envelope follower work with external audio?
Absolutely. You can route any audio source—internal grains, external synths, drum machines, or a guitar—into Tempera, and the envelope follower will extract its amplitude envelope for modulation.
Can I use grain skip probability with the Euclidean sequencer?
Yes, and it’s a fantastic combination. The developers specifically highlight this pairing, as the skip probability adds organic variation to the Euclidean patterns, creating complex, evolving rhythms.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to calibrate my coffee-to-grain ratio—it’s the only modulation source I trust after midnight. — Noxal