Note: Some of this help is taken from the help accompanying the original UNIX version of Amber.

Amber-X has a variety of parameters to allow control over granular synthesis results. To get started, please note two things. First, you must install the included library, libsndfile. This library is essential for Amber-X to run. Secondly, note that Amber-X will generate a folder labelled 'Temp' everytime it launches. This folder is used during format conversions and is required.

Choose Input Files: This button allows you to select multiple input files. Some synthesis routines require multiple input files; others do not. If you supply more input files than needed, the extras will be ignored. Those selected first will be used.

Output path: The place where the file Amber-X will create will be saved.

Normalize output data: If you check this box, Amber will normalize output files so that they do not peak.

Window size: The range (in percentage of the input file(s)) from which groups of samples can be pulled at random. Range is 1-100.

Bit depth: Bit resolution of the output file: 16, 24 or 32.

Grain Size and Grain Density

Grain size and density can be determined in two ways. If you supply an initial and final value, Amber will automatically interpolate a linear relationship between the two values so that the values ascend or descend linearly throughout the process. The second way is to choose to use a graph. Check the box to use graph, then click on Edit Graph to define a graph.

Set the number of breakpoints and choose New Graph. You can then move breakpoints around by clicking and dragging them. Individual line segments can be changed to be linear, exponential, or logarithmic by selecting a line segment (it will change to blue once clicked on) and clicking on the appropriate button.

Morphing: If this box is checked, the grain envelopes (the way their amplitude changes over time) will change from one envelope to another during the course of the process.

Envelope Type: If Morphing is not selected, Envelope Type determines the grain envelope that will be used for the entire process.

Grain Generator Type: The type of grain generation algorithm that will be used. Possible values are:

• Standard - requires one input file. Grains are taken from the single file.
• Alternating - two or more files. Grains are generated by taking grains from alternating files.
• Mixing - two or more files. All input files are mixed together and grains are taken from the mix.
• Convolution - two files. The two input files are convoluted together.
• Fading - two files. One input file fades into the other, and the grains are taken from the mix.

Preview and Delete Sound: Once a process is finished, you can press Preview Sound to prompt a drawer to drop down where you can listen to the sound you just created. Delete sound will close the drawer and remove the song from the desktop.