The crusher-X algorithm is based on the traditional granular synthesis algorithm (Xenakis, Roads, Wilkins) invented in the early 1950s. In granular synthesis, short (e.g. 50 milliseconds) sound fragments, "the grains," come from a fixed file buffer. The starting time, length and silence between the grains can be modulated. More than one grain at a time is possible, so you can create complex sound "clouds" from any sound signal. 

A special feature is the floating sound buffer which allows real-time input and output. In this floating buffer the grains are created. You can apply many unusual parameters to the grains such as pitch, filter, pan, reverse, overdrive and limit - all within a simple, flexible interface.

All these granular parameters can be modulated by internal oscillator sources. A feedback loop inside the algorithm enables very complex and non-linear sound processing.