The player version? One of the great things about Alchemy is the remix pads. Every one of the 8 pads has a different "sound" and you move simulatenously between these settings as you move across the pads. For a synth like alchemy, which is already deep, it alllows you to play w/ the sound/timbre in real time. Trés cool if you design and play with sounds doing electronic music. The player version has this feature, I think, but you are stuck w/ the preset author's setups.
Also, it works well w/ Rapture/Dimpro. Alchemy has that thick, VA sound, while René's synths tend to cut. Highly recommended if you want a synth to do synthesis rather than just emulate acoustic stuff. Since you asked about granular, I figure you're a kindred soul.
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