For about a month now, the Microcosm by Hologram Electronics has become an essential part of my setup, completely transforming the way I approach both music production and live performance. It’s not just an effect pedal. it’s a creative ecosystem, a machine that generates ideas, and a tool that interacts beautifully with my main instruments: the Polyend Synth and the Erica Synths Perkons HD‑01.

Why I Chose Microcosm

I was looking for something beyond the usual delay/reverb units, something that would reshape sound at its core, reimagine it, and generate something completely new while staying true to the original performance. Microcosm is exactly that: a granular looper and glitch processor with an intuitive interface that opens up massive creative potential.

My Workflow with Microcosm

In my studio, I’ve built a workflow that integrates Microcosm deeply into how I compose, improvise, and perform. Here are some real examples of how I use it in my day-to-day work.

1. Polyend Synth + Microcosm (Evolving Ambient Textures)

When I work on ambient or cinematic projects, I often start with the Polyend Synth, building slow-evolving patterns with dissonant or suspended chords, lightly modulated. I then route the audio straight into Microcosm.

  • Effect used: Granules Haze
  • Result: The sound turns into a floating, evolving granular texture, full of motion and detail.
  • Looper integration: I record 30–40 seconds of a phrase, then use the Reverse function to create a suspended, timeless atmosphere.
  • Custom preset: I saved a patch using Granules + Deep Reverb + 60% Reverse Mix, ideal for intros or transitions in ambient sets.

👉 Pro tip: I sync Microcosm’s looper to the Polyend’s MIDI clock, so every loop is perfectly in time with the sequencer.

2. Perkons HD-01 + Microcosm (Rhythmic Glitch & Unpredictable Patterns)

With the Perkons HD‑01, I move into a different territory: aggressive grooves, glitchy patterns, and rhythmic deconstruction.

  • Effect used: Micro Loop SEQ or Glitch Shift
  • Result: Every drum hit gets sliced, reordered, and rebuilt into unpredictable glitch rhythms.
  • Creative process: I record 8–16 seconds of a rhythmic pattern and activate Sample & Hold to freeze a surprising loop. That becomes a base layer or a wild breakdown.
  • Sonic shaping: I apply the resonant LPF to give the loop subtle movement, carving space and filtering it dynamically.

👉 Live workflow tip: I use an expression pedal to modulate the wet/dry mix in real time — pushing the glitch effect in and out dynamically.

3. Sound Design & Creative Sampling

When I’m building sample packs or working on experimental productions, Microcosm becomes a generator of raw material.

Real-world example:

  • I sample a simple pad loop from the Polyend (10 seconds).
  • I run it through Tunnel Repeats for a spiraling, warped feel.
  • Then I trigger the Reverse Hold to create cinematic impacts or evolving drones.
  • I record everything to my DAW and start slicing, stretching, and resampling.

In just a few minutes, I’ve got 10–15 new sound layers — all completely unique and rich in texture.

What Really Impressed Me

✔️ Sound Quality: Every output from Microcosm feels rich and polished. It never sounds cheap or “digital” in the wrong way.

✔️ Controlled Randomness: Even when the effects are unpredictable, they always feel musical and usable.

✔️ Live Integration: With MIDI sync and tap tempo, it fits effortlessly into a live rig. I’ve used it in multiple live setups with no issues at all.

Final Thoughts: Microcosm Is More Than an Effect — It’s an Instrument

After a month of intense use, I can confidently say that Microcosm has redefined how I play, compose, and perform. It’s no longer just a processor — it’s part of my creative identity. Whether I’m alone in the studio sculpting new ideas or performing live, Microcosm is the tool that helps me find the unexpected.

I highly recommend it for:

  • electronic music producers
  • experimental sound designers
  • modular synth performers
  • and anyone who wants to break linear sound structures

🎛 Official link: hologramelectronics.com/microcosm