Sieve

Extract the harmonics. Not a pitch shift. The real thing.

A New Class of Audio Effect

Every pitch and harmony effect on the market generates new content: shifted octaves, synthesized intervals, artificial harmonics. None of them extract what's already there.

Sieve isolates the natural harmonics present in any audio signal. The same harmonics you hear when you touch a guitar string at the 12th fret. But electronically, in real time, on any instrument.

Separate the harmonics from the fundamental. Apply different effects to each. Distortion on harmonics only, with a clean fundamental underneath. Reverb on just the upper partials. Delay on the overtones alone.

This is not one effect. It is a platform for an entirely new category of sound processing.

How It Works

Signal In
Any pitched audio: guitar, bass, voice, keys
Pitch Detection
Identifies the fundamental frequency in real time
Spectral Masking
Isolates individual harmonic partials from the spectrum
Dual Bus
Harmonics and fundamental routed independently
Signal Out
Processed harmonics recombined with the fundamental

Expression pedal control sweeps continuously through harmonic nodes: 12th fret, 7th fret, 5th fret, and beyond. Like running your finger up the string, but with a foot.

Listen: Node Explorer

Each harmonic node isolates different partials from the signal. Here, each node gets its own effect to showcase its unique character. Start with the dry signal, then explore each node.

Dry Signal (Reference)

Unprocessed electric guitar. A110, all harmonics intact.

Dry
0:00
Node 2

12th Fret: Octave Harmonic

Only even harmonics survive. The fundamental is removed, leaving a pure octave-up tone. Bell-like and clear.

+ Reverb The clarity of octave harmonics pairs perfectly with a long reverb tail. Ethereal, bell-like sustain.

Isolated
0:00
+ Reverb
0:00
Node 3

7th Fret: Fifth Harmonic

Every third harmonic survives. Produces a tone a fifth above the octave. Hollow and flute-like.

+ Tremolo Amplitude modulation at 6 Hz gives these sparse harmonics a pulsing, rhythmic quality. Organ-like movement.

Isolated
0:00
+ Tremolo
0:00
Node 4

5th Fret: Double Octave

Every fourth harmonic survives. Two octaves up from the fundamental. Thin, pure, crystalline.

+ Chorus A slight pitch modulation doubles and shimmers these high partials. Creates a glassy, wide stereo feel.

Isolated
0:00
+ Chorus
0:00
Node 5

~4th Fret: Major Third

Every fifth harmonic survives. A major third above the double octave. Unusual interval, slightly dissonant.

+ Bitcrusher Reducing bit depth and sample rate turns these sparse, strange harmonics into something lo-fi and gritty. Controlled destruction.

Isolated
0:00
+ Bitcrush
0:00
Node 6

Higher Partials

Every sixth harmonic survives. Extremely sparse spectrum. Only the highest overtones remain, almost pure sine tones.

+ Reverse Reverb Reversing, adding reverb, then reversing back creates a swelling, otherworldly entrance. The harmonics seem to materialize from nothing.

Isolated
0:00
+ Rev. Reverb
0:00

Expression Pedal Sweep

Continuous sweep from fundamental through all harmonic nodes. Like running your finger up the string, but with a foot pedal.

Sweep
0:00

Hear Sieve on Real Instruments

17 real recordings (Hendrix isolated guitar, vocals, acoustic) processed at 9 pedal positions each.

Listen to Real Samples

Bonus: Effects on Isolated Harmonics

Distortion on Harmonics Only

Heavy distortion on the harmonic bus while the fundamental stays clean. A sound that has never existed before.

A/B
0:00

Reverb on Harmonics Only

Reverb on just the upper partials. Dry attack, lush harmonic tail. Clarity and space at the same time.

Reverb
0:00

See the Proof

Spectrograms show the frequency content of the signal over time. You can literally see the harmonics being isolated.

Guitar Node 2 Spectrogram

Guitar: Node 2 harmonic isolation. Odd harmonics removed, even harmonics preserved.

Guitar Sweep Spectrogram

Guitar: Expression pedal sweep through all harmonic nodes. Watch the partials appear and disappear.

Distorted Harmonics Spectrogram

Distortion on harmonics only. The fundamental stays clean while the upper partials get crushed.

One Algorithm. Infinite Effects.

Once you can separate harmonics from the fundamental, you can process them independently. Every classic effect becomes something new.

Harmonic Distortion
Distortion on harmonics only. Clean fundamental underneath.
Harmonic Reverb
Reverb on the upper partials. Dry attack, lush harmonic tail.
Harmonic Delay
Delay repeats of only the harmonics. Ghostly echoes.
Harmonic Tremolo
Volume modulation on harmonics only. The fundamental holds steady.
Harmonic Chorus
Detune the harmonics. Leave the fundamental locked.
Harmonic Filtering
Sweep a filter across the harmonic bus only. Wah for overtones.
Harmonic Compression
Compress the harmonics differently from the fundamental. Shape the timbre.
Stereo Harmonic Split
Fundamental center. Harmonics wide. Immersive stereo field.

Who Is This For?

Musicians

A sound nobody has heard before. Expression pedal control for live performance. Works with guitar, bass, keys, voice, strings.

Producers

New textures for mixing and sound design. Isolate and process harmonic content independently. Available as a plugin (coming soon).

Pedal Companies

License the patented algorithm for your hardware platform. We provide the DSP. You provide the enclosure, the brand, and the distribution.

Plugin Developers

Integrate harmonic isolation into your effects suite. SDK and licensing available.

Patent Pending

The spectral masking method, dual-bus architecture, and hardware embodiments described here are covered by a pending patent application. Licensing inquiries are welcome.

Qualified parties (potential licensees, investors, and partners) may request access to the full technical disclosure including algorithm details, patent claims, and figures.

Request Technology Access

Get In Touch

Interested in licensing, partnership, or just want to hear more? Reach out.