Rainy Day Cumulus: Portable 4-Track Looper Sampler for Ambient Soundscapes

Rainy Day Electronic Instruments has unveiled the Cumulus, a compact and versatile 4-track looper sampler that brings professional sound design capabilities to a portable, battery-powered format. This innovative device is designed to transform samples into rich, multi-layered soundscapes perfect for ambient music and creative experimentation.

Key Features and Design

At its core, the Cumulus features four independent sample tracks, each with its own playhead for maximum flexibility. The device's centerpiece is a responsive color touchscreen that works alongside dedicated encoders and buttons for intuitive control. This combination makes it easy to manipulate samples in real-time during performances or studio sessions.

The Cumulus can record up to 45 seconds per sample at 44.1kHz, 16-bit quality - perfect for loops, one-shots, and ambient textures. What sets it apart is the extensive sound design capabilities packed into its compact form factor.

Advanced Sound Shaping

Each track comes loaded with powerful processing tools:

• Dual LFOs with multiple waveforms (sine, triangle, saw, square, random)
• Six-stage envelopes for amplitude and modulation
• Stereo resonant filters per track with frequency tracking
• Extensive modulation matrix with 32 destinations
• Global reverb and global filter for cohesive sound design

The modulation system is particularly impressive, allowing each track to have multiple modulation sources affecting various parameters simultaneously. This depth of control enables everything from subtle movement to dramatic sonic transformations.

Portable and Versatile

One of the Cumulus's biggest advantages is its portability. Powered by a single 18650 battery (it's slightly larger than an AA battery), it provides approximately 10.5 hours of operation with a 2,500mAh battery. This makes it ideal for outdoor recording sessions, traveling musicians, or anyone who wants to create music away from the studio.

The device offers multiple input options including line input, USB-C, and an onboard microphone with adjustable gain. This versatility allows you to sample from various sources or use the Cumulus as a live effect processor in "Live Mode."

Live Mode and Recording

In Live Mode, the Cumulus transforms into a real-time effect processor, continuously updating its buffer with incoming audio. The feedback parameter allows for creating evolving, self-generating textures that are perfect for ambient and experimental music.

Recording is straightforward with threshold-based automatic recording start, and the device can resample its own output for creating complex layered compositions.

Musical Applications

While the Cumulus excels at ambient music and soundscapes, its applications extend far beyond:

• Live looping for solo performances
• Rhythmic sampling for beat-making
• Texture creation for film scoring
• Live remixing of existing tracks
• Experimental sound design for electronic music

The device supports various MIDI modes including Unison, Poly, MPE, and PolyCh, making it compatible with different performance setups and controllers.

Specifications and Availability

The Rainy Day Cumulus is priced at $475 and comes with either walnut or wenge wood side panels. It includes:

• 3.5mm TRS-A MIDI input
• Line audio input/output
• Headphone output
• USB-C connectivity
• Micro SD card storage for samples and presets
• Web-based patch editor for detailed parameter control

The Cumulus represents an exciting addition to the portable music creation landscape, offering professional-grade sampling and processing capabilities in a truly portable package. For musicians interested in ambient music, live looping, or experimental sound design, it provides a unique combination of portability and power that's hard to find elsewhere.