D16 introduces the LuSH-101
The D16 Group has announced the imminent release of their newest virtual analog synth, LuSH-101. Here’s what they have to say about it…
Prepare to have your notions of what a plugin should be capable of forever redefined! Extremely powerful multilayer architecture, a palette of the finest insert effects (each selectable per layer), and an extensive mixer with compression, EQ and send effects all add up to a truly modern synthesizer with vintage playability–and all in the absolute highest sound quality possible at every point along the signal path!
LuSH-101 is a synthesizer created from modules that can be found in many modern virtual synthesizers, all combined into a single compact and logically intuitive design. However, this basic simplicity combined with its multilayer architecture turns it into an easy-to-use but extremely powerful instrument that can be programmed and tweaked quickly, almost effortlessly leveraging its maximum potential.
The multilayer architecture guarantees that both the sound design possibilities and number of unique situations in which LuSH-101 can be used are virtually limitless. Layered sounds can be created simply by assigning the layers to the same MIDI channel; the results can sound as massive as anything imaginable! Assigning the layers to different keyboard zones allows you to create even the most sophisticated splits. Of course, you can always assign the various layers to different MIDI channels for 8-part multitimbral usage. And, virtually any combination of splits, layers, and multitimbrality is possible with just a single instance of LuSH. With each layer working as an independent synthesizer with its own polyphony, parameters, enhanced arpeggiator, and a palette of only the finest insert effects, LuSH-101 can push your creativity to unprecedented levels!
Pricing and Availability:
Pricing and release date will be announced soon.
More information:
DR-OM app by Fluxama – Demo
Demonstrating one of the three DR-OM instruments included in Fluxama’s DR-OM App for iOS. Works on iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPad 2, & New iPad. Developed by Shawn Wallace, Shawn Greenlee, and Elliot Clapp.
DR-OM is a virtual synthesizer that simulates the hackable yard sale treasure of the same name. Dozens of DR-OM units have been adapted from a rare, limited science lab function generator that started turning up in flea markets in the 70s. DIY synth enthusiasts discovered the device was easily hackable, and closely-guarded photocopies of the modded schematics have been handed around the community for years. The directions show how to rewire the generator into a nice little synth with two mixable Low Frequency Oscillators and a Voltage-Controlled Filter.
XLN Audio – Addictive Keys
Mix and match different microphone perspectives, add professional effects and advanced envelopes to create truly unique sounds. Two years in the making, Addictive Keys is the ultimate blend of engineering, innovative design and creative expression. The standalone version is perfect for spontaneous jamming and live performances and the plug-in version support all major DAW hosts.
Description:
Addictive Keys is a powerful tool for musicians, producers and songwriters, setting a new standard for virtual keyboard instruments.
Please visit www.xlnaudio.com for more info.
Music: “Another Day” written and performed by Marching Band
www.marchingband.se
Single Synth Demo – KarmaFX Modular
All sounds including drums and vocal are from KarmaFX. No external FX used except light limiting on the master. KarmaFX Synth Modular is an advanced and highly flexible Simulated Analog Modular Synthesizer and Effect Unit. Its amazing visual- and highly intuitive user interface lets you modulate just about any knob or slider by any control signal – making the soundscape possibilities almost endless. The internal high-frequency digital simulation of analog voltage levels produces a sound quality that rivals even expensive hardware synthesizers. A comprehensive User’s Manual and tons of bundled patches make it easy to get started producing your own unique sounds.
KarmaFX Synth Modular: Advanced Simulated Analog Modular Synthesizer and Effect Unit.
- Full Modular patching of synth Components and Controls.
- Internal high-frequency digital simulation of analog voltage levels.
- Oscillator with phase, Detune and Pulsewidth that generates standard synth waveforms.
- Dual Oscillator with Detune, Hardsync and Ring modulation.
- Sampler, 16/24/32 bit Mono/Stereo multi sample player that imports WAV/SF2/SFZ files.
- Multisample editing with Key/Velocity-ranges and Loop-Points.
- Additive and Pad module with waveform and Harmonic Magnitude/Phase editors.
- User defined waveforms and built-in presets of up to 1024 harmonics.
- 2/4 Pole Multimode Filters with Cutoff, Resonance (LP, HP, BP and BS filtertypes),
- SVF, Zolzer, Moog, 303like, Formant, Comb, Allpass, Parametric and Shelving Filters.
- 10-band digital and 31-band simulated analog Graphic Equalizers.
- Amplifier and Stereo module with Panning, Volume and Velocity control.
- Two channel Mixer with Ring modulation and Bit operations.
- Delay, Reverb, Phaser, Chorus/Flange, Pitchshift, BitShuffler and Distortion effects.
- Soft-knee Compressor with Peak/RMS detection and optional Sidechain.
- 10 Octave/12 Note Pitch control with Detune, Portamento and Pitchbend support.
- Controllers for Frequency Modulation (FM) and fast frequency sweeps.
- Up to 16 channel Unison controller with Detune and Stereo pan spread.
- 32 step, 4 octave Pattern controller with Hold, Loop, Legato and Arpeggiator.
- Bipolar/Unipolar LFO with Tempo Sync, HFO with FM option.
- ADSR and Multipoint Envelopes with Linear, Exponential, Hermite and Cubic curves.
- Step Sequencer, Envelope follower, Sample & Hold and Decay modules.
- Output module with Panning, DC removal, Volume and Clip control.
- Noise generator, filtered Pink, White and Brown Noise with Frequency Sync control.
- Input generator so synth can function as an Insert effect.
- Full stereo support (selected modules can run in mono to save CPU cycles).
- Patches are built up of Generators, Filters, Amplifiers, Controllers, Effects and Modulators.
- Up to 49 simultaneously running modules (8 modules per group and 1 output module).
- Instant visual feedback on all controls. Frequency, Time/Amplitude, Modulation, etc.
- Optionally see knobs and sliders animate as they are modulated.
- Choose between Mono, Legato, or up to 16-voice true Polyphony.
- MIDI modulator modules for MIDI Controller, Velocity, Aftertouch and Pitchbend input.
- 128 user-assignable Automation controls with MIDI Learn.
- Fully skinnable GUI: Optional skins are bundled with the installation.
- 7 banks of pre-made KarmaFX patches + userbanks. (More than 1300+ patches total).
Alesis Andromeda Tutorial – Oscillators
‘gstormelectro’ continues to provide us with good tutorials on the Alesis Andromeda, in this one he checks out the oscillators:
http://gstormelectronica.blogspot.com/
In this video I will examine the OSCILLATOR and PRE-FILTER MIX sound modules in more detail. I will introduce and explain topics for Oscillator FM, Filter FM, SYNC, Ring Modulation and Filter Feedback. And I will also show how to program a couple of basic patches along the way.
CONTENTS
0:10 Introduction
0:35 Tune Page
1:32 Wave Page
2:39 ENV1 Page
3:13 Patch: Classic Or Deviant Sync
4:56 OSC2FM Page
7:57 NZEXT Page
8:48 Modulations + Control Routes
9:49 Patch: Mod-Wheel PWM
11:23 Pre-Filter Mix: Ring Mod + Filter Feedback
12:14 Closing
Join me for my next video which will cover the Filters in more depth, including examples of Filter FM and Filter Feedback. Thanks for watching!
Diva synth – tutorial on pulse modulation
The fourth in our series of bite-sized tutorials aimed at users of u-he’s Diva, this one is all about the ever-popular “pulse width modulation” (PWM) effect. PWM was traditionally used to add tonal movement — especially useful for synths that only had one oscillator e.g. ARP Axxe.
Act I – standard PWM: How to set up typical cyclic PWM in the various oscillator models. The ratio between the upper and lower levels (“mark space ratio”) of a rectangular waveform is slowly modulated by an LFO. Note: One of the sawtooth waveforms in the “DCO” oscillator model also delivers a similar effect, but I neglected to demonstrated it in this video!
Act II – the very first PWM is likely to have been an attempt to emulate the satisfying “zippy” sound of two detuned sawtooth waves, one of which is inverted. Because the Triple VCO model features a Ramp wave (i.e. inverted sawtooth), it’s worth trying this out in Diva. A taste of history, this method is my personal favourite.
Even if your 2-oscillator hardware synth didn’t have a ramp wave, you could still make similar sounds by detuning two pulse waves – as shown here.
Act III – “sync” i.e. oscillator synchronization means that the phase of a slave oscillator is reset by a master oscillator. If you modulate the pitch of the slave within a very narrow range, you can get effects that are very similar to PWM. This method requires some practise…
Homework: how dense can can make your PWM sound by stacking and detuning 2 voices (no more), and using the Voice modulator to offset pulse widths and even the LFO rate? Read that again…
Electronic musician Mark Mosher picks his favorite virtual synths in 2012
My Boulder friend Mark Mosher has put together a nice interactive map that lay out his favorite synths in his virtual set up. The mindmap is interactive so go ahead and click it to find out more. Below is Marks’s commenst on the map, enjoy:
I own a lot of virtual synths :^) As part of a voluntary simplification exercise I started in January, I’ve been limiting myself to a smaller number of instruments over the last year so I could go deeper and create more expressive and unique signature sounds for compositions and live performance. The image above shows a mindmap of synths I’ve been most drawn to over the last year. In other words, these are the instruments that consistantly make into my tracks like “And What do the Trees Hear When the Wind Blows”, “Orbiting Miranda”, and “Now is Now Remix”.
When narrowing down to this list, I worked to find a very complimentary set of instruments with great workflow. The instruments range in character from pure synthesis instruments (Zebra and Predator), to sample-based instruments (Sampler, Iris), to hybrids (Alchemy, ElextraX) to virtual drum machines (utonic). The instruments with green dots in front are ones I’ve been spending 100s of hours with working to create signature “patches” from scratch that I’ll use in future compositions, productions, and live performances. I should also note that I’m also using many of these synths as effects processors allowing me to capitalize on the investment I made learning the synth workflows.
Rest of the post can be found here >>
Korg Radias “Reso Synth Experiment”
Nice demo featuring the KORG Radias – a description of the synth can be found below:
The Korg Radias is a Virtual Analog synthesizer that was released by Korg in 2006. It takes advantage of the MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology) that their flagship OASYS synthesizer module employs. The synthesizer itself is similar in design to the MS2000, but offers many more capabilities. It is capable of emulating older digital synthesizers and classic analog synthesizers like the MS-series without any noise or aliasing. The Radias also allows for various external sounds to be fed through its filters and envelopes. It also has the Korg DWGS (Digital Waveform Generator System) that the Korg DW-8000 employs.
The Radias also takes advantage of the KKS (Korg Komponent System) which allows it to be used with the 49-key keyboard or used as a standalone rack module, and the Radias-R unit can be connected to the M3 Music Workstation/Sampler along with its various keyboard models.
The Radias has two oscillators per timbre and a noise generator. Oscillator #1 has nine basic waveforms, with four types of modulation and PCM (64 synth sounds, 128 drum sounds) and Oscillator #2 has four basic waveforms with two types of modulation. The Radias has the ability to stack up to five types of waveforms in Oscillator #1, while using only one voice of polyphony. In Unison mode, you can stack five additional waveforms, while using more polyphony. With this function, you can create some awesome super waveforms-the overall result can contain up to 25 detuned waveforms. The Radias also has two Low-frequency Oscillators (LFO) that add more modulation to the two audio oscillators. These LFO’s provide six waveforms and their speeds can be set manually or by tempo.
The Radias itself has four timbres per program. With a timbre, you can assign one drum program, another can have a lead, a bass, and a vocoder as well; all in one program! Each timbre can contain one synthesizer/drum kit, equalizer, and two multi-effects.
The Radias has two filters that can be used side-by-side, individually, or in a series. They offer Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, and Combination modes. Each filter offers 24 or 12 dB modes for the low pass filter. The effects on this unit are remarkable as well. The Radias comes loaded with 33 different effects: Delays, Chorus, Flangers, Compressors, talking modulator, and even the good old Polysix Ensemble effect. You can assign one master effect to the program, while each timbre gets its own two effects, creating a whole world of possibilities. The Radias also offers a 16-band vocoder with a nice Formant Motion recording function that allows you to record up to 7.5 seconds of external audio which can then be triggered via the keyboard.
The Radias has a built in arpeggiator as well, providing six different patterns to choose from. Patterns can be up to 32 steps long and the gate/velocity can be set for each step to get that sound you want! It also has two 32-step sequencers (they can be combined for a 64-step on a single timbre). They can easily be assigned to a drum kit, for example, to use the Radias as a programmable drum machine. The step sequencer supports 8-voice polyphony per step.
Subtractive Polyphonic Synths – Kilohearts introduces ONE
Kilohearts lets us know that kHs ONE was not designed to be a fat analog beast with a massive warm sound… that just happened anyway. A spokesperson told us,
“We have put a lot of time and effort into making oscillators and filters of the highest quality which gives kHs ONE a pleasantly warm and analog sound. Working with professional musicians and producers throughout the development process, we have made sure that the sound meets their high standards.”
kHs ONE is available as VST and AudioUnit plug-ins. Both 32 bit and 64 bit versions are available on MacOS X and Windows operating systems.
Features
- 2 Oscillators (saw/square/noise)
- Sub oscillator
- 2 Filters
- Per voice wave shaper
- 2 LFOs
- 3 Envelopes (amp/filter/mod)
- 8 voice unison
- 24 voice polyphony
- Env/LFO legato on/off
- Portamento/Glide
- Onboard FX: Chorus, Delay, Equalizer and Limiter
Pricing and Availability:
79 Euros
More information:
Popular iOS app NanoStudio now as a free version on Mac OS X
Blip Interactive has released a Mac OS X version of its popular iOS virtual studio, NanoStudio.
NanoStudio, the award winning music production app for iOS, is now available on the Mac App Store! Transfer your NanoStudio projects between iOS, OS X and Windows to make music wherever and whenever it suits you. Made a banging tune on your computer and need to go out? Email it to your phone and just carry on where you left off! NanoStudio has virtual analogue synths, sample trigger pads, a comprehensive sequencer, a sample editor, a mixer and multiple effects all integrated into a single application. Record your ideas in real time, mix synth layers with samples, compose and arrange your tune using the powerful sequencer and bring the mix alive with effects such as reverb, compression and EQ. Transfer projects between your computer and your iOS device, or use NanoStudio’s comprehensive audio mixdown options and export features to get your ideas over to your favourite desktop DAW.
Key Features:
- NanoStudio has virtual analogue synths, sample trigger pads, a comprehensive sequencer, a sample editor, a mixer and multiple effects all integrated into a single application.
- Record your ideas in real time, mix synth layers with samples, compose and arrange your tune using the sequencer and bring the mix alive with effects such as reverb, compression and EQ.
- You can transfer projects between your OS X or Windows computer and your iOS device, or use NanoStudio’s audio mixdown options and export features to get your ideas over to your favourite desktop DAW.
Other features:
- Eden synth (also plays samples) – single or dual keyboards, XY controllers, pitch bend and accelerometer control
- Sequencer with up to 64 tracks and a piano roll editor for note, velocity and controller events, all with undo/redo
- TRG-16 sample trigger pads
- Sampling and resampling, sample editor and effects processor with undo/redo
- Mixer with 4 inserts per channel, 2 global send busses and volume/pan automation on every channel
- Transfer samples, final mixes and individual track mixdowns to your Mac/PC using NanoSync or email
- MIDI input
- Built in help
It’s free - so check it out in the Mac App Store
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