Lektro – freeware synthesizer instrument plug-in for Windows
Xenobioz has released Lektro, a freeware synthesizer instrument plug-in for Windows.
Lektro VSTI is a Phase Distortion Synthesizer with a lot of modulation capabilities.
Lektro features
- 2 Phase distortion Oscillators.
- Waveshaper.
- 3 LFOs of which one can be used as a sub Oscillator.
- LFO waveshaper.
- Randomizer.
- 2 ADSRs.
- Tone Controller.
- Filter with 13 different modes.
- Delay.
Lektro for Windows (VST) is available to download at no cost.
More information: Xenobioz / Lektro
Two free virtual Minimoog synthesizer instruments for Windows
VoltKitchen has released version 2.3 of MinimogueVA and MinimogueLUXUS, two free virtual Minimoog synthesizer instruments for Windows.
Changes in MinimogueVA/MinimogueLUXUS v2.3
- New 24dB filter and a button to switch between the old 12dB filter and the new 24dB filter. The new filter is very advanced with built-in distortion, so it will use much more CPU. The old 12dB filter did not open up completely, but now you can enjoy the bright sound like the orignal when cutoff set to max when 24 db filter is selected. All sounds in the factory bank are set to the old filter, but I hope we can upgrade the synth with some new 24dB filter sounds later. Many of the old sounds have high resonance, and I advice you to reduce resonance level when switching to the new filter.
- Osc drive(offset) has been changed. It still has a little bit of offset just like the original, but much less than the 2.2 version.
- 10 new sounds by Sinisa Lupis.
- Added midi learn for bar-sync and the 16 gate off/on buttons.
- LUXUS version has got a new layout of controls to look similar to the new controller by Mario Jurisch of Synth-project.de.
MinimogueVA and MinimogueLUXUS are available to download as freeware VST instruments for PC.
More information: Gunnar Ekornås
Ultra-effecient auto randomizing algorithmic reverb
2CAudio has released Breeze, an ultra-effecient auto randomizing algorithmic reverb software plug-in for Windows and Mac.
2CAudio’s Aether is an award-winning, ultimate quality, self-modulating algorithmic reverb, which delivers unprecedented levels of fidelity and programmability. It has been nominated for, and won numerous industry awards, including most recently the 2010 Sound on Sound Annual Award, and the 2010 EM Editor’s Choice award. Its huge list of industry-first advances have made it the go-to reverb of choice by many of the industry’s top engineers and producers.
Breeze is Aether’s pristine eco-conscious cousin. Breeze focuses on simplicity, efficiency, and economy. Additionally it offers several of its own exciting new features that have not been offered previously and make it fufill a special need in the market.
Breeze for PC and Mac (VST/AU/RTAS) is now available for the introductory price of $99.95 USD until 1 January, 2011 (MSRP $149.95 USD).
Additionally 2CAudio has introduced the Perfect Storm Bundle which includes Breeze, Aether, the Aether Integrity Expansion and the the Aether Creativity Expansion, priced at $299.95 USD (Save $150 USD). Special end-of-the-year holiday pricing is available on all 2CAudio products until 1 January, 2011.
More information: 2CAudio / Breeze
Rob Papen takes BLUE to the next level
This exciting synth delivers FM Synthesis, Phase Distortion Synthesis, Wave Shaping Synthesis and Subtractive Synthesis is one creative combination!
Rob Papen has released version 1.9 of BLUE, a virtual synthesizer instrument for Windows and Mac.
This exciting synth delivers FM Synthesis, Phase Distortion Synthesis, Wave Shaping Synthesis and Subtractive Synthesis is one creative combination! We call it “Crossfusion synthesis”.
Changes in BLUE v1.9
- Different tuning scales – Clicking on the BLUE logo brings up the back panel, where you can load in tuning files. They added a number of world tunings: Arabic / Burmese / Chinese / Indian / Persian / Thai / Turkish / Standard European. Users can add in there own personal tuning files, either by creating their own .tun files or using other .tun files.
- New factory presets – Two new banks are added 19_Effect_04 and 13_Diverse Dance 01. New cool effects and some new contemporary dance sounds.
- New presets by Dr. Tim Waters – Some brilliant sounds are uploaded to the “user presets” section.
BLUE is available to purchase for PC and Mac (VST/AU/RTAS) for 199 EUR incl. VAT / $239 USD.
More information: Rob Papen / BLUE
Do you remember the Sequetron?
Well in case you don’t then this is for you
Showing how the Sequetron encourages building & evolving sequences on-the-fly as the mood takes you… or maybe it’s just messing about on a keyboard!
Audio recording seems a bit quiet (now I’ve uploaded it!) so you may need to crank it up.
The *only* controls used are the MIDI keys in front of the screen. All snippets are doodled/played/recorded/performed live starting with a blank sheet, or the remnants of the previous snippet, and only edited to shorten the video – no mice, qwerty keyboards or other trickery are involved!
Full info & downloads at www.philizound.co.uk
Input device is a Cheetah 5V MIDI keyboard in basic mode (any keyboard would do). Output devices are a Supernova synth in multi-timbral (performance) mode, and an EMU E5000 for drums.
Apologies in advance if it all sounds ‘samey’ …and mostly in C minor, but that’s a limitation of my music skills, not the Sequetron 
Free audio effect VST for Windows
PresetExchange has released a collection of free audio effects VSTs for Windows:
i’ve put the next versions of the effects up in the effects section.
featured in this update are three new effects: reverb, quantizer and limiter.
new features include new knob graphics, caching of bitmaps (allowing better, bigger bitmaps) and some optimization.
the code for the vu meters has been improved – it will now catch peak values more accurately and an rms mode is available – although rms mode is not yet configurable on the gui.
the phaser has been improved – tuning is improved as well as other small changes. it should sound more “stable” now.
the compressor has had a “gain reduction” meter added.
If you give PresetExchange’s free audio effects a try, leave a comment with your thoughts!
via bedroomproducers
Download a demo of DUNE subtractive synth
Synapse Audio has released a demo version of DUNE, an advanced subtractive software synthesizer instrument for Windows and Mac.
Dune is a next-generation software synthesizer plugin designed for creating music on a computer. It was developed with the highest possible audio quality in mind and offers exceptional flexibility. The latter is achieved by its modulation system, the new differential unison engine (DUNE) — hence the name.
Despite the complexity of the synthesizer, the highly optimized code allows Dune to run even on older computers. On current hardware, many instances can be run in parallel, making Dune the perfect everyday studio workhorse. Dune was tested by professional music producers to guarantee its ambitious design goals were met. It comes with high quality sounds, mostly created by professional sound designers.
DUNE will be available to purchase for Windows and Mac (VST/AU) soon. The demo version is available to download now.
More information: Synapse Audio
Two cool looking drum synths for Windows
Marvin Pavilion has released version 1.0 of Hexagon ’85, and version 1.2 of Tromine Z, two virtual drum synthesizer instruments for Windows.
Looking pretty cool to me
Changes in Hexagon ’85 v1.0
- Minor sound changes for drum sounds.
- Some parameter changes.
- MIDI CC support.
- Automation support.
- Fixed some issues.
Changes in Tromine Z v1.2
- Minor sound changes for drum sounds.
- Some parameter changes.
- Fixed some issues.
Hexagon ’85 and Tromine Z are available to download as freeware VST instrument plug-ins for Windows PC.
More information: Marvin Pavilion
New Necromare plug-ins
Necromare has released some more free sample-based VST instruments for Windows.
What can I say I love building instruments. I think it’s part of being a composer, to finally make the sounds you need and want. I keep coming up with ideas for instruments and there seems to be no end. I already have 50 plus most in the testing stages. Looks like I will be releasing them well into next year.
New Necromare plug-ins
- The Panning Piano – Simple piano that automatically pans left and right slowly as you play. Good for filing out a mix. The last octave includes some piano screeches.
- Piano Harp – Imagine if you played the piano like a harp? What would it sound like? It would sound like this VST great sound for mystical or romantic moods. Included in the last octave are Gliss samples for effect.
- Simple Acoustic Guitar – Straight Foward guitar. Good for picking or sketch work.
- Soft Mallet Xylophone – The xylophone played with a soft mallet. Velocity sensitive over 4 octaves.
- Toys – Toy Piano, a small scale piano with a tiny sound + an electronic children’s piano with baby xylophones instrument.
- VL-1 Drum – Drum sounds from the Casio VL-1 keyboard/calculator.
- Zeboo Drum Kit – Acoustic drum kit, GM Mapped. The last octaves are samples of Zeboo himself!
- Lucivier – The keyboard produces a celesta like tone while pipes produce flute like sounds at the same time. The bottom octave and the last are the sounds produced by using the three pedals on the bottom.
- Kazoo – The only instrument you need little to no experience to play. So why not try a VST. It’s a bit harsh but fun to knock around with.
- Gamelan Music – Three Gamelan instruments: Reyong, Gangsa and Calung.
- Electric Bass – Simple Electric Bass, keys are velocity sensitive to give a short note on harder strikes. The upper octaves include a classic bass slide.
- Whale Song – Made from CC whale song files. Includes a whale purr, a trumpet, gentle underwater sound fx, and more.
- Sinsonic Drums – Like many old toys from the past some have actually been used by pros. Mattel Synsonic drums have been used by kraftwerk and others. This is a knock off the original pays tribute to our toys of a bygone era.
- Basement Piano – Most homes might have one of these lurking in there corner basement. An old upright that you may have learned to play piano on or liked to beat on. Either way this pleasant piano will convey a warm nostalgic sound for your next tune.
- Southern Banjo – For some there is nothing like the sound of a picked banjo. for others they can do without. This is an attempt to faithfully recreate the sound of a great instrument.
The Necromare instruments are available as freeware VST plug-ins for Windows PC.
More information: Necromare
Sound Magic launches Ruby Piano3D
Sound Magic launches Ruby Piano3D, a piano instrument for Windows.
“Ruby Piano3D achieves an entirely new level of realism and playability. Physical modeling is at the heart of the Ruby Piano3D sound, but both sampling and synthesis are incorporated to add to the realism. This combination creates a sound as authentic as monster sample libraries but at a smaller size and a much smaller CPU demand.
The Ruby Piano3D starts with the famous Yamaha sound, utilizing these powerful harmonics to create the unsurpassed authenticity and complexity that has long been a standard in concert halls around the world. Add complete 3D Audio Control to this Patented Hybrid Modeling Technology and the instrument becomes as versatile as it is realistic. Design your own piano from detailed physical parameters, such as hammer hardness and velocity, dynamic response, the interaction between different strings (sympathetic resonance), and even how much the soundboard reflects or absorbs sounds. Not a tweaker? Right out of the box, there are 8 pre-set modules to choose from.”
Features:
Multi-microphone positions enable users to mix between different microphone positions and create new sounds that easily fit into a mix.
Meticulous Dynamic Response controls enable users to adjust the dynamics of the piano, change the keyboard response, and achieve both realism and playability at the same time!
New! Our 264-string Sympathetic Resonance System adds beautiful harmonies to both pedal up and pedal down notes.
Ruby Piano3D is able to detect repeated notes and activate True Staccato Mode which precisely reproduces staccato notes.
Built-in professional Reverb Engine simulates resonances with environment and soundboard, adding extra realism to the sound.
Actual modeling and soft pedal samples vividly present the sound of three kinds of pedals.
The separate 3D Effect unit can place the piano into a real 3D space, adding realism to the whole sound.
Faster load times. Smaller hard drive footprint, less memory and less CPU usage.
Price: €99/$129
DATAMASKIN
