Ambient, darkwave soundscape created entirely by the SynFactory

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Pervading Omnipotent Manifolds of Expression

Pervading Omnipotent Manifolds of Expression is an ambient, darkwave soundscape created entirely by the SynFactory 1.15 modular software synthesizer. This amazing piece of software can be configured in an almost infinite combination of possibilities to produce modulating or sequenced waveforms as simple or complex as the composer wishes to create.

For this composition, the main sequenced lines were created by feeding the patterned 8-step sequencer into the FM inputs of a sinebank module (multiple sinewave oscillators for additive synthesis). The sequenced output from the sinebank was then fed into a ring-modulator unit and modulated by a sinewave. The output from the ring-modulator then fed twin delay units to produce the stereo delay output. It was by manipulating the controls of the sequencer module that produced the real-time variable output, recorded as a continuous waveform that could later be integrated into a multi-track recording structure. A 6.5-minute sequence was produced in this manner, and inserted into a multi-track recording session. Because the tempo bpm was unknown, a “tempo track” was created as a series of high-frequency bleeps (as a visual reference for timing). To this “tempo track” a rhythm track was created manually – by positioning snare and bass drum samples by precision editing in accordance to the visual reference of the “tempo track”.

To create rhythmic variety, the same manually-created rhythm track was ring-modulated by a 150 Hz sinewave, and positioned on the timeline to create an interesting rhythm combination. This first session was then mixed down to create the main sub-master mix to add further elements. A second session was created by introducing a pulsating dark ring-modulated sequence. Surreal chimes fade in and out (created by ring-modulated sequences subjected to extended delays), and “twinkle tones” add to the surreal quality (created on the Korg R3 synthesizer). Other added sequences include additional atonal melodic elements, and “shimmering” passages toward the conclusion of the composition. All these additional elements were then mixed together to create the final stereo master. The result is a darkwave-ambient piece of electronica, partially inspired by the feel in music as evident by the group Bauhaus.

The visuals comprise wide-screen modulating textures and patterns forming a background. Added to this were images of mannequins and science-fiction robots and other strange characters. The Autons from Doctor Who feature quite heavily. This visual composite was then used as the source to process multiple keyed versions of itself to create visual complexity. An outlined composite mix was also created, as well as several multi-coloured variations. Sections of all these variations were edited to the soundtrack. The result is a surreal wash of colours and textures to complement the strange ring-modulated tonalities created entirely by the amazing SynFactory 1.15 modular software synthesizer.

Shared by JeffreyPlaide

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