Host Ziv Eliraz – in his latest Loopop review and tutorial – explores the new Waldorf Crema, a compact polyphonic synthesizer that combines classic string-machine sounds with wavetable, FM, and virtual-analog synthesis.
Crema draws on the sound architecture of Waldorf’s Streichfett string synthesizer, but expands beyond traditional string-machine emulation. Its two sound engines combine strings, wavetables, and FM textures with an eight-voice virtual-analog engine, giving it a range that spans ensemble strings, layered pads, and more conventional synthesizer tones.
The video explores how the two engines work, how their sounds can be blended and processed, and how Crema’s modulation and effects help turn its raw sources into more complex textures.
Watch the video and share your thoughts on the Crema in the comments!
The Waldorf Crema is available now, priced at €345.45.
MAP Audio’s MFX combines 34 effects, four cable-connected processing cells, and extensive modulation tools in a single multi-effects plugin.
MFX is a modular multi-effects processor designed for producers and sound designers who want to build custom audio-processing networks without loading multiple effect plugins. Its four processing cells can be connected in series, parallel, or feedback configurations, with signal levels controlled directly on the virtual patch cables. The system can be used to reshape synthesizers, drum machines, vocals, samples, and other audio sources.
Features:
Each of MFX’s four cells contains all 34 built-in effects, allowing users to create a different processing chain in each cell or apply the same effect at several settings. The effects include EQ, filtering, compression, delay, reverb, chorus, phaser, wavefolding, resonator, vocoder, ring modulation, pitch shifting, granular processing, spectral delay, distortion, and bit crushing.
The cable-based patching system supports serial and parallel routing as well as feedback loops. Users can route a cell’s output back into itself or an earlier cell, adjusting the return level on the cable. Depending on the effects and feedback amount, loops can produce fading echoes, sustained textures, or self-oscillating sounds.
Six global LFOs can run freely or synchronize to the host tempo, with factory waveforms or user-drawn shapes. Each cell also includes an envelope follower that can respond to its own audio, another cell, or a stereo sidechain input. ParamSeq provides stepped parameter modulation for rhythmic changes and repeating variations.
Three assignable Combo knobs can control parameters across multiple cells simultaneously. Individual effect parameters, Combo knobs, and the overall mix can also be automated from a compatible DAW, making it possible to coordinate evolving effects with musical arrangements.
Additional features include MIDI input for the vocoder carrier, MIDI Learn, stereo input and output, and a stereo sidechain input. A shared preset library lets users download other creators’ patches or publish their own, providing starting points for creative processing and sound design.
MFX is available now for $80 USD, with each license covering up to three machines.
Warsaw Wave’s Revolt Patchable Synth combines configurable oscillators, flexible modulation routing, and extensive randomization in a software instrument designed for hands-on sound design.
Warsaw Wave has released Revolt Patchable Synth, a software synthesizer developed around a configurable panel system that allows users to build sounds by connecting oscillators, modulators, filters, and effects.
Rather than presenting a fixed synthesis architecture, Revolt lets users choose and arrange its components within a single-page interface.
The instrument provides four oscillator slots, eight modulation slots, two multimode filters, and four reorderable effects slots. A modulation matrix follows the user’s connections, while controlled randomization can generate new patches using selected parameters and adjustable variation settings.
Features:
Revolt provides four oscillator slots that can be configured with analog-style oscillators, wavetables, and noise sources. Additional oscillator functions include frequency modulation, feedback, and hard sync, giving users several approaches to creating harmonically complex tones, sharp leads, bass sounds, and evolving textures.
Two multimode filters can be routed in series or parallel. This arrangement allows users to build different signal paths and experiment with how filtering affects the oscillator sources. Filter routing can be changed as part of the instrument’s configurable panel layout.
Eight modulation slots can be assigned to envelopes, LFOs, or Noise LFOs. Users can connect these sources to synthesis parameters through the modulation matrix, adjusting modulation depth, polarity, and response curves. The interface visually follows changes to connections, helping users keep track of how a patch is constructed.
Four assignable macro controls provide a way to map multiple parameters to performance-oriented controls. MIDI learn and modulation-depth automation support integration with external controllers and digital audio workstation workflows.
The instrument supports both monophonic and polyphonic playing, along with unison, glide, and an arpeggiator. Velocity, aftertouch, modulation-wheel data, and MPE expression can also be used to influence patches, providing options for expressive keyboard performance.
Four effects slots can be configured and reordered to suit a particular sound. Available processing includes reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, distortion, and bitcrushing. Users can change the order of effects to explore different processing chains rather than working with a single fixed arrangement.
Revolt includes a patch-randomization system with controls for selecting which parameters can change, excluding specific settings, adjusting randomization strength, and working with parameter groups. This lets users generate variations while retaining important parts of an existing sound, offering an alternative to building every patch through manual parameter adjustments.
The interface can be customized independently for each plugin instance. Users can select and save color schemes and panel styles, allowing different instances to have distinct appearances within a project. Presets can be saved and recalled in both the paid and free versions.
Revolt Patchable Synth is available for Windows 10 or later, macOS 12 or later, and Linux. Supported formats are VST3 and standalone on Windows; Audio Units, VST3, and standalone on macOS; and VST3, LV2, and standalone on Linux. The Linux version is experimental and has limited support.
The introductory price is $59, reduced from the regular $89, with the promotion scheduled to end November 11, 2026. A free version is also available permanently, with two oscillator slots, four modulators, one filter, two effects, and reduced macro and arpeggiator functionality. A full-featured seven-day trial is available for users who want to evaluate the complete instrument.
