Moog Music has released a free plugin that lets you use their Model 15 Modular Synthesizer virtual instrument in your macOS DAW.
Here’s what they say about it:
“Earlier this year, we released an update that makes it possible for Mac users running Big Sur to recreate the sounds and workflow of the classic hardware Model 15 modular synthesizer using a macOS device through Audio Unit v3, or as a standalone sound design tool. This macOS compatibility update allowed for seamless integration with Logic, GarageBand, and MainStage for use in studio and live performance environments.
Now, the Model 15 App can be used standalone, as an Audio Unit v3 plugin, Audio Unit v3 and v2 plugin, as a VST3 plugin, or as an effect in your existing audio chain.”
Using Model 15 in Ableton Live:
Automation in Ableton Live:
Moog Model 15 for iOS is available for $29.99. You can download the plugin via the Moog website.
Synthetic Sound Labs has introduced the Model 2140 Euro Rack Thundrum, an 8hp Euro format version of its two-oscillator FM drum voice.
Here’s what they say about it:
“SSL experimented with hundreds of modular patch variations to get to the best combination of simplicity and tonal versatility in a reasonably priced, compact and user-friendly format.
The main Tone oscillator (VCO) has a linear control response and is adjustable from zero (not thru-zero) to several kilohertz, but the key to the 2140’s unique sound is its enveloped linear FM (frequency modulation).
A secondary wide range ‘sine’ FM oscillator output is routed thru an internal VCA (FM Amount). As pre-patched, the modulation depth is controlled by the Envelope output. This allows higher harmonic contents at the beginning attack of the envelope, which trail off as the tone decays. Of course, this is entirely under your control, and you can easily patch around this normalization and create your own variations.
The main Tone oscillator is designed to ‘stall’ (zero frequency) at the lowest settings so that you can get unique musically useful pulsing effects when modulated.”
Thundrum was originally released in Moog format.
Video demo by Synthesist John L Rice of the original version:
Unfiltered Audio LO-FI-AF is yet another effect that is designed to make your audio sound worse.
This is a plugin that is all about degradation, and a celebration of what were once seen as unwelcome audio artifacts.
Using impulse responses, spectral shaping and other techniques, LO-FI-AF can recreate everything from the sound of vinyl records and cassettes to CD skips, MP3 chirps and radio interference.
In addition, you can even dial in some of that annoying chatter that you hear when you put your phone too close to one of your speakers.
You are also not restricted to using one of these effects at a time, either; there are four modules that can be toggled and reorganized into 24 different signal paths. So, it is easy to create custom effect chains that will give you exactly the kind of busted-up sound you’re looking for.
All of this destructive action takes place on what is described as an intuitive interface, and you can choose from 14 included skins.
LO-FI-AF runs on PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats. The full price is $149, but you can currently purchase it for $130. A 14-day demo version is available, too.
