Archive for September, 2022

Yonac Trooper Synthesizer for iOS – ‘A Total Synth Explosion’

 

Yonac Software has introduced Trooper, a new software synthesizer for iOS that they describe as “a total synth explosion”.

 

“Get ready for an all-out sonic assault,” they say, “because Trooper is here and it’s our meanest, beastliest, user-friendliest synth yet!”

 

What they say about Trooper:

“Many of Trooper’s parameters are meant to interact and meld together in novel ways. For example, the oscillator volumes —beyond just acting as mere blend knobs— vary the characteristics of the basic signal depending on how far they are “pushed”. The emphasis is on providing warm and round basic tones with lots of variable harmonic content.

The primary oscillators are backed by an audible LFO that is both a sound source and a wide frequency range modulator. This lets FM-based sounds to combine with traditional waveforms. A pink/white noise generator helps out pads and percussions, and insidiously changes tonality when added in small amounts.

A new filter implementation complements the pugnacity of the signal generators. In its middish settings, the resonance can be characterized as “throaty.” The filter is capable of self-oscillating, and can be controlled via the keyboard. The mated ADSR envelope is shaped to provide tonal ‘immediacy’ and smooth frequency shifts. The amount knob has a wide range that changes the feel and shape of the envelope, especially when pushed above the mid-level.

The output stage features a virtual VCA that imparts tones colloquially termed as “fat”. Extra modulation is provided by a non-audible LFO and a dedicated envelope. The LFO offers numerous wave shapes, BPM syncing, and key tracking. Its output is controllable via the mod wheel, velocity, or aftertouch.

The Esprit parameter helps deploy some of the Trooper “special sauce.” Highly interactive with the stages preceding it, Esprit is known to be handy in tightening up bass tones, and in adding the “je nais se quois” to presets at large. The Get6 parameter is a one-touch ticket to big, mix-filling synth sounds. So, whenever you’re lost in an empty mix…it’s got your six.

The arpeggiator inspires rhythms with five algorithms, variable note value, octave range, and gate. The “Texturizer” purveys a wide range of modulation effects that include chorus, flanging, variable comb, resonant delay, and stereo imaging. The BPM-syncable two-tap delay has time and feedback controls per channel, and is tuned a little darker than our usual offerings. Trooper can run in monophonic or polyphonic mode, the latter providing up to 12 voices. Legato is available in either mode.”

Other features include a robust MIDI implementation with MPE support, and the synth is able to I/O MIDI performance data. The “MagTouch” virtual controller lets you to play and record (in AUv3 hosts so enabled) over the MPE protocol. MIDI learn is made easy via a visual interface, and users can save, patch-link, and share MIDI CC maps. Bluetooth MIDI input is also supported.

 

The AUv3 implementation enables you to run multiple instances of Trooper in DAWs. Trooper’s fluid UI accommodates a wide variety of screen sizes and view configurations. Feature navigation is designed to be nonintrusive so that parameters can be accessed easily. The iPad implementation supports portrait layout, so that pretty much all is on one screen.

In addition, the standalone app provides a “Tapedeck” to record, save, and share your ideas on the quick. It features a built-in looper, and a metronome with configurable time signature. The standalone also features tap tempo, and MIDI clock syncing. DSP is in high resolution 64-bit, with native processing at up to 96kHz. Trooper is available now, with an intro price of $6.99.

 

Artisan Electronic Iliad Synthesizer Sneak Preview at Knobcon 2022

 

Artisan Electronic Iliad is built-to-order, customisable polysynth

 

At Knobcon 2022, using its Nucleus synth voice, Artisan Electronic Instruments is preparing a new expandable polysynth known as the Iliad. It is a customisable polyphonic synthesizer.

 

Iliad will be built to order, so only around 20 will be made per year. As such, anyone who buys one is guaranteed a certain amount of exclusivity.

 

You’ll also be able to spec how many voices you want your synth to have, ranging from four up to 16. The price will start at $3,400, with each additional voice costing you another $400.

 

Each voice offers two analogue oscillators and a digital oscillator with a choice of waveforms. Additionally, you can expect masses of modulation and effects, as well.

Details are still to come of the Iliad .

 

 

Roland introduces SPD-SX PRO Sampling Pad

Roland has announced SPD-SX PRO Sampling Pad, the new flagship model in their long-running SPD series.

SPD-SX PRO offers customizable trigger LEDs, increased audio outputs and trigger inputs, massive onboard memory and more.

The SPD-SX PRO features nine pads with Roland’s latest sensing technology, including three shoulder pads with revised sensor structures for increased sensitivity when the instrument is mounted at a shallow angle.

In addition, improved crosstalk protection throughout prevents accidental triggering of other pads.

Pad-dividing trigger LEDs increase visibility on stage and help players organize kit setups. Custom colors can be assigned to any of the horizontal or vertical LEDs. Colors can be renamed and combined with tags to group kicks, snares, backing tracks, and other sounds for easy identification. The horizontal LEDs can also be set to light in various ways to suit the performance application.

The SPD-SX PRO’s interface includes a 4.3-inch color LCD and hands-on controls with backlighting for easy operation on stage. The LCD provides access to deep parameters and shows essential info such as A/B layers, WAV sample names, sample playback progress, and more.

With 32 GB of internal memory, the SPD-SX PRO holds nearly 44 hours of crystal-clear 48 kHz/16-bit stereo audio. Users can load 48/44.1 kHz WAV, AIFF, and MP3 files with varying bit rates, and the SPD-SX PRO will automatically convert them to its native audio format, simplifying the process of importing sounds.

Features:

 

  • Nine pads with Roland’s advanced trigger technology, including six large pads and three top-row shoulder pads
  • High-visibility, horizontal and vertical LEDs with multi-color customization
  • Increased shoulder pad sensitivity and improved crosstalk performance
  • 3-inch color display for easy navigation and viewing during performance
  • Import 48/44.1 kHz (16-/24-/32-bit) WAV/AIFF files and MP3s (32–320 kbps) with automatic conversion to 48 kHz/16-bit upon loading
  • Stereo main output, four direct mono outputs, balanced for easy mixing on stage
  • Connectivity for up to eight external individual triggers/pads (four stereo triggers or eight mono triggers with Y-cables)
  • Dedicated SPD-SX PRO App for Windows/Mac for easy importing, managing samples, and deep kit editing
  • 32 GB of internal storage for samples, backing tracks, and click tracks
  • Input for hi-hat or footswitch expression control
  • Connect hi-hats, kick, and snare for a ‘mini drum kit’ setup
  • Up to 200 kit patches (43 erasable preset kits and 157 user kits)
  • Over 1550 pre-loaded, high-quality samples and sounds
  • 16-step pad sequencer function
  • Onboard effects engine with up to four effects in parallel, plus side chain with output routing
  • Built-in click/metronome
  • Create in real time by recording performances as WAV files and assigning them to pads

 

The Roland SPD-SX PRO will be available in the US. in October for $1,079.99.