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Tracktion Corporation has introduced KULT, the latest synth design from Peter V (AKA Dawesome). This is Peter’s 4th instrument, following on from the widely acclaimed Novum, Abyss and Chop Suey.

KULT merges classical syntheses with new concepts. At the heart of the new synth are two independent, powerful oscillators. These so-called ‘Strange Attractors’ are based on the mathematical theory of chaos. There are more than thirty oscillator models to choose from, ranging from classical waveforms to chaotic sculptures of sound. KULT’s OSC’s add a vast range of sonic timbres, which can be shaped with FM and AM synthesis.

In addition, included is a complex filter selection: Formant Filter, 2 x Comb Filters and 2 x ‘Analog’ Filters.

Additional options include a creative arpeggiator, full MPE support and a formidable modulation system.

KULT is available now, with an intro price of $64.50 (normally $129), including 90-days free trial.

Korg’s ‘California Trio’ of digital synths – the Opsix, Wavestate and Modwave – were introduced just as the world went into pandemic mode, and may have not gotten as much attention as they might have otherwise, as a result.

But, with Korg’s recent sale on the Opsix, and as more demo and performance videos have gotten out, people are starting to realize that each of the three synths features a powerful synth engine that offers a modern take on a classic digital approach to synthesis.

Here is a short synth jam that showcases some of the power of the Korg Wavestate, a live performance of the Blade Runner End Titles, from the score by Vangelis. The performance features patches by sound designer Maik Schott.

Developer Cem Olcay let us know about their latest app, Textquencer, an iOS app that converts text into MIDI.

Just write or paste some text and Textquencer will convert the text to MIDI. Each letter will be a note in the scale you are using.

Like example, in C-major scale:

Letter A (index = 1) is Note C (first note in the scale)

Letter B (index = 2) is Note D (second note in the scale)

Letter C (index = 3) is Note E (third note in the scale)

Letter H (index = 8) is Note C but an octave higher, and so on.

In addition, you can also create custom character mapping for emojis, non-English letters, punctuation and symbols. A custom character can mapped to a specific MIDI note or a specific note in the scale, like the first note in the scale, the third note in the scale etc.

Unless a character is custom mapped, a letter in English alphabet or a number, it will be a rest in the sequencer.

And, you can also randomize the velocity and gate lengths in each step if you want. You can enable it on the settings menu and set a randomization min-max range.

*Note: Textquencer is a MIDI app and does not create any sound on its own. You need to route Textquencer’s MIDI output to your audio app’s MIDI input. The standalone app supports Ableton Link. For using the AUv3 plugin, you need an AUv3 host app such as AUM, Cubase, Nanostudio etc.

Textquencer is available now for $4.99.