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Punk Labs’ OneTrick Keys is a lo-fi keys plugin based on a “vintage” physical modelling algorithm developed in the ’90s. With six onboard effects, this synth plugin has more than one trick up its sleeve.

Punk Labs has announced the release of OneTrick Keys, a piano synth with a crunchy, lo-fi sound.

The plugin is based on a physical modelling synth engine that makes use of an algorithm called Commuted Piano Synthesis developed at Stanford University in the ’90s.

Arriving with 25 preset sounds, OneTrick Keys offers 16-voice polyphony and its chilled-out tones can be run through six onboard effects, including reverb, flutter, bitcrushing, and saturation, alongside vinyl simulation and tape noise for an extra vintage feel.

The plugin is equipped with various controls for shaping the sound of the instrument’s physically modelled strings and body, which is then run through its effects section; the reverb offers controls for size, dampness, amount and a high-pass filter, while the media panel lets you dial in tape noise and adjust the speed, shape and amount of flutter.

The sampler panel gives you control over the bitcrusher’s sample rate and bit depth, along with high and low-pass filters. Finally, the sound passes through a mixer with adjustable gain levels, saturation and panning.

Features:

• 25 factory presets
• 16 voice polyphony
• Simulated vinyl or tape noise
• Flutter controls
• Studio reverb and saturation
• Lo-fi bitcrusher
• Preset browser with tags and editing
• Sustain and Sostenuto pedal support
• Nondestructive modulation (CLAP only)
• All parameters are automatable
• No telemetry or analytics
• No DRM
• Open source to inspect, learn from, adapt, and improve

OneTrick Keys is priced at $79 and is available in CLAP, VST3 and AU formats for macOS, Windows and Linux. Find out more or listen to a sound demo on Punk Labs’ website.

Spitfire Audio has introduced Hearth and Hollow Folk Voices, a new virtual instrument that’s designed to synthesize ‘indie folk’ voices.

What they say about it:

“Recorded in the chapel of St. John’s Anglican Church, Hearth and Hollow Folk Voices captures a real and intimate vocal session synonymous with indie folk. Created with Hunter Rogerson, this VST focuses on the texture and tonality of how real people sound — highlighting the warmth and unique character each singer’s voice has to offer.

Four arrangeable vocal signals with 11 articulations and 8 mixes all curated to fit comfortably in your arrangements. Blend this library with Hearth and Hollow Plucked Folk Ensemble for an authentic acoustic sound.”

Features:

• 4 arrangeable vocal styles representing different approaches to the folk sound.
• Housed in a cosy, interactive UI that encourages intuitive sculpting and arranging.
• CC controllable vowel blending.
• Intuitive doubling control for creating instant double-tracked vocal parts.
• Articulations crafted and performed to mirror the common practices of indie vocals.
• Solo NKI’s of each singer for additional arrangement flexibility.
• Bonus NKI’s with true legato whistling and a body percussion kit.

Hearth and Hollow Folk Voices is available now for $99.

The latest synth jam from synthesist Karol Pokojowczyk (Caught in Joy) is a live performance inspired by the classic sounds of Tangerine Dream.

While the arrangement gives a nod to Tangerine Dream’s Steve Reich-inspired soundtrack for the film Risky Business, listeners may also hear echoes of the ’70s Philip Glass piece, North Star.

Karol Pokojowczyk shared about the technical details:

“Played and performed live with my favorite synthesizers, where I delved deeper into the organic sounds of the Moog One, reunited with my trusty friend, the Jupiter, and experimented with some newfound techniques.

Hope you dig this glimpse into my musical escapades!”