sonicLAB has introduced PolyNodes for Mac and Windows, described as “a cutting-edge sound synthesis / generative audio platform”.
PolyNodes treats sound spatially:
Each sound material generates a unique 3D geometric entity based on the macro, meso and micro level onset time analysis.
The engine features multiple playheads, known as node agents, equipped with advanced re-synthesis and signal processing techniques to navigate on the 3D entity.
There are multiple navigation strategies to chose from for the macro, meso and micro level agents.
What they say about it:
“PolyNodes transcends traditional sound design by expanding two-dimensional waveforms into a dynamic 3D spatial navigation experience.
PolyNodes extracts and analyzes the temporal properties of the input sound and maps them in a 3D space to create a visible geometric structure.
This pioneering approach allows to identify key sound moments as geodesic points or nodes, interconnected through a network of triangulations. The result is a multi-scale complex sonic navigation through its input material.”
Beetlecrab has released a major firmware update for Tempera, its 16-voice polyphonic granular synthesizer.
The update introduces new synthesis capabilities, an updated reverb, workflow improvements and more.
New in Tempera firmware v2.0:
Per-emitter FX send level: Adjust the amount of effects applied to each emitter for eg. better separation of percussive and tonal sounds. Layering complex sounds has become much easier.
Double the amount of modulators: From 5 per voice to 10 per voice.
Relative X and Y scrubbing: Easily grain-scrub in two dimensions across the touch grid surface. Perfect pairing for the Tempera concept.
Adjustable LED and emitter colors: Personalize the look of your Tempera, including having better color separation for those of us with a different color perception.
Improved onboard keyboard: The new chromatic piano-like keyboard layout has better usability and clear visual feedback for standalone operation.
Quantized random grain detune: Grains’ random detune can now be quantized to fifths, octaves, or both, providing a natural shimmer or extra harmony.
Reverb upgrade: The new reverb algorithm provides richer and smoother reflections, and faster diffuse properties. Perfect for lush and wide soundscapes.
Modulator visualization: Modulators now provide improved visual feedback so it’s easier to get a clear picture of their behavior.
Stable and reliable MIDI clock sync: Improved clock BPM detection, MIDI clock sync is now durable and reliable.
Canvas quicksave: Save your project (“canvas” in Tempera lore) immediately with a quick and handy shortcut.
New shortcut for emitter editing: Newly added shortcut makes it easier to edit, cycle and organize emitter configurations.
New global MIDI channel parameter: Integrate Tempera easily into a bigger setup, while allowing for per-emitter MIDI channels.
Delay upgrade: A dot mode is added, along with smoother filter coloring
Bug fixes & polishing: The amount of bugs fixed, streamlining and polishing is too long to list. ????
Tempera is available now for $720. The firmware update is a free download for existing owners.
GliGli shared this sneak preview of the upcoming Overcycler hybrid polyphonic synthesizer. The Overcycler is intended to be an affordable DIY polysynth.
What they have to say about it:
“Now that there are cheap SMT clones of the SSM2044, I thought I could finally make this synth an affordable and easy to build DIY. My idea is to offer this synth as a fully soldered (almost) entirely SMT PCB, and let the users wire the panel (10 potentiometers, a 40*4 character display and a 16 keys keyboard) and build the enclosure.
For now, it’s hard to give a cost estimation, but let’s say it would (probably) be around 200€ for a fully assembled board (add less than 100€ for the rest).”
Features:
6 voice polyphony using hybrid synthesis (Digital “single cycle” oscillators / per-voice analog VCF and VCA).
2 synchronizable oscillators per voice, duty cycle modulation on any waveform, dual waveform mix modulation, “girth” modulation (from a subtle veil to “ring modulation”-like sounds), 80KHz sample rate for a clean sound by default.
3 complete envelopes with lin/exp choice and looping (oscillators/filter/amplifier).
2 complete LFOs with 6 modulation destinations.
1 noise generator.
Voice panning on the stereo output.
Sequencer / Arpeggiator.
Patches and single cycles (AKWF, ProphetVS, …) stored on an internal flash chip, accessible through USB mass storage.
USB powered with USB MIDI and regular MIDI.
The Overcycler is expected to be available in the next few months as a DIY kit with a pre-populated PCB for around 250€ or fully assembled for around €300.
