Archive for August, 2024

Noise Engineering intros Gamut Repetitor Quad Random Quantized Voltage Generator


Noise Engineering has shared this video intro to their new Gamut Repetitor, a four-channel random quantized voltage generator with looping, range, key, and scale settings.

Gamut Repetitor features a built-in quantizer, with 27 scales grouped across a selection of three CV-controllable switches. The trigger outputs can simply pass through the input trigger or they can generate random triggers.

Patching GR is as simple as sending in a trigger pattern and turning Length up. Then you can use the built-in quantizer, key, and range controls to change the way voltages are generated. Once you hear something you like, turn the Length down to a sequence length you like (up to 32) and loop away.

Topics covered:

0:00 Hello Gamut

0:55 Panel and Controls

3:43 Scale Section Chart

3:55 Patch: Melody and Counter-melody

4:30 Patch: Using Gates with Length

4:58 Patch: CV and Pitch Inputs

5:25 Patch: Rhythm Mode

The Gamut Repetitor is available now for $370.

Preparation 2 Physical Modeling Synthesizer Available Now


Physical Audio upgrades its Preparation physical modelling synth with extra effects, LFOs and a new modelled object

Physical Audio has released Preparation 2, a major update to their physical modeling synthesizer. A new version of its physical modelling synth plugin Preparation, is a “ground-up rewrite” of its predecessor that incorporates new features such as a dynamic fret object, dual LFOs and a considerable collection of effects.

What the developers say about it:

“Preparation 2 creates a virtual world of augmented strings using our latest physical modelling techniques. Two strings collide with a rattle and a dynamic fret to deliver a rich palette of acoustic timbres, from unique instruments to experimental soundscapes.”

Preparation is a physical modelling synth, using complex algorithms to model acoustic sounds produced by the manipulation of physical objects; in Preparation’s case, the plugin emulates the sound of strings and bars, augmented with a rattle that connects them or a dynamic fret that sits underneath.

The plugin’s virtual strings can be plucked, bowed or excited using external audio routed in via sidechain and offer a variety of parameters for sound-shaping, including sustain, tone, inharmonicity, and non-linearity. The rattle and the new dynamic fret object have been kitted out with new controllable properties for enhanced tweakability.

Preparation’s two LFOs can be hooked up with these parameters for modulation, or can be used to modulate its extensive range of effects, which has been expanded to include tremolo, phaser, wah, distortion, drive, and a filter, alongside EQ, compressor, delay and reverb.

The synth is MPE-compatible, so if you own an MPE-equipped controller you will be able to manipulate parameters such as pluck and bow force, position and glide in real-time.

Features:

  • Two physically modeled strings or bars collide with a rattle and dynamic fret
  • Excite the strings using Pluck, Bow or Audio (sidechain input)
  • Set string/bar properties: Sustain, Tone, Inharmonicity, Gain, Pan, Non-Linearity/Tuning
  • Deep customisation of fret and rattle (Position, Gap, Mass, Stiffness, Edge…)
  • Effects suite featuring EQ, compressor, tremolo, phaser, VCF, wah, distortion, drive, fuzz, delay and reverb
  • Two LFOs to modulate rattle/fret properties or effects controls
  • Keyboard and Velocity modulation for string and rattle properties
  • Detailed pluck designer to set range and low/high sensitivity
  • MIDI CC and integrations, MPE functionality for pluck and bow force, position and glide
  • Attack/Boost/Release controls shape the sound’s level through time

Preparation 2 is available now at a discounted price of $59 (normally $99.00) for macOS and Windows in AU/VST3/AAX formats. Owners of Preparation’s first version can upgrade for a half-price discount.

 

The Swarm, 8-Voice Polyphonic Desktop Synth is Now Available


Artium Instruments let us know that their new synth, The Swarm, is now available ‘everywhere’.

The initial production release of The Swarm was funded via a successful Kickstarter campaign. With the Kickstarter campaign now wrapped up and all rewards fulfilled, The Swarm can be purchased directly from the Artium Instruments website and through a range of third-party retailers, including eBay, Amazon, and Reverb.com.

The Swarm is a versatile desktop synthesizer, offering 8-note polyphony, a dynamic arpeggiator, and a detunable SuperSaw oscillator. It features USB MIDI Host compatibility for seamless integration with other gear and includes four onboard effects that can also process external audio sources independently.

Features:

  • Polyphonic Desktop Synth w/ Onboard Effects – The Swarm features a SuperSaw oscillator with 8-note polyphony, curated onboard effects, and a full-featured arpeggiator
  • Knob-For-Knob Functionality – Every feature of The Swarm is directly mapped to a knob, button, switch, or jack, ensuring effortless control. There’s no need for menu-diving or complex button presses to access features; everything is immediately accessible.
  • Onboard Effects – These are designed to complement the synth core, including freeze, delay, reverb & chorus. You can also use the onboard effects with other equipment, allowing you to route external audio through the inputs on the back.
  • Plug and Play Functionality – The Swarm utilizes a USB-C MIDI host for simplicity and ease of use. Most modern class-compliant MIDI controllers with USB functionality should plug in and work immediately with zero setup. Additionally, The Swarm provides power to your controller, streamlining your setup process. For older controllers that only have DIN connections, a USB to DIN converter can be used to ensure compatibility. (These converters typically cost $10-20)
  • Open Source Platform – Artium desktop synths use an open source platform known as Axoloti or Ksoloti for development and implementation of its products.

The Swarm is available now for $379.10.