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Native Instruments has announced the releases of Circular, a software sequencer that features four independent layers and deep modulation control.

You can sequence over 100 experimental sound sources, from felted pianos to bowed metals, or import your own samples to work with.

Circular’s patches can comprise up to four layers, drawing from a library of 160 sound sources and spanning a variety of acoustic and synthetic samples that includes keys, guitars, saxophones, vocals and synths. Layers can be selected and levels adjusted on Circular’s Play page, which also features a circular representation of its sequencer.

Circular’s Sequencer page (pictured below) and you’ll find a more familiar layout. Each of Circular’s four sound layers gets its own sequencer here with adjustable pattern and step durations, along with polyrhythmic, probability-based and Euclidean sequencing options that can be used to generate complex and unpredictable patterns.

The Sequencer page also gives you per-step control over almost all of Circular’s parameters, applying individual values for sample selection, pitch, filter, amp, envelopes and effects on each step of your sequence.

Features:

• Four independent layers: Create polyrhythms and textured performances.
• Polyphonic aftertouch support: Add expressive nuance with polyphonic aftertouch.
• Real-time step controls: Modulate pitch, filter, and effects with per-step precision, all shaped by aftertouch.
• Extensive sound library: Explore over 100 acoustic and synthetic sound sources.
• Sample import: Transform your own sounds into evolving sequences with 128 user slots for imported samples.

Kontrol keyboard integration: Integrates with Native Instruments’ Kontrol S-Series keyboards.

Native Instruments Circular Walkthrough Video:
Circular is available now, priced at $199 / €199 / £179. To run it, you’ll need Kontakt (version 8.2.1 or higher) or the free Kontakt Player.

If you are new to synthesis,  this free soft synth can help you learn how it works.

Developed by Syntorial, an educational platform that teaches aspiring synthesists to design patches from the ground up.

Originally designed as a companion to Syntorial, the Primer soft synth is now being given away as a free synth plugin by Audible Genius, the company behind the platform. A basic subtractive synth with a clear and easy-to-use interface, Primer is intended to help synthesists learn the fundamentals without getting bogged down in advanced concepts or distracting additional features.

Primer has all the features you’d expect from a simple subtractive synth: its two main oscillators and a sub-oscillator are equipped with saw, pulse, triangle and sine waveforms and capable of FM, oscillator sync and ring modulation. A resonant multimode filter is joined by a trio of envelopes for the filter, amp and assignable modulation, plus a single LFO that can be routed to seven of Primer’s key parameters.

There’s also three voice modes, adjustable portamento and a unison mode with controls for voice count, detune and spread. Five effects (reverb, delay, chorus, phaser and distortion) can be used to spice up Primer’s sounds, and the synth has a handy visualizer onboard to show you what the envelope, filter and LFO is doing in real time. Primer also comes with 400 factory presets.

Primer strips things back to just the bare essentials that you’ll find on almost any conventional subtractive synth, framing these in an easily understandable layout for musicians that are new to synthesis and sound design.

If you are using Syntorial, this means you can take what you’ve learn there and apply it directly in your DAW. If you’re not, Primer would still be an excellent synth to learn with through your own experimentation. And if you’re already experienced with sound design, Audible Genius suggests that Primer could be a fast and distraction-free tool for sketching basic patches.

Compatible with macOS and Windows, Primer is available in VST/AU formats. It’s also available as a standalone iPad app and AUv3 plugin.

Here’s Primer Walkthrough Video:

Find out more and download Primer for free on Audible Genius site.

Ashun Sound Machines has introduced ASM Manager, a software librarian designed to be a comprehensive tool for managing Hydrasynth patches, as well as updating its firmware.

ASM Manager is a dedicated desktop application designed to simplify how users interact with their Hydrasynth. It replaces the original Hydrasynth Manager, and features an updated interface and smoother workflow, making sound management more efficient and intuitive.

Features:

• A redesigned, user-friendly UI
• List View for streamlined patch browsing
• Patch Sorting by name, category, and color
• Search by patch name
• Color tagging directly within the browser
• Organize Favorites
• Integrated Hydrasynth Updater for simplified firmware installation
• Export of patch banks as Microsoft Excel list files for easy referencing

ASM Manager is available now at the ASM site