Developer Vadim Minkin has introduced Kaleidoscope, a compact 4-track digital multitimbral synthesizer for creating generative music.
Kaleidoscope has 4 tracks, each with its own timbre. If you place the same timbres on all tracks, you can use it as a traditional polyphonic synthesizer.
It can generate sounds using several methods, including:
Subtractive synthesis;
Additive synthesis;
Physical modeling synthesis; and
FM synthesis
Kaleidoscope has a built-in generative sequencer for creating rhythmic and parametric patterns. The generative sequencer can be used to create rhythmic patterns and parametric arpeggios.
Kaleidoscope costs €600 + shipping. Visit the developer’s site for details.
Numerical Audio has released ShockWave for macOS – a semi-modular Phase Distortion synthesizer.
ShockWave is a versatile synthesizer that combines Phase Distortion Synthesis with a powerful modular workflow.
ShockWave features a pair of Phase Distortion oscillators, each capable of creating everything from pure Sine Waves to filtered Noise and more. Cross-Mod between the two oscillators allows for an even greater range of timbres and includes DX-Style Phase Modulation, Linear and Exponential Frequency Modulation as well as Amplitude- and Ring Modulation.
In addition to the Synth Voice, ShockWave includes a dedicated control section featuring a pair of 8-step sequencers, a sample & hold module, as well modules for trigger divisions, logic comparisons and controlled randomness.
The two sequencers can run independently or combine to one 16 step sequence, where rate and length can be controlled independently for each of the two.
In true modular nature almost any control within ShockWave can be modulated with up to 11 sources – simultaneously. Modulations are setup by holding a control and dialling in the desired amount in a list of all available sources. A special ‘X-Ray mode’ adds a realtime display of all currently active modulations, right at their corresponding control, making it easy to understand what’s happening inside the synthesizer at any given time.
In addition, a dedicated mod page displays all active modulation routings, providing an overview of what’s happening within the plugin, while also letting the user make adjustments on the fly or remove routings entirely.
Features:
Semi Modular Monophonic Synth Voice
Phase Distortion Synthesis (PD)
Dual PD Oscillators with 5 Waveforms + Filtered Noise
Dual ASR Envelopes with variable trigger source
Dual LFO with Tempo Sync
Cross Modulation with Linear/Exp. FM, PM, AM & RM
Mixer section with individual pan and level controls per oscillator
Output VCA with variable control source
Pattern Generator for generating sequences from various internal sources
Quantizer to force note input into a specific scale (19 Scales + User Scales)
Step Sequencer with 2×8 or 1×16 steps, individual rate and number of steps per row
Trigger Divider for dividing internal trigger sources
Probability Gate for adding controlled randomness
Sample & Hold for additional randomness
Logic Module to create triggers from various internal sources
Built-in Delay & Reverb Effects
MIDI Note and CC output for controlling external gear or chaining multiple instances
Semi Modular Architecture
11 Modulation Sources
40 Modulation Destinations
2 Color Themes
MIDI Input:
MPE (Single Channel)
Aftertouch
ModWheel / Pitchbend
Tempo Sync
Custom CC Control
MIDI Output:
Note
Control Change
Connectivity:
Standalone
AUv3
Requirements:
macOS 14 or later
Intel or Apple Silicon Mac
ShockWave for Mac is available directly from Numerical Audio, with an intro price of $14.99 (intro offer, ends April 16th) and regularly sells for $29.99.
Developer Laurent Baloran shared this video demo of his latest creation, the 3B, aka TheBumBleBee.
The 3B is a synth, sequencer and MIDI controller that you can play like a theremin, but with more precise and repeatable control. It uses a 3D Laser/IR sensor that transmits an image of your hand or any other object that enters its cone of vision, along with the precise distance between the object and the sensor. The image allows, by analysis, to determine the X and Y position of the hand or the object. The Z height is transmitted directly by the sensor with millimeter precision.
The 3B also features a 16bit 96K digital audio generator. Oscillators include classic fixed and variable waves, as well as wavetables. A multimode filter (Moog 24dB or OTA 12dB/octave, LP, BP, HP) and an ADSR envelope complete each generator.
Each sensor also has its own sequencer. The sequencer allows you to create a pattern that will be transposed by the pitch of the note generated by the defined mode.
This screen allows you to directly modify the steps of the sequence, the time division relative to the global tempo and the playback mode. Complex rhythms can be created by inserting silent steps.
The 3B is also a powerful MPE controller. It’s capable of controlling both vintage and modern synths (notes, CC, MPE, bends , etc.).
It’s available in desktop and Eurorack formats.
The 3B is priced at € 1,198.80, but it’s currently out of stock at the Baloran site.
