Valhalla Supermassive Update Adds A New Algorithm, Sirius


Valhalla Supermassive 5.0 is capable of everything from clean delay to “nearly eternal space reverbs”, and it’s still completely free.

Valhalla DSP’s Supermassive is one of the modern freeware greats. Originally launched in 2020, Supermassive is an algorithmic delay capable of creating both standard echos and epic washes of reverb thanks to its ability to densely layer feedback loops.

Rather than being a ‘lite’ version of another Valhalla plugin, Supermassive is a characterful and fully-featured effect in its own right. At launch it was pitched as an unnatural, uncanny effect to sit alongside the more realistic offerings elsewhere in Valhalla’s lineup, although annual updates have added a variety of new algorithms that have expanded the sound significantly.

Now Valhalla DSP has dropped another free update, bringing Supermassive up to version 5.0 with the addition of a new algorithm named Sirius. This mode is said to have a fast attack, smooth decay, a broad range of echo density from low to very high, and a filtered feedback loop.

“The Sirius mode is a true workhorse,” Valhalla DSP said, announcing the release. “With a clear and clean decay, Sirius is great at creating any size of room, hall or cathedral reverb, and can range from tiny ambiences to nearly eternal space reverbs. Turn up the feedback and turn down the density to create lush modulated echoes, or strange bouncing ball delays.”

Supermassive 5.0 isn’t ValhallaDSP’s only recent release – the developer dropped its latest paid effect, FutureVerb, earlier this month. Futureverb is said to be based on eight years of research and development, a process which also gave rise to Supermassive’s latest algorithm.

“Sirius was originally created as part of our massive research and development project for Valhalla FutureVerb,” the developer explains. “We ended up using different algorithm approaches for FutureVerb, so we’ve decided to leave our R&D work in Sirius for your sonic explorations.”

Along with the new Sirius mode, version 5 of Supermassive also adds next/previous arrows for quickly jumping between its various modes.

Supermassive 5.0 is available to download for free from the ValhallaDSP website.

Speaking Of Witch Speech-to-Synth Sampler For iOS


Developer Cem Olcay has introduced Speaking of Witch, a new speech synthesis app for iOS.

Speaking of Witch uses Apple’s speech synthesizer engine and creates speech samples from your text input, across 16 pads. You can set different voices and languages per pad. Also you can apply pitch and amplitude envelopes.

With the AUv3 multi-out, you can also apply different FX chains on your pads.

Features:

  • Professional Speech Synthesis Engine
    • Powered by Apple’s AVSpeechSynthesizer for high-quality, on-device speech generation from text.
    • Support for dozens of languages and voices with no text length limitations.
    • Instant text-to-audio conversion captures speech directly into playable sample buffers.
    • Multiple takes system: each pad stores up to 16 buffer slots for variations and iterations.
    • Background synthesis keeps the interface responsive while rendering speech samples
  • 16-Pad Sampler with MIDI Channel Routing
    • 16 independent pads, each triggering on its assigned MIDI channel for precise control.
    • Monophonic playback: each pad plays one note at a time with instant triggering.
    • MIDI note pitch mapping: play samples melodically across the keyboard with automatic pitch shifting.
    • MIDI output option for recording your performances directly into your DAW.
    • Layer multiple pads on the same MIDI channel or sequence them independently across channels 1-16.
  • Advanced Dual Envelope System
    • Independent amplitude and pitch envelopes per pad with unlimited breakpoint editing.
    • Touch-based envelope editor: tap to add, drag to adjust, long-press to delete breakpoints.
    • Amplitude envelope shapes volume curves for fades, gates, and tremolo effects.
    • Pitch envelope enables pitch dives, rises, vibrato, and glitchy modulation effects.
    • Real-time envelope application with smooth interpolation for expressive performances.
  • 8-Bus Multi-Output Audio Routing
    • Professional 8-bus architecture (16 channels) for advanced mixing and processing workflows.
    • Assign each pad to any output bus for individual DAW tracks and effect chains.
    • Create submix groups: route pads by character, role, or processing needs.
    • Full AUv3 multi-output support in Logic Pro, AUM, Cubasis, and other iOS DAWs.
    • Apply different effects to each bus: reverb on Bus 1, delay on Bus 2, distortion on Bus 3, etc.
  • Flexible Creative Workflow
    • Per-pad controls: gain, pan, speed, MIDI channel, and output bus assignment.
    • Voice selection with dozens of languages, accents, and character types.
    • Waveform display shows loaded samples with real-time visual feedback.
    • Preset system with factory presets and user preset management via iCloud.
    • Split long phrases across multiple pads for faster synthesis and creative sequencing possibilities.

Speaking of Witch is available now for $5.99

 

Evolve Elastic Offers ‘Futuristic’ Take On Synthesis


Excite Audio has introduced Evolve Elastic, a sample-based synthesizer that they say “morphs sound into unexpected forms, inspired by the playful, artificial and unpredictable character of elastic.”

The instrument is available in VST, AU and AAX formats for PC and Mac.

Here’s what they have to say about Evolve Elastic:

“Inspired by experimental electronic artists like Flume, SOPHIE and Aphex Twin – Evolve Elastic delivers cutting-edge presets that spark creativity, making you ask: “How did they make that sound?”

Evolve Elastic combines over 250 sound sources ranging from squelching acid basslines and elastic plucks to bouncing rhythms, futuristic textures, and glossy pads. Shaped with extreme and evolving modulation, Elastic is designed to twist, stretch, and mutate sound into something entirely new.

Build your sound from four layers, blend between them with the XY pad, and then shape the output using four elastic-inspired macro effects: Melt, Bounce, Stretch and Gloss.

Evolve Elastic offers dual filters, endless modulation potential and 16 effects modules to power its 250 presets crafted by Excite Audio’s team of professional sound designers.”


Features:

  • Blend four layers of samples or synths using the powerful quad-engine.
  • Morph sounds in real time with the XY Pad.
  • One-click randomisation.
  • Import your own samples and build custom patches.
  • Modulate anything with drag-and-drop envelopes, LFOs, and XY controls.
  • Shape and polish your sound with elastic-inspired macro effects.
  • Tweak your tone with dual filters and a rearrangeable 3-slot FX chain.
  • Explore 250 presets or create from scratch.

Evolve Elastic is available now, with an intro price of £19 / $19 through Dec 31st.