German synthesist Hainbach– in his latest video – takes a look at the KOMA Elektronik Chromaplane, a unique new polyphonic electromagnetic instrument.
The Chromaplane features a touchless interface, organic analog sounds, and an intuitive way of playing, made possible by invisible electromagnetic fields.
“The Chromaplane by Duo Passepartout and Koma Elektronik is an oddity: it is an experimental analog synth that does not have a keyboard or MIDI, but instead it is played with telephone coil pickups.
A beautifully unique idea that found success on Kickstarter, funding within minutes. I got to play with the pre-series model for a week.”
The Chromaplane is available to project backers starting at about $392. The project has already met its funding goal.
*Note: Crowdfunding projects can involve risk. See the project website for details.
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.
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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.
