Expressive E has introduced Phase Plant Expressive Suite, a new sound library for Kilohearts’ Phase Plant software synthesizer that’s designed with expressive MPE performance in mind.
“We have worked hand in hand with our friends at Kilohearts for a seamless plug-and-play MPE experience with Osmose,” they say.
The library features 400 MPE presets (4 banks with 100 presets each) for Kilohearts’ Phase Plant plugin. The library is available separately or in a bundle with Phase Plant.
The collection of 4 MPE sound banks (400+ presets) is available now for €39.00 (normally €79.00), or as a bundle with Phase Plant for €99.00.
UK-based Euro manufacturer ALM/Busy Circuits has introduced the CIZZLE, a dual digital ‘phase distortion’ VCO, inspired by classic Casio CZ series synthesizers.
The CIZZLE is designed to bring CZ style phase distortion (PD) synthesis to Eurorack, with primary and secondary oscillator layering and detuning (with up to 8 voice chord generation), extended morphable PD wave generation algorithms, unique resonance wave generation, plus ‘end of chain’ ring modulation and noise modes that are key to the CZ sound.
The voices also feature built in VCAs and various modulation controls and inputs, a cv-able chord mode, tracking ability, triggered mode switching and can be output independently or mixed with stereo widening.
Features:
Dual phase distortion VCO with direct and voltage controlled parameters.
Easy tuning via an encoder control.
9 morphing phase distortion ‘Algorithms’ (Osc A) with direct and CV control.
PD Offset ‘Shape’ with direct and CV control.
Unique CZ resonance waveform (Osc B) with direct and CV control.
Multiple Osc B modes; Rez, Ring Mod, and Noise based on classic CZ synthesis.
Mode switchable via direct and trigger control.
Optional Osc B frequency tracking of Osc A with offset.
Voltage controlled chord mode with inversion and up to 8 voices.
Dedicated oscillator output level VCAs.
Separate dual or mixed outputs with stereo widening effect.
Skiff friendly with reverse power protection.
2 Year Warranty.
The CIZZLE is available now for $349.99. A VCV Rack version is also available.
The new synth builds on PM’s Taiga synth module, adding full-sized keys, additional modulation, a unique modular expansion bay, and more.
“The extra size does make more sense of this instrument for performing and working on sounds,” notes Sonic State synth guru Nick Batt. “We would like to have seen a legato envelope mode, currently every note triggers the envelope, not something you can fix with an extra module, and a couple of the knobs response are quite sensitive – notably envelope release is somewhat on even with a small adjustment at the start of it’s travel, ditto FM depth for the oscillators. However this is consistent across both Taiga models.
“However, having the blend of complex West Coast style Oscillators, a multimode filter AND a resonant Low Pass Gate really gives a wide palette of sounds for the curious synthesist,” he adds.
Watch the review and share your thoughts on the TAIGA Keyboard in the comments!
