reFX Introduces Rippler Physical Modeling Synthesizer
reFX, the developer behind the Nexus virtual instrument, has announced the release of a new hybrid software synth that brings together physical modelling and subtractive synthesis with a broad array of additional features and capabilities.
Rippler is a software synthesizer built around a combination of modal synthesis and subtractive synthesis techniques.
Physical modelling synthesis is a technique that can emulate the acoustic properties of physical objects and instruments, or be pushed to create experimental sounds that reimagine real-world timbres in new and creative ways.
The instrument uses banks of resonators to generate sounds without samples, with bi-directional energy coupling between resonators and two independent synthesis layers. Each layer can use parallel or serial resonator routing, with additional oscillators, filters, modulation sources, and effects processing.
In its Exciter section, Rippler gives you the choice of 32 onboard samples, user-imported samples, sidechain input or a custom impulse editor to shape its initial signal, and there’s also the option to use a noise generator to feed the resonators, alongside the exciter or on its own.
These run into dual resonator modules, which feature a choice of 12 models that simulate different acoustic instruments and objects: String, Beam, Squared, Bell, Membrane, Plate, Drumhead, Djembe, Vibraphone, Marimba, Closed Tube, Open Tube. These can operate in parallel or in series, the latter mode using bi-directional coupling to let the two resonators exchange energy as they would in an acoustic instrument.
There’s also a Manual resonator mode that replaces the physical model with a custom partial series that can be drawn in by hand, and lets you store resonator configurations as snapshots and morph between them in real time.
Rippler is also equipped with two conventional oscillators with Phase, Fold and Asymmetry controls that can be layered with its physically modelled output to “blend, enhance or solidify your sound”. Both these and the physical modelling engine pass through dual filters, which offer a choice of 27 filter types spanning low-, high-, band-pass and notch filters with multiple slopes, along with vintage-style models, ladder types and a formant-shifting Vowel filter.
This entire signal path can be duplicated, giving you two layers each made up of dual resonators, oscillators and filters, all running into the effects and master output. Rippler features a broad selection of 13 effects covering delay, reverb, chorus, compressor, distortion and more, which can be applied per-layer or globally. There’s also a sophisticated arpeggiator and sequencer onboard with modifier lanes that introduce variation to pitch and velocity.
Rippler supports MPE, aftertouch, micro-tuning, MIDI tuning systems, and audio input routed into the resonator system.
Features:
- Modal synthesis engine using banks of resonators to generate sounds without samples
- Bi-directional energy coupling between resonators
- Dual-layer synthesis architecture with parallel and serial resonator routing
- Two oscillators and two filters per synthesis layer
- Twelve acoustic models based on mathematical formulas and FEM analysis
- Models include String, Drumhead, Beam, Djembe, Squared, Vibraphone, Bell, Marimba, Membrane, Open Tube, Plate, and Closed Tube
- Multiple modulation sources can be assigned to parameters
- Drag-and-drop modulation routing system
- Custom modulation response curves using Mod Mapping
- Modular effects architecture with 13 master effects and 12 effects per layer
- MPE support with per-note pitch bend, pressure, and slide control
- Aftertouch support
- Micro-tuning support using Scala .scl and .kbm files
- MIDI Tuning Standard (MTS) support
- Audio input routing into resonators synchronized with played notes
- Manual Mode for user-defined tuning and resonator configurations
- 441 sound presets
- 32 exciter samples
- 10 arpeggiator presets
- 64 LFO shapes
- Available as Audio Unit, VST3, and AAX plugin formats
- Compatible with macOS and Windows systems
Rippler is descended from RipplerX, a free and open-source physical modelling synth from developer Tiagolr, who has partnered with reFX to develop and release a commercial successor.
reFX Rippler is available now for $99 USD (normally $129).
