While there is nothing new about modular synthesis, the undeniable rise of the Eurorack format in more recent years has influenced a number of companies to investigate the concept by creating a modular in software. This desktop-based format has found bedfellows from both the desktop diehards, as well as the modular enthusiasts themselves, partly thanks to the enticing cost, alongside the ability to save patches and implement directly with your DAW.
Acoustically applied
Canadian developers Applied Acoustic Systems are no strangers to the software domain. They are the developers behind an ever-growing catalogue of superbly usable instruments such as the applauded Chromaphone 3 synthesiser and the excellent Lounge Lizard EP-4 electric piano simulator.
Multiphonics CV-1 veers into new territory for AAS, providing a modular synthesiser environment, which can be used in either a standalone form or as a plugin within your DAW. As any modular synth user who is more accustomed to hardware will tell you, there is something quite enticing about an instrument that you can use without the need to load your DAW. But before we begin to understand why this is such a deep rooted desire, let’s dive in with the basics.
Presets and modules
This story is from the May 2022 edition of Computer Music.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2022 edition of Computer Music.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BLEASS Arpeggiator
Classic synth-based arpeggiators' up-down patterns can be tedious, says Stuart Adams. Can Arpeggiator bring the variability he craves?
Synthogy Ivory 3 German D
One of the most highly regarded piano libraries around gets an update. Does it strike a chord with our reviewer, Herr Roland Schmidt?
MODALICS BITFUZZER
Distortion can be a great effect for enlivening and mashing up sounds, and this month we've got you a plugin that can do both
RADICAL RHYTHMS
From pepping up basic grooves to creating full-on 4/4-flouting madness, learn a multitude of timing tricks with our classic guide
SEDIBUS
Detaching from The Orb mothership, Sedibus is the latest project of core figurehead Alex Paterson, accompanied by former Orb-member and key creative collaborator Andy Falconer. With a studio shorthand and a shared passion for flourishing ambient textures, the pair's second record SETI gazes skyward for its inspiration. We spoke to Andy to learn more...
Sidechain compression
Sidechain compression is an excellent mixing tool and in this tutorial we pick apart this essential process
How to make a rave-style techno track
Prepare to get fists in the air as we learn the tools, tricks and tempos for nailing the basics of rave-ready techno
Make a filter kick bass with BazilleCM
Following our deep-dive into the oscillator section of BazilleCM, we follow the signal flow to create a filter-thumping bass sound
MARIA W HORN
An avid explorer of sound's spectral properties, Maria W Horn's work realises the potential of long-forgotten spaces. Via instrumental textures, room responses, the human voice and a specialised computer language, she synthesises entirely new sonics. We heard more about her processes and the at-times chilling story behind her affecting new album, Panoptikon
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CREATIVE REVERB
Reverb has been relied on for its evocative sonic character ever since the first homo sapien warbled expletives into a dark cave. The transformative power of space is still a vital mix ingredient