The Basimilus Iteritas — Gone Virtual!
For the virtual gearheads, Sweetwater is pleased to announce a plug-in version of the Basimilus Iteritas! Eurorack synthesists have long favored the percussive possibilities afforded by drum synths. And while Noise Engineering isn’t the first to produce a hardware and software drum synth module with a multiplicity of uses, Sweetwater’s synthesists agree that nobody’s seen such a formidable tool with unprecedented sound design potential like Basimilus Iteritas Alter. Now, with all controls available digitally within your DAW, this virtual drum synth packs an unmatched, spectrum-spanning punch, perfect for gigantic percussion, snarling basses, and searing, incisive leads — right in your computer! Bob and weave through multiple forms of synthesis with a flexible suite of sound design options and over 1000 onboard presets for endless interoperative potential with the Basimilus Iteritas plug-in!
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Aggressive oscillation throughout the spectrum
In Latin, Basimilus Iteritas Alter translates to “another small foundation of repetitiousness,” which feels fittingly cheeky for such a flexible virtual synth. Its aural architecture comprises six oscillators capable of both additive and FM synthesis. An additional noise oscillator can be introduced via the Attack parameter when set to the left of center. To the right, the attack value of the envelope can be adjusted for speed, while the center position produces iconic, analog-style pops. Engage in distinctive waveshaping using the Morph fader, seamlessly blending through sine, triangle, saw, and square waves, allowing dynamic exploration without skipping a beat.
Operating modes include Skin, Liquid, and Metal options capable of compelling sonic arrangements. Skin functions as a 6-operator additive synth, while Liquid takes the same structure and adds a pitch envelope to the mix for more punch. If you’re after surreal sounds with complex timbres, then Metal is for you: six operators of FM synthesis, perfect for clanging, crunchy tones of any type. You've also got a selection of options for quickly moving between tonal ranges: Bass, Alto, and Treble. This defines the lowest pitch the module will produce, with each setting two octaves higher than the one before it.
Honing harmonics and sculpting soundscapes
As a virtual module capable of such vast sonic possibilities, the Basimilus Iteritas plug-in is brimming with character, ready to be shaped and formed to your synthesis needs. Complex modulation possibilities abound with the software's unique approach to wavefolding that Noise Engineering refers to as its “infinifold” capabilities. These are attenuated with the Fold fader, which dynamically stacks successive fold stages contingent upon the signal’s amplitude and its folding threshold. These increase throughout the first three-quarters of engagement intensity until a pulse train is introduced to produce further harmonic range. These can be further manipulated and modulated with the Spread fader, altering the frequency distribution of the oscillators to affect the overtone series, moving from purely harmonic to entirely non-harmonic, making for wonderfully noisy, percussive tones and emphatic stabs.
For all this talk about harmonic character, we need to address the aptly labeled Harmonics parameter. Harmonics adjusts the harmonic decay of all the oscillators, from just one being audible to a symphony of harmonic enrichment, moving from left to right. As you increase the values of the parameter through the first quarter of movement, a second tone fades in. Keep going, and the decay rates, followed by the amplitudes of each oscillator, successively grow. This results in blossoming timbral complexities whose diversity increases exponentially as it’s modulated in conjunction with the plug-in's other parameters.
Plug-in-only perks
By going the software route, the Basimilus Iteritas plug-in offers an exceptional degree of convenience that brings the versatility of the revered Eurorack module into a new, DAW-based light. Its UI is streamlined and easy to follow, allowing for effortless automation and requiring minimal prior synthesizing experience — though synth veterans will have a blast! The Random feature allows for the generation of exciting patches with a single mouse click. At the same time, it's simplified MIDI usability takes command of complex mappings like velocity and polyphonic aftertouch with ease. Over 1,000 presets are waiting to be shaped to form your unique sound, too, with complex LFOs and Macros providing unending possibilities. How will you make the Basimilus Iteritas your own?
Noise Engineering: unbridled passion for modulation magic
From the beginnings of humble happenstance to transcending the physical-digital divide to produce compelling, innovative hardware and software instruments, one crucial element has consistently remained as Noise Engineering’s cornerstone: integrity. The company wholeheartedly understands how infinitely personal your relationship to sound can be, so each instrument — physical or virtual — brims with a distinctive character. Additionally, every module provides maximum room for personalized control while retaining its defining attributes that give Noise Engineering’s designs their unmistakable sonic identity. Whether you’re new to Eurorack or a dyed-in-the-wool synthesist, you can rest assured knowing that the creative team at Noise Engineering crafts each aural opportunity with care, one waveform at a time.
Noise Engineering Basimilus Iteritas Plug-In Features:
- Streamlined user interface is incredibly easy to follow
- Random feature delivers exciting single-click patch generation
- Simplified MIDI usability allows for complex mapping
- 1,000+ presets provide an exceptional starting point for synthesis
- 6-oscillator virtual architecture ensures rich, full sonics with plenty of fine-tuning for both additive and FM synthesis
- Deep temporal control means unmatched flexibility from deep analog kicks to mangled, metallic leads
- Additional noise oscillator can be introduced for texturizing tones or snappy claps and snares
- Multi-variable wavefolding and waveshaping yield complex timbral structures
- Harmonic control allows for precise attenuation of oscillator decay and sonic heft
- Modulating the Spread parameter easily migrates between harmonic overtone series to inharmonic overtones, perfect for leads and drums, respectively
- Toggle between 3 distinct operating modes: Skin, for additive synth tones; Liquid, throws on a pitch envelope for extra oomph; and Metal, for 6-operator FM grit
- Variable range control is accomplished with Bass, Alto, and Treble options, setting the lowest tone in 2-octave increments
