Timeless 303 Styling, Modern-minded Synthesis
When D16 Group first introduced their Phoscyon plug-in, they were faced with a decades-long legacy of iconic sounds to reverse engineer. Now, the Phoscyon 2 has expanded exponentially upon that knowledge, rebuilding the entire signal path to deliver the legendary “silver box” sound with an even greater amount of control, fine-tuning, and sound design potential. The full suite of classic 303 sonics is bolstered by a new ability to control Calibration Parameters. This lets you tinker with everything from service trim pots to signal pathways, going even beyond the scope of its analog predecessor for unmatched modification and personalized character. The state-of-the-art FX chain includes tempo-syncable delays, multi-stage algorithmic reverb, chorus, and a compression-driven limiter. Streamlined DAW integration encourages new features like randomization, live override, redesigned sequencer and arpeggiator modes, and an ingenious vibrato. Add in dynamic distortions and classic filtering to reimagine the limits of the patron saint of techno bass, with Sweetwater’s synthesists in agreement that Phoscyon 2 successfully modernizes the historic 303 sound without sacrificing the character of the original.
Related Videos: Phoscyon 2 Bass Line Synthesizer Plug-in Instrument
Backstage to the bass
Techno may have a close relationship to the classically squelchy, acid noise-basses of the original silver box, but you’d be missing out on a world of sound if you decided to make that your litmus test. With over 800 preset sounds and patterns, Phoscyon 2 is brimming with sonic textures for nearly any genre. The 16-step sequencer includes a randomization function, with the ability to seamlessly toggle between a running pattern and its mixed-up mirror. User-friendly workflow features include painless MIDI compatibility, variable trigger modes, a resizable UI, MIDI Learn, and drag-and-drop export functionality to take your patterns straight into your DAW. Plus, a live override mode allows you to tweak patterns in real time, with accent, slide, or vibrato tools. The latter is a particularly interesting new feature, derived from the tricks of niche 303 practitioners, taking a complex mix of 2-note “tremolo” sliding and relegating it to two easily accessible knobs.
Sonic sculpting and tonal texturing
Distortion is a hallmark trait of the 303 oeuvre, and the sound designers at D16 painstakingly dissected 19 distinct hardware distortion configurations to give you a versatile gauntlet of raucous bass blasting. Whether you’re using the square or sawtooth oscillators, Phoscyon 2 is oozing with personality that will light up the low end. Sound shaping offers unmatched depth, with the algorithmic reverb offering independent setting to control early and late reflections, spatializing your basses like never before. Daring delays include tempo synchronization and in-loop multi-mode filtering, granting finer control over where your sounds go. Two delay lines in the chorus allow for rich texturizing without overwhelming the base sound. With the limiter’s compression characteristics and the 4-band parametric EQ, each sound can be uniquely carved to fit your mix without compromising tones.
D16 Group Phoscyon 2 Bass Line Synthesizer Plug-in Instrument Features:
- Reimagined take on the classic 303 synth allows for unmatched depth in signal path processing
- Dynamic distortion controls allow for texturization from the graceful to the grotesque
- 800+ built-in sequences and patterns ensure high-quality foundations for nearly any genre
- Calibration Parameters enable circuitry control beyond the limits of analog service
- Onboard FX are bolstered by comprehensive control for unmatched spatial and textural modification
- EQ, limiter, and compression parameters enable precise mix placement
- Innovative vibrato feature adds sonic tools previously unavailable beyond hyper-niche hardware mods
- Adaptable MIDI and variable trigger modes (MIDI notes, MIDI CC, or GUI) allow for painless interfacing with external controllers
- Drag-and-drop functionality lets you quickly take full patterns into your DAW
- Randomization can be easily toggled with existing patterns for unpredictable flare
- Sequencer and arpeggiator are expanded to include robust pattern construction to outmatch the original “silver box”
- Live override feature enables improvised influence of patterns via accent, slide, or vibrato functions while playing, without overwriting sequences
