It’s been a fascinating year for hardware synths. But we’ve also been introduced to astounding virtual synths for Mac and PC. Recently, Sweetwater welcomed u-he, makers of highly regarded synth and effects plug-ins. Here are some of my favorites:
1 – ACE
This semi-modular virtual synth plug-in gives you the simplicity of default routings, which let you start creating new sounds immediately, as well as 25 modulation sources and over 30 modulation targets that let you build one-of-a-kind sound sculptures that only you could make. ACE’s rich, analog-sounding filters can use resonance to self oscillate, creating additional audio generators, and its LFOs can go screaming into audio frequencies to be used as additional VCOs. All that plus frequency modulation (FM), oscillator sync, cross modulation, and the ability to wire any output to any input provide a sonic exploration tool that will take your music anywhere you want to go.
2 – BAZILLE
It combines the flexibility of digital oscillators, analog-style filters, and modeled effects, along with an 8 x 16-step morphing sequencer into a modular beast. The four oscillators offer simultaneous FM, phase distortion, and fractal response parameters that go light-years beyond triangle, saw, and square waves. These groundbreaking sounds can then be sculpted with four multimode filters, each with up to six parallel outputs, and sent to four effects processors. Two LFOs, each with three parallel outputs, four ADS(S)R-type envelopes, and control processors featuring inverters, rectifiers, sample and hold, lag generators, and a quantizer provide countless ways to create entirely new sounds, or you can bask in a sea of over 1,700 expertly made presets.
3 – HIVE
Fast and simple. Everything you need is on a single screen, and it’s surprisingly light on your computer’s CPU. Drag-and-drop modulation assignments let you quickly explore any whim, while two oscillators, two sub-oscillators, and two multimode filters provide heavyweight sounds that belie its lightweight computer demands. An arpeggiator, step sequencer, and 12-slot modulation matrix add melodic and rhythmic complexities, which are further enhanced by seven effects that can be arranged into any desired order.
4 – DIVA
All about re-creating the beloved analog dinosaurs of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. DIVA authentically re-creates all of the components of your favorite monophonic and polyphonic synthesizers by being the first native software synth to apply methods from industrial circuit simulators in real time. Sure, it uses lots of CPU, but after trying the 1,200 presets, you’ll hear that it’s worth it.
5 – ZEBRA2
The best choice for composers/keyboardists who need the ultimate workhorse synth. Choose from a generous list of sound-generation methods to create an additive, freehand, or spline-based waveform. Then apply spectral effects, morph between waves, and send them through classic synth filters. You can use that sound as an FM modulator or route it through a comb filter. And all of the modules, signal paths, and effects are true stereo! It’s the ultimate playground for sound design. That’s why there are thousands of presets already online, created by a vibrant user community.
For more information about these powerful sources of inspiration, contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer.
