The KVR Developer Challenge 2009 has ended and that means that there are some interesting new freebies available.

There were 42 entries:

• 40 of these are available for Windows;
• 6 for Mac OS X; and
• 1 for Linux.

Highlights include a Moog Model D clone, a bassline synth with built-in effects, a granular synthesizer and a convolution reverb.

Here are links to the new free music plugins:

• amphetamine by easytoolz (by NEK-X)
• Anawave (by Lithium)
• Antopya (by L-Day)
• Armchair Guitarist (by Minouris)
• Barberpole Tuner (by Christian Budde)
• Black Ops (by gpunk)
• dimensional vector spider (by afdarhus)
• Drum Synze (by Longsoft)
• dschlon_nzElektrik (by Michael Benjamin)
• Eigenmode (by eigentone)
• EQUINOX (by IIRs)
• Explor3r (by thelowerrhythm)
• FerricTDS (by bootsie)
• FMMF (by de la Mancha)
• Harsh Digital Nose (by insertpizhere)
• HybridReverb2 (by c.borss)
• In-Kult (by mickygemma)
• JBM Jagular (by jobromedia)
• LISAROCK V1.0(VST/AU) PLUGIN (by seibel1)
• massTURBOtar (by LpD)
• MIDI LFO (by gertius)
• MoarF VSTi (by __F__)
• NCL Phase EQ (by matt42)
• New Blend (by xoxos)
• PanCake (by Jakob / CableGuys)
• Phase Shifter (by Astralp)
• Phonics/Attack Entrancer (by nix808)
• Piezo Drum Pad Pack (by FrettedSynth)
• pk_hui (by discodaniel)
• Prodigious Synthesizer (by synthescience)
• Psychic Modulation – Metatron (by Jack R)
• RA Mowg (by Chris Roberson)
• sg-grainbot (by synthgeek)
• SIMPLICITY (by BONES)
• SpectroBits (by g200kg)
• Stolon (by novaflash)
• SynekDC (by duncanparsons)
• The Marcus Johnson Collection (by sunahura)
• Transistorhead (by sonicase)
• Twin Engined Verb (by daz.diamond)
• unicycle (by spacedad)
• _02.circles (by rl)

Synthtopia regular Torley takes a look at Plogue Chipsounds, with a preview of the standard patches and a few hickups along the way.

Don’t forget to check out Torley’s site sometime, where he’s got 100s of free, gorgeous pieces, including play while answering email & Vangelis meets Ryuichi Sakamoto.

De La Mancha has introduced a new $15 software synth for Windows, Dirty Harry, described as “an unashamedly DIY lofi synth based on the samples of my two homemade, lofi noisemakers, the Atari Punk Console and the BugBrand WOM.”

Description:

dirty harry offers 20 unique waveforms in all their mono/monophonic glory. For extra grit the oscillators can be sync’d or ring modulated. Fidelity can be lowered further still with reduction in sample quality, distortion and a unique ‘bad contact’ emulation. 2 tempo sync LFOs allow modulation of filter, pitch and contact, with one LFO modulating the depth and frequency of the other. There are envelopes for volume, pitch and filter, with different contours and pitch options. Throw in an arpeggiator, pitch drift and portamento and you can see that whilst it may be lofi in sound, it doesn’t lack for sound design feaures.

Features:

• 20 unique waveforms sampled from my homemade lofi synths, the Atari Punk Console and the BugBrand WOM
• 3 oscillators, syncable to osc1 and ring modulatable with each other
• Each osc can be routed to the filter independently
• 2 tempo sync LFOs with many waveforms, can modulate filter cutoff, each osc pitch and the contact depth and wet level
• LFO 2 can modulate the depth and speed of LFO 1
• 2 envelopes for volume, filter or pitch, with various contours and options to modulate up/down
• Tempo sync arpeggiator
• Dodgy contact emulation
• Pitch instability
• Low quality, dirty, lo-fi options
• 89 presets covering Lead, Bass, Arp, Drone, Fx and Basic styles

Plastic Piano is a simple synthesizer — electric piano emulator for Windows.

Description:

It has the characteristic of a plastic sound. Especially good for the lo-fi and cheap-tone music. For the production of the synthesizer was spent more than 150 grams of plasticine. After playing Plastic Piano its strongly recommended to wash your hands with warm water and soap.

Main features:

• 2x oscillators with three wavetypes;
• LP-filter for each oscillator;
• Velocity sensitivity;
• ADSR-envelope;
• Magic button.

If you’ve used Plastic Piano, leave a comment with your thoughts!

via knobstervideo

Suggested synthesizers are only available in VST format for platform Windows only. Versions for other platforms in the near future is foreseen. In connection with the fact that the software is free, it claims to incorrect operation or to any possible consequences of its use can not be accepted. This software is provided as is. Use at your own risk.

This video tutorial demonstrates how to make a trance lead with Genesis CM VST.

via Greeg:

Creating some nice trance leads in Genesis CM is very easy. The video shows how to do it. The best thing about Genesis are Oscillator modes. Each oscillator can have separate mode. For example OSC1 uses Full 22voices mode (quite similar to Unison knob in other synths) which is great for fat, detuned sounds. The OSC2 uses Quad Mode which is used for thin, bright sounds. By mixing OSC1 & OSC2 you can create sound that is fat, detuned but at the same time, pretty bright.

More info and whole Genesis CM sound bank you’ll find at vst-cafe.blogspot.com

This is video overview and review of Native Instruments FM8 synthesizer, with a small side of sales pitch for some FM8 presets.

via thepluginguru:

John “Skippy” Lehmkuhl introduces Native Instruments FM8 – an FM based synthesizer.

This is Part 1 which covers an overview and power tips for optimizing the Browser to be more useful.

Part 2 is to come.

The video above, via morimadoka, demos Propellerhead’s ReBirth – a free vintage virtual instrument.

ReBirth RB-338 is a software synthesizer for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS 8-9. It was developed by Propellerhead Software, and its first alpha version (for Mac OS) was publicly released in December 1996. Propellerhead Software ceased developing the program in January 1999.

Support was officially discontinued in September 2005. Shortly afterwards, the ReBirth Museum Web site was launched and the last version’s (2.0.1) disk image was made available as a free download.

ReBirth emulates two Roland TB-303 synthesizers, a Roland TR-808, and a Roland TR-909 drum machine all at once.

Each of the emulated devices has its own pattern selector, a feature the original devices are lacking. This allows fast switches between different musical sequences. ReBirth also features mixers, a pattern controlled filter (PCF) and some of the standard effects in software synthesizers like delay, compressor and distortion.

The virtual knobs and controls can be assigned to physical counterparts via MIDI, so knobs, modulation wheels, faders and other performance controls available on keyboards and modules can be used to shape the software sound.

If you’ve used ReBirth, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Resources:

• ReBirth Museum
• Propellerhead Software
• Wikipedia entry for ReBirth

via morimadoka:

RB-338 DEMO2009 02 25

Rudess Meets Bebot

This is a very nice demo of Bebot – an unusual software synthesizer for the iPhone, by Jordan Rudess.

via rlainhart:

Jordan Rudess demonstrates and performs with Bebot, a new multi-touch performance synthesizer for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch.

This is part 1 of an overview of IK Multimedia Sonik Synth 2.

Part 2 here.

via Stagehandspace:

This is part 2 of an overview of IK Multimedia Sonik Synth 2.

Part 1 here.

via Stagehandspace:

Lithium Sound has released Silver Bass, a free software bass synthesizer for Windows PC.

Description:

Silver Bass is a simple analog style synth for making Drum&Bass, Hardcore, and Dub basslines but is also useful for making classic rave stabs.

Features:

• 2 oscillators (sine, saw, square, tri, noise).
• ADSR Amp envelope.
• ADSR Filter envelope.
• LFO Fliter control.
• 8 presets.

via Rekkerd

Native Instruments REAKTOR SPARK is a KORE Soundpack based on the new Spark performance synthesizer designed by NI founder and REAKTOR mastermind Stephan Schmitt. 

Spark was designed by Stephan Schmitt as a personal project over the course of three years, with the goal to create a synthesizer with a highly energetic sound character and maximum potential for real-time expression.

According to Schmitt:

The structure of Spark reflects my personal preferences in regards of synthesizers. Instead of creating a full-blown mega/multi-purpose synth, I try to keep it as small as possible and with a special character.

A main goal is to allow dramatic real-time influence on the sound source. The synth itself offers only a few simple automatic movements (2 envelopes and 1 monophonic LFO). Like a natural instrument, it needs to be played expressively and therefore stays a challenge for the player and the sequencer programmer.

Create Digital Music has an interesting look at the ideas behind NI’s Spark.

REAKTOR SPARK is available for download purchase in the NI Online Shop for a suggested retail price of $59 / 49 EUR.

Spark combines powerful subtractive synthesis with a sophisticated array of internal feedback loops and various other special sound shaping features. This allows its distinctive sonic output to cut through any musical arrangement with vivid, animated and organic tones, which are especially gratifying when played live with a keyboard and a set of real-time parameter controls.

The REAKTOR SPARK sound pack built around Spark makes this powerful synthesizer conveniently accessible for users of KORE 2 and the free KORE PLAYER, providing 200 versatile presets as well as intuitive sound tweaking options through the unified KORE interface. Owners of REAKTOR have access to the full set of Spark’s parameter and control elements, and can also explore and modify the complete signal flow structure of this extraordinary instrument.

Very Cool Software’s iStylophone (App Store link) is a new $5.99 virtual instrument for the iPhone that’s designed to be is a faithful reproduction of the original Stylophone electronic musical instrument.

It may be very cool software – but it would be even cooler if Iconic Apps hadn’t already introduced a $ .99 virtual Stylophone for the iPhone, RetroSynth (App Store link).

The Stylophone’s unique sound has featured on numerous hit records, by a diverse range of artists including: David Bowie, Brett Domino, Erasure, Hexstatic, Kraftwerk, Marilyn Manson, Orbital, Pulp, The Raconteurs and They Might Be Giants.

This is a video demo of the Use Audio Plugiator tabletop synth.

The Plugiator is a hardware module for running software synths, and is available as a dedicated box or as a card for CME Keyboard Controllers.

The V-Machine is a compact VST/VSTi hardware playback module designed to take plug-ins on the road or into the studio and access them directly without a computer.

Multiple plug-ins can be loaded into bank/preset memories of the V-Machine for immediate access and combined into chains, splits, and layer. Full external MIDI controller support allows users access to available loaded plug-in parameter controls such as virtual dials, switches, and faders.

Audio is handled by stereo inputs and outputs and a headphone output with dedicated volume control. Three USB connections handle computer transfers of VST applications, streaming of sample content from external hard drives, connection of USB controllers, and copy protection dongles. A MIDI-in jack is also included for the connection of standard MIDI controllers.

V-Machine is available now with an MSRP of $599.

Details:

V-Machine ships with control configuration software (downloadable from their web site from 21st November, 2008), which is compatible with Windows and Mac OS X, as well as IK Multimedia’s Sample Tank SE and a set of sound samples. Users can load up their favorite VST/VSTi plug-ins on their computer for auditioning, sound-set creation, and bank/preset memory assignment prior to transferring to the V-Machine for stand-alone use. Transferring (Windows) VST plug-ins to the V-Machine via USB transfer takes care of all required user data and program memories. Once in the main unit, users have instant access to all instrument and effects for the stage or studio with great audio performance, hardware stability, ease of operation, and portability.

Features:

• External hardware host for Windows plug-ins (VST instruments and effects).
• Banks, presets (incl. chaining, layering, splitting) can be edited with the V-Machine or the host software.
• Create synth layers and chain them with effects.
• Connect nearly every MIDI-Controller to the V-Machine.
• Multiple VSTis can be combined.
• MIDI learn functions included.
• All effect and synth chains can be switched latency free.
• USB-Ports for external peripherals.
• Use software samplers and stream its content from any USB drive.
• Sensor to adjust the display’s contrast automatically.

Technical specifications:

• 1 Ghz CPU.
• 1G IDE flash disk.
• 512 MB RAM.
• HD audio codec.

Connections:

• Audio Line Out (2x TS 6.35mm): Line level -10dB.
• 1 x MIDI In (5-pin female DIN).
• 1 audio input (1x mini jack 3.5mm stereo).
• 1 x USB Type-B (Slave) : USB-MIDI Class Compliant.
• Headphone out (3.5mm stereo).
• Kensington style lock aperture.
• 2 x USB Type-A (Host) compatible with USB-MIDI and USB Mass Storage Class compliant devices.
• DC IN : 12V Regulated.

GearWire’s Bill Holland demos Native Instruments’ Virtual Jarre: Reaktor Equinox.

This video captures RubixsQube’s impressions of the Korg DS10-Synth.

via RubixsQube:

I play some techno-style music from my Nintendo DS.

Also, I stick my tongue out when I think that nobody can see my stupid face.

Image Line Software, creators of Fruity Loops and Deckadance, has released its latest synthesizer, Ogun.

Named after the god of iron*, Ogun is a powerful synthesizer for creating metallic sounds, although it’s not limited to this genre. Ogun’s synthesis engine can generate more than 32,000 harmonics, modulated by ‘harmonic mapping’ functions.

The ‘Additive synthesis’ engine that lies is in the heart of Ogun creates complex waveforms by combining sine-waves of harmonic multiples of the fundamental frequency and generates 32,767 harmonics.

Audio demos of Ogun are available at the Image Line site.

The Timbre section shapes the harmonic spectrum and controls change the weighting, or probability, that each harmonic in the spectra will sound.

One of the easiest ways to create new and complex timbres in Ogun is to use the resynthesis functions. Ogun can analyze an input sound and automatically recreate the timbral essence of the sound. Ogun can create unique harmonic mappings based on the start and on the end of the sample. By morphing between these harmonic mappings the original harmonic motion is reproduced.

Expressive performance is captured with the X-Y modulation window, freely assignable (to target synthesis parameters in Ogun) and can be quickly linked to any external controller.

Ogun comes with several effects: EQ, Chorus, Delay, Reverb, Filter, Unison.

Key features:

• A massive additive synthesis engine (up to 32,767 harmonics)
• Realistic metallic timbres through harmonic randomization or timbre analysis (resynthesis)
• Fast, precise tonal shaping through multipoint envelopes (of Sytrus fame)
• Advanced Unison engine
• XY modulation pad for live expressive control
• Effects: Filter, Chorus, Delay, Reverb and EQ
• Space-saving GUI

Ogun is a Windows VSTi. A FL Studio plugin version is in the works. Ogun is available at the Image Line Software web shop for US $ 79. A fully functional demo is available.

*In Haitian Vodou and Yoruba mythology, Ogun is a god and orisha who presides over fire, iron, politics, hunting and war.

Total Workstation 2 bundle offers 5 of IK’s highly acclaimed virtual instrument and workstation plug-ins in one box (SampleTank 2.5 XL, Miroslav Philharmonik, Sonik Synth 2, SampleMoog and SampleTron), offering 14,000 sounds and 28 GB of samples available in one package.

Total Studio 2 bundle offers a collection of 12 plug-ins, including the 5 virtual instruments of the Total Workstation 2 bundle, plus 7 essential effects plug-in suites (AmpliTube 2, Ampeg SVX, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, AmpliTube Metal, AmpliTube X-GEAR, T-RackS and Classik Studio Reverb) covering every guitar, bass, mixing and mastering need with over 160 accurately modeled effects in one package.

In addition, the Total Workstation 2 and Total Studio 2 bundles include “Artist Signature Presets” by renowned players and producers from all genres: Dark Child- Rodney Jerkins, Ken Lewis, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Bernie Worrell, Wolfgang Gartner, Scratch-D of Dynamix II, DJ George Acosta, Carmen Rizzo, LVM of the Nasty Beat Makers, MTV’s Jamie Laboz, Happy Perez, Lenny Dee and more to come as additional free downloads.

Here are the detailed descriptions from IK: