DSP Bricks has released the Optigan Plugin, a software recreation of the unusual optical organ introduced in 1971.

Rather than generating sounds electronically, the original Optigan played looped recordings of instruments and accompaniment patterns encoded on interchangeable optical Program Discs.

The plugin reproduces this playback concept, including the original instrument’s relationship between playback speed and pitch. It includes all 40 original Program Discs and three unofficial Prototype Discs, alongside additional controls for tempo synchronization and independent pitch adjustment.

Features:

• Optical Playback: The plugin recreates the original Optigan’s optical playback system, using recorded instrument sounds and accompaniment material rather than conventional oscillator-based synthesis.
• Program Disc Library: The instrument includes all 40 original Program Discs and three unofficial Prototype Discs, covering melodic instruments, chordal accompaniment, rhythm patterns, and special-effect sounds.
• Original Pitch and Speed Behavior: The plugin reproduces the original mechanism in which changing playback speed also changes pitch. Faster playback raises pitch, while slower playback lowers it.
• Flex Mode: A new Flex Mode allows pitch and playback speed to be adjusted independently, expanding the original instrument’s capabilities for contemporary sound design.
• DAW Tempo Synchronization: Playback can synchronize with a digital audio workstation’s tempo, making the Optigan’s loops and accompaniment patterns easier to incorporate into modern arrangements.
• Spring Reverb: The plugin includes an emulation of the original keyboard section’s spring reverb, recreating an important part of the instrument’s signal path.
• Chord Detection: Multiple chord-detection options allow users to control the Optigan’s accompaniment section from played notes, simplifying performance from a MIDI keyboard or other supported input.
• Reverse Playback: Program Discs can be loaded upside down in the virtual instrument, reproducing a quirk of the original hardware that reverses playback and creates backwards sounds.
• Performance Controls: The instrument can be played using a MIDI keyboard, the computer keyboard, a mouse, or a touchpad.
• Scalable Interface: The plugin interface can be resized from 50% to 200%, accommodating different display sizes and studio configurations.
• Plugin and Standalone Formats: DSP Bricks Optigan is available as a standalone application and in AU, VST3, and AAX formats, supporting integration with compatible recording and production software.

Pricing & Availability:

DSP Bricks Optigan is available now for €49 through the manufacturer’s website. The software supports macOS and Windows, with native Apple Silicon support. Available formats include AU, VST3, AAX, and standalone.