Max for Cats Debuts Pallas, Semi-Modular, Analog-Modeling Synthesizer


Max for Cats has announced the availability of Pallas, a semi-modular, analog-modeling synthesizer. The synth has been designed to give Ableton users access to “a new palette” of raw and authentic analog sounds. Featuring eight-voice polyphony, this Max for Live device is powered by three oscillators and offers a large and “carefully-crafted” preset library.

Building on the modulation framework included with Bengal, Max for Cats’ semi-modular FM synth, Pallas provides additional opportunities for users to sculpt their sound, including detailed envelope settings, a pair of multimode resonant filters, two LFOs, a ring modulator, and six native audio effects (delay, distortion, reverb, wavefold, frequency shift and chorus). In addition, Pallas includes an eight-step sequencer that can be used as a signal modulator.

Like its predecessor Bengal, the heart of Pallas’ power lies in its semi-modular capabilities. Built around a virtual patch panel, users can create any number of custom signal and modulation chains by stringing together virtual patch cords from square “output” sockets to round “input” sockets. Additionally, the patch panel has been designed to be easy to understand and use, even for those with little-to-no experience with modular synthesis.
Other notable Pallas features include an intuitive, user-friendly interface and a visual control panel (which is switchable between three modes) that allows users to see how their sounds are evolving in real time. Pallas also comes with remote control capabilities, which enables users to control the device’s most essential parameters from any device that is connected to the same network as Pallas, and has access to a web browser.

Pallas Pack Features:

  • Eight-Voice polyphony
  • Three oscillators (two with mixable waveforms and one wavetable oscillator)
  • Two multimode resonant filters
  • Two flexible LFOs
  • Eight-Step sequencer
  • Six native audio effects (including delay, distortion, reverb, wavefold, frequency shift, and chorus)
  • Virtual patch panel
  • Visual control panel
  • Eight Push-ready macros with free patching functionality
  • Web-Based remote control

Pricing and availability. Pallas, a Max for Live device from Max for Cats, is available now for purchase from Ableton.com for €49 / $59US.

Save

Save

Save

10 thoughts on “Max for Cats Debuts Pallas, Semi-Modular, Analog-Modeling Synthesizer

  1. Looks/Sounds nice… if Ableton are smart and considering they just acquired Cycling 74, they would take the patching portion of these MaxforCats synths and use that has a basis for a system of patching within their Live DAW… then just add patch points to existing Ableton Plugins… create some more modulator plugins.. and BAM…. Ableton 10

    My opinion of course

  2. I wish they would have stuck to their Digital and Ensemble path instead of going semi-modular as OSCiLLOT has all those bases covered. We don’t need multiple versions of Bengal.

    1. Yes, it’s been a few years since oscillot has been updated and it seems like it’s being neglected in favor of just releasing “new” items rather than properly maintaining their previous products. It’s too bad, I really like oscillot, it’s a very strong piece of software and hope some more attention is paid to it in the future.

      Ps to the commenter who mentioned that software is a toy compared to eurorack – you are totally clueless.

      1. Oscilot was updated about 4 months ago is still excellent like all max for cats devices… But yes hopeing for oscillot mark 2, and more updates for Bengal!

        I love max for cats I have collected all of there devices and they have changed ableton for me, just brought this and another amazing sounding device. Just toys ha ! Very powerful indeed

        Ps I use encoder studios device in oscillot to send midi information into reaktor blocks and the included hit sequencer in oscillot, into softube modular out into my analogue four and cv from that through realtor into my modest eurorack setup with midi and cv in to my microbrute midi from oscillot out into my old yanahah qy 200 and qy50 with midi also going into my Yamaha dx5
        All midi cv signals being sent out through oscillot…. Toy?

Leave a Reply to Verra Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *