sonicLAB has introduced Protean, a new software synth and audiovisual instrument for macOS & Windows that uses fluid dynamics and particle forces/interactions to render and organize hundreds of sine waves.
Protean creates an immersive experience where particle interactions within a non-gravitational fluid simulation generate evolving soundscapes. As particles flow, coalesce, and interact, they trigger sound synthesis events; and these relevant particle forces/interactions render and organize hundreds of sine waves.
Here’s the official playlist of Protean demo videos:
Pricing and Availability:
Protean is available now for 89 EUR through May 31st, 2025 (normally 139 EUR).
This video isn’t really selling the sounds.
So where is the piano patch?
I suppose in some ways, the real test of a synthesis method is whether it stands on its own, when bone dry (sans reverb). That’s not a very fair ask, as many synths would not pass that test. But for me, it helps me know what the synth is bringing to the table. When I hear dry recordings of dry acoustic instruments there’s enough there to make it inviting.
This might pass that test, but the demo was sopping wet.
and without the visuals I would add. It seems to me that some of the things mentioned here are not perceived that way aurally.
Wondering if I could pee in it. It is a fluid 😉
Yes