Sampleson has introduced Tactile, a new software synthesizer for Mac & Windows that lets you play sampled sounds through an X/Y grid interface.

Tactile combines a custom spectral freezing engine with layered granular synths to transform any audio input into a playable ambient surface. The spectral freezer isolates a time slice of the sound and holds it in place, allowing detailed exploration of its frequency content.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

“Tactile is an ambient VST instrument that lets you interact with sound. As you drag your mouse across the grid, each axis controls a different audio source—X for one, Y for the other—transforming static input into rich, evolving textures and immersive soundscapes.

Your trackpad is not just a controller — it’s an ambient instrument. Every touch becomes a gesture of texture and space, translating subtle finger movements into evolving soundscapes. With each swipe, tap, or press, you sculpt drones, atmospheres, and harmonic shifts in real time. It’s intuitive, expressive, and endlessly dynamic — a new way to perform ambient music directly from your fingertips. “

Features:

• Ambient instrument for sound exploration
• Transforms any audio file into a tactile grid
• Spectral freezer and granular engines
• Supports two simultaneous audio files
• Integrated audio recorder
• Drag and drop export to DAW or desktop
• High-resolution UI (Retina & 4K ready)
• Designed for FX design, drones, transitions, and atmospheres

Pricing and Availability:

Tactile is available now, with an intro price of $29 (normally $49).