Audio Damage has introduced Sandbender, a four-operator FM synthesizer that combines frequency modulation with wave shaping, wavefolding, filtering, and low-pass gate processing.

]The instrument takes a different approach to conventional FM synthesizers, adding sound-design and performance features alongside its operator-based synthesis engine.

Sandbender includes ten factory FM algorithms and an algorithm designer that allows users to draw their own operator routings. Each operator can function as both a sound source and a modulator, with tuning options that include harmonic ratios, free ratios, and fixed frequencies.

Beyond the conventional FM architecture, each operator has an independent waveshaper, while additional processing includes a wavefolder, sub oscillator, six noise types, and a stereo filter section. The synthesizer also includes a modeled low-pass gate, offering an alternative to conventional VCA-based amplitude control.

Features:

• Four-operator FM synthesis with ten factory algorithms and a customizable algorithm designer.
• Independent operator tuning using harmonic ratios, free ratios, or fixed frequencies.
• Operator controls include Xmod, Regen, Detune, Spread, and a frequency range from 32′ to 2′.
• Individual operator waveshaping that morphs between triangle, sine, and pulse waveforms.
• Wavefolder with symmetric, asymmetric, and soft-clipping modes.
• Sub oscillator with selectable octave divisions and independent waveshaping.
• Six noise types: White, Pink, Velvet, Digital, Crackle, and Metal, with additional Color and stereo Width controls.
• Eleven filter types based on state-variable, ladder, diode, and Sallen-Key designs, with low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass configurations.
• Selectable VCA and modeled low-pass gate operation, with the low-pass gate linking brightness and amplitude response.
• Two ADSR envelopes per voice, with adjustable attack and fall curves.
• Two LFOs with host-tempo synchronization, delay, and per-note retriggering.
• Two function generators that can operate as triggered envelopes, cycling LFOs, or modulation processors.
• Sixteen-step sequencer with forward, reverse, pendulum, and random playback modes.
• Drag-and-drop modulation routing, allowing modulation sources to be assigned directly to synthesizer controls.
• Four assignable macro controls for managing multiple parameters and host automation.
• GENETICS preset generator that creates variations of existing sounds using a family-tree interface.
• PERFORM interface with two assignable performance nodes and a gesture recorder for capturing movements in loops of one to eight bars.
• Six integrated effects, including Evil Otto multiband compression, Dubstation delay, ADverb, Quatromod, Kombinat, and Phasetwo.
• Reorderable effects chain with individual mix controls.
• Full MPE support and MTS-ESP microtuning.
• Eight-voice polyphony, with polyphonic, monophonic, and retriggered monophonic modes.
• Portamento, output limiting, and selectable 1x to 8x oversampling.
• More than 260 factory presets organized into nine categories.

Pricing & Availability:

Audio Damage Sandbender is available for macOS, Windows, Linux, and iOS for $99 USD.