Absynth

Absynth is a software synthesizer of the Berlin-based company Native Instruments. Its concept is based on an original, digital sound generation and thus differs from such software synthesizers that emulate the classic analog synthesizer in its functioning and sound aesthetics. Accordingly, the sound generation parameters are in addition not only graphical editors and - as usual with emulations - manipulated over a field of virtual controller. In the conventional sound synthesis process are combined ( such as the subtractive synthesis) using advanced techniques (such as frequency modulation, granular and sampling) in order to produce complex tones ( see also Computer Music ).

Absynth can be used as stand- alone application of MIDI instruments (such as keyboards), or as are driven plug- in DAW applications such as Sonar (software), Logic or Cubase.

Design and technical features

Halbmodularität

The basic concept of Absynth is based on a three-channel structure of the sound production. Each of these three channels in turn has three modules ( see also Modular Synthesizer ):

  • Sound synthesis: synthesis of individual mode for each channel ( inter alia Subtractive synthesis, frequency modulation (FM ), Ring modulation, sampling, granular synthesis and audio input)
  • Filter: 14 different filter types
  • Modulation: Ring or frequency modulation to change the sound.

The parameters of sound generation, filtering and modulation can be controlled with Absynth about waveforms, envelopes, LFOs and MIDI controller. Waveforms and envelopes can be edited by the user. The three channels are mixed together with individual volume and pan settings in a master channel.

Graphical interface

Compared to conventional hardware synthesizers, where each made ​​by the player settings the sound parameters can often be displayed only on indicator lights or small displays, provide software synthesizer, the ability to visualize a variety of such settings via a graphical user interface on the PC monitor. Absynth uses this advantage in the following ways:

  • Patch window: On a graphical patch field, the channels and the individual modules can be switched on and off.
  • Waveform Editor: All waveforms are generated by oscillators, modulators or LFOs can be designed by the user in a graphical editor and transformed or manipulated across the frequency spectrum.
  • Envelope Editor: envelopes can be created in a 68 -step editor and transformed using graphical tools.

History

Absynth was originally developed by Brian Clevinger for the Mac Os platform and sold by the Paris firm rhizomatic software since October 2000 as an Internet download. This first version already has the essential characteristics that to date, the design of Absynth characterize ( semi- modular design, various sound synthesis modes, graphical patch box, the Waveform Editor, envelope editor, a 64-voice polyphony, MIDI control ). Clevinger joined in 2001 with Native Instruments together and is still chief developer of the software.

Absinthe Analogsignal Timbre Electronic keyboard Digital Audio Workstation Cakewalk Sonar Logic Pro Steinberg Cubase Low-frequency oscillation Polyphony and monophony in instruments
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