Cyberspace, October 17, 2000 -- Rhizomatic has made available for download, Absynth, a real-time midi-controlled software synthesizer for Power Macintosh computers. Absynth's combination of unique features with an expressive and easy to use interface make it a contender amongst softsynth choices.

Absynth's patch editor (click image)

Patch
A flexible and simple patching scheme allows you to combine multiple synthesis techniques, including filtering, fm, am, ring modulation, waveshaping and more. Patches that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with other softsynths are just one click away. Six oscillators, four filters, three ring modulators, a waveshaper (distortion) and a delay processor combine to make Absynth one of the most powerful synthesis workstations available in either hardware or software.

Waveforms
Absynth's waveform editor allows you to freely model your own waveforms which can be used by oscillators, LFO's and as waveshaping distortion functions. Draw waves directly or use the spectrum mode to trim individual harmonics. Mix, modulate, filter or fractalize (pictured at right) waves. Best of all, you hear the results continuously while you edit. Waveforms become an expressive parameter that adds new depth to classic synthesis techniques like fm and ring modulation.

Absynth's envelope editor (click image)

Envelopes
Absynth gives you up to 68 breakpoints per envelope. Envelopes have four modes, including loop and retrigger for creating cyclic rhythms and never repeating ambient textures. The editor window displays multiple envelopes simultaneously, which means you can precisely sychronize the evolution of the different layers of your sound in time.

Effects
Modulated delay effects are an integral part of the patch. Delays can be modulated by the 3 LFOs and MIDI controller input just like Absynth's other modules. Delay times can be as short as one sample and as long as 10 seconds; imagine controlling that with your mod wheel! Six parallel delay lines modulated by the best LFOs around amount to stunning flanger effects.

LFOs
There are 3 LFOs, each modulating pitch, amplitude, filter, fm depth, pan and delay time. Sample and Hold turns the waveform into a discrete step function, a classic effect with modular analog synths. Best of all, waveforms can be shaped directly in the Waveform editor, making Absynth's LFOs the most versatile of any soft synth.

Absynth's notemaps modify a parameter's value according to the note being played (click image)

MIDI
Absynth is designed for maximum expressive control. Parameters can be modulated by MIDI continuous controllers, aftertouch, velocity and note number. Continuous controller input can be smoothed with a lag control, making wide ranges possible (+-6 octaves for pitch bend!). Notes can control parameters through note scale maps (pictured at right), where each parameter can have a different value for every note.

And..
Sound output can be recorded as an AIFF file. The Record window includes a unique overdub mode that lets you layer sound on top of what you've already recorded. If you don't have a midi controller handy, you can still play Absynth with the virtual keyboard and control sliders.

Source: Rhizomatic
Web: www.absynth.com