KV331 Audio has introduced SynthMaster, a new semi-modular software synthesizer and multi-FX plug-in for Windows. A free version is available that has limited polyphony.

As a software synthesizer, SynthMaster combines many different synthesis methods such as additive synthesis, subtractive synthesis, ring modulation, amplitude modulation, frequency / phase modulation, pulse width modulation, osc sync and waveshaping. As a multi-fx plug-in, it features 8 band parametric EQ/filterbank, 16 band Vocoder, Stereo Tremolo, Stereo Chorus, Stereo Delay and Stereo Reverb.

Features:

• 64 voice polyphony
• 3 Additive Oscillators per voice: Each multi-waveform oscillator has its own volume / frequency (pitch) envelope
• 3 Multi-mode Stereo Filters per voice: Each filter has 23 different filter types and 18 different distortion types. Filters can be connected in three different configurations: Series, parallel and split
• 4 Modulators per voice: The modulators can be used as LFOs (low frequency oscillators) or audio rate oscillators to modulate other modulators, multi-mode filters or the additive oscillators. Each modulator has its own envelope
• 2 MIDI LFOs: These 2 LFOs are used to generate MIDI CC (control change) messages to modulate plug-in parameters. Since each controller can be linked to multiple plug-in parameters, it is possible to modulate all of those parameters at the same time using the MIDI LFOs
• 2 32 step Patterns: The patterns could be used as waveforms for modulators or MIDI LFOs. Since the number of steps is user adjustable, it is possible to generate patterns in rhythms other than 4/4 such as 9/8, 7/8, etc.
• 16 Step Arpeggiator: Every step has its own volume, length and delta. The number of steps is user adjustable, so it is possible to generate arpeggios in rhythms other than 4/4, such as 9/8, 7/8, 5/8, etc.
• 8 Band parametric EQ/Filterbank: The EQ could be constructed in different combinations such as parallel, series, or input + series. Each band in the EQ could be bypassed, which makes it possible to construct a very flexible parametric EQ
• Stereo Echo / Delay: The echo effect has feedback and filter cutoff parameters, and its delay size is tempo synced
• 16 Band Vocoder: The vocoder uses analog modeled bandpass filters. Either the synth output or the audio input can be used as carrier/modulator signal for the vocoder
• Stereo Chorus / Flanger: The chorus effect in SynthMaster has separate delay and rate controls for the left and right outputs, which widens the stereo width of the effect output
• Stereo Reverb: The reverb effect in SynthMaster is based on physical modeling. You can specify physical parameters such as the room size, the distance of the left & right sound sources, and the width between the sound sources
• Microtuning: Each plug-in instance can have its own custom tuning specified
• MIDI Links: Plug-in parameters can be easily linked to MIDI controllers. Each plug-in instance has its own parameter-controller link settings
• “Partial” Presets: Plug-in parameters for various parts of SynthMaster can be saved independently, which makes it very easy to create complex presets by combining different “partial” presets

SynthMaster has two versions: The free version, and the standard version. The free version SynthMaster FREE! is identical to the standard version except the following limitations:

• 5 voice polyphony per plug-in
• 2 plug-in instances per project
• 10 bit audio input resolution (for the VST/RTAS/standalone versions)

SynthMaster FREE! is available for download at www.kv331audio.com/downloads.aspx.

The stardard version of SynthMaster will be on sale for $99 on KV331 Audio web site around mid-December.