Here’s another sneak preview of the 2012 NAMM Show, FXpansion Tremor – Synthetic Drum Machine. Here’s what FXpansion has to say about Tremor:
FXpansion is proud to present Tremor: a software drum machine with powerful synthesis, effects, modulation and step-sequencing. DCAM circuit-modelled sound generation is fused with new ideas to produce original sounds with the punch and extreme sound pressure of old-school analogue. Tremor’s dance drums, funky beatscapes, abstract machines and undiscovered sonic terrain are suited to all kinds of electronic, urban and experimental music.
Central to each of Tremor’s 8 synthesis engines is a specialized DCAM oscillator with harmonic partials akin to a drumskin’s modes of vibration. Mixed with a sub-oscillator and tuned noise source, the signal is sculpted by modelled drive/filter/FX sections and razor-sharp envelopes. Tremor’s diverse output includes classic kicks, snares and claps, organic hats and body-shaking subs alongside futuristic zaps, scrapes, textures and sounds that defy classification.
The TransMod modulation system in Tremor is easier and deeper than a mod-matrix. It offers new sound design possibilities and lets you animate sounds with LFOs, step-automation sequences and real-time macro controls while the synthesis engine reacts just like real analogue circuits. Tremor’s sonic potential is showcased in the included suite of presets by a team of elite sound designers.
Tremor is available now as a download-only product from the FXpansion web shop.
Pricing is USD $149.00, EUR €119.00, GBP £99.00 inc VAT where applicable
Special Offer: Tremor is USD $99, EUR €79, GBP £69 inc VAT for all registered owners of Geist or DCAM: Synth Squad (and customers purchasing Tremor at the same time as Geist or DCAM: Synth Squad) until 9 Feb 2012.
via FXpansion, via Aymat
I wonder if DCAM is actually just a marketing term while the technology used is something well-documented from some guy’s PhD thesis or other. There’s a couple of very good resources on circuit modelling for synthesis and filtering out there and I’d take a bet they use some of it because completely reinventing the wheel is just hard or sometimes (physically or mathematically) impossible.
even though completely re-inventing the wheel is, as you say, quite hard or even impossible, and from a review i saw on youtube this morning, Tremor doesn’t re-invent it.
but i’d say it improves the notion of the synth drum machine. and it sounds effin’ awesome! i’m a drum synthesis nut and i can’t wait to try it and see if it is really as good as it seems