D16 Group has released LuSH-101, a new software synth for Mac & Windows that’s described as ‘8 synths in 1’.
Here’s what they have to say about LuSH-101:
The multilayer architecture guarantees that both the sound design possibilities and number of unique situations in which LuSH-101 can be used are virtually limitless. Layered sounds can be created simply by assigning the layers to the same MIDI channel; the results can sound as massive as anything imaginable!
Assigning the layers to different keyboard zones allows you to create even the most sophisticated splits. Of course, you can always assign the various layers to different MIDI channels for 8-part multitimbral usage. And, virtually any combination of splits, layers, and multitimbrality is possible with just a single instance of LuSH.
With each layer working as an independent synthesizer with its own polyphony, parameters, enhanced arpeggiator, and a palette of only the finest insert effects, LuSH-101 can push your creativity to unprecedented levels!
Here are some LuSH-101 sound examples:
Features:
- Multilayer architecture with 8 independent Layers (per-layer properties)
- Up to 32 voices of polyphony
- MIDI channel
- Keyboard zone
- Audio output
- Synthesis
- Oscillators (Saw, PWM, Noise), with Supersaw and HardSync options
- Sub Oscillator (5 waveforms)
- Self-oscillating, high-quality, multimode filter
- Passive high-pass filter
- Up to 8 voice unison with Tune, Cutoff and Panorama spread
- 2 LFOs with optional tempo synchronization and re-triggering modes (Trig, Gate, Arpe, None)
- 2 envelopes with re-triggering modes (Trig, Gate, LFO1, LFO2)
- Insert effect (selectable algorithms):
- Chorus
- String Ensemble
- Phaser
- Flanger
- Distortion
- Vowel filter
- Decimator
- Tremolo
- Modulation Matrix (modulation sources):
- Note velocity
- Pitch bend
- Modulation wheel
- Expression pedal
- Sustain pedal
- Keyboard’s aftertouch
- Note pitch
- Arpeggiator’s output
- Arpeggiator
- Step sequencer (Gate and Tie per step)
- 6 Run modes (Up, Down, Up and Down, Down and Up, Random, Manual)
- Chord mode (Gater)
- 3 Hold modes (Normal, Toggle, Trigger)
- Shuffle
- Tempo multiplier (Full notes, Dotted notes, Triplets)
- Mixer
- Parametric EQs (1 per channel strip)
- Compressors (1 per channel strip)
- Up to 11 freely-assignable stereo output busses per instance
- Send FX’s (Reverb, Chorus, Delay with tempo sync)
- Presets
- Over 1700 factory presets
- 5 preset categories (whole synth, single layer, Arpeggiator, Reverb, Delay)
- Advanced, file-based preset browser
- Miscellaneous
- Advanced MIDI learn
- Parameter mapping for VST / AU automation
Here’s a quick intro to LuSH-101:
LuSH-101 is available now for Mac & WIndows for $199 USD/149 EUR/£119 GBP. A demo version is also available.
If you’ve used LuSH-101, let us know what you think of it!
Someone please tell him an introductory price is good practice
It’s a beautiful sounding synth.
Some may not like the layer based sound creation, but I think it’s pretty effective. Somehow it forces you to really concentrate on each part of the sound you’re creating, which in my case instantly resulted in more nuanced sounds that I’ve been used to making. Although in all honesty that may be the result of polytimbrality as well.
Don’t know. I’m just going to enjoy this brilliant new creative tool I’ve been given and make some vibrant electronic music with it.
I like the decimator effect on this synth !
If you really like software synths ,this is a good one I think.
But like all good software synths the price is always a little more than it should be.
Also the hp filter section is cool .
It’s worth to explore this synth!
I like the GUI and it feel good to work with sliders and the screen is big enough (not like arturia software synths)
D16 do make very high quality plugins, but I would rather trade those 8 layers for better quality oscillators and filters knowing that CPU cycles are being used on quality rather than quantity.
Yes,I just went nuts on this synth and my cpu meter went with me.
Very nice.
Now, make it in hardware.
Just imagine…..
Considering the depth of the thing, I do not see $200 as too high. Channel strips are usually seen in DAWs, not on synths, per voice. Just that and the wide effects range take it well above the usual. The browser is also very sensible and pro. In the end, it depends on the user’s judgement and willingness to add another piece to their kit, but as a more ‘pure’ synth using standard waves rather than a sample set, its still a nice little chunk of wow. If Roland had released this as hardware, synth people would be in iPhone-like lines for it. The old joke about things being “on steroids” really applies here. Its an SH-101 turned into a JP-6 and then some. WIN.
Someone should compare this to free U-He Tyrell Nexus II ))
That’s totally what I thought it was when I first saw the screen cap!
ReFx Vanguard sounds just as good if not better for much les$…
How can you compare a romplayer like ReFx Vanguard to a REAL SYNTH like LuSH101 ?
SYNTHESIS !!!!! Do you know the difference ???
Depends on the romplayer.
reFX Vanguard is actually a synth, not a ROMpler. NEXUS is the ROMpler.
I can see the benefit for complex sound design with the layers but really these days most of us have machines that can happily run many instances of a soft-synth at the same time in our DAW. It’s pretty easy to make layered sounds using a number of tracks all being triggered at the same time. I have a few synths that layer two sounds and that can definitely be quite handy, DCAM Synth Squad gets it up to 3 using Fusor and Waldorf Largo up to 4. I enjoy complex sound design but I seldom feel the need for 4 layers of sound within the same patch let alone 8 although the implementation of the layering looks very nicely done in Lush101 and it does sound very nice.
I have to agree with John S, I’d trade the layering for top quality oscillator and filter modeling and a more reasonable price. But then I already own Diva.
I think this synth has one of the most beautiful G.U.I’s ive ever seen…. I love the look of this synth I really do… But besides the layering system (which is very cool also) I don’t really see what this synth can do out of the ordinary… It’s sound (while quality) does not match the toll its taking on my cpu… Now I know my computer isnt exaclty cutting edge but it can run DIVA smoother than this and I think that we can all agree that DIVAS sound quality can speak for itself… Now this is just my opinion, I certainly respect everyone elses. But this synth in my opinion is good but nothing special and def. not worth $200..
Same old, but not…..
Nice sound, but the interface is pretty bad. The sliders and text are way too small for instance. Who needs that huge keyboard? I already have one on my desk.
Also love the Gui, they went totally overboard with features, yet kept a coherent look.
now can somebody please tip off Roland to make us a hardware version of this badboy. And no, not in
Jupiter 80 way, but with with analog oscilators and filters please.
What about Roland’s GAIA? That’s got everything you’re asking for.
Very nice, warm, blade, clear and analog sounding! it has dethroned my Diva!