Reader Tim Aviss let us know that he’s released a synth for Windows, Dominator, that uses a new type of synthesis to create wavetables, Multi-Cycle Wave analysing synthesis:
The Oscillator can analyse and draw in the first 512 points of any waveform in a 16-bit 44.1Khz WAV file no matter how complex. The user can then save the freshly analysed waveform as a Hexadecimal file, and load it back into the oscillator in “HEX Mode”. There the user can modify the waveform using a draw tool and save it as a preset.
Here’s a demo video that intros Dominator:
Here are details specifications for Dominator:
Oscillator modules:
2x Main oscillators employing Multi-cycle Wave Analysing Synthesis (including 52 pre-analysed wavetables saved in HEX format ranging from simple to complex)
Each containing:
- A Graphical ADSR Envelope for maximum precision
- A Detune module incorporating Fine tuning, Semitone, and tone shifting.
- High precision Pitch-bend with an Octave range.
- Mix level
2x Sub Oscillators (Sine, Sawtooth, Triangle, and square waveforms) making use of Frequency Dissonance
Dominator Module:
- High Quality overdrive distortion including:
- Space Type
- Feedback
- Bi-quad
- Inversely proportional Bitcrusher section with:
- Sample rate
- Bit Depth
LFO Module:
- Saw, Sine, pulse, and random waveform presets.
- Custom waveform that can be drawn in and saved.
- The Smooth tool controls the path of the signal through the LFO.
- OSC Phase control
- OSC Filter Cut-off control
- Automatic DAW tempo Sync
- Speeds: 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128
Arpeggiator/Sequencer:
- Step based Arp which can double as a sequencer
- Automatic DAW tempo Sync
- Speeds: 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128
2X Multi-mode Filters (dedicated to each OSC):
- Types: LPF, HPF, BPF, BRF, PF
- Cutoff
- Resonance
- Q
- ADSR controls for each filter
High Quality Sampler (independent from the main OSC’s):
- Supports 44.1Khz, 16-bit WAV files
- Pitch follow function (subjective to the samples original pitch)
- Mix level
Stereo Chorus Module:
- Rate
- Depth
- Pre-delay
- Mix Level
Customizable Digital Reverb Module:
- Room size
- Dampening
- Stereo Width
- Mix Level
Flanger/Feedback Module:
- Rate
- Depth
- Pre-Delay
- Feedback
- Mix Level
Stereo Delay:
- Delay amount
- Feedback
- Mix Level
User customizable Preset Manager:
- Load, Save individual presets or whole expansion packs.
- Includes 135 factory installed presets
- Presets marked with a “(FD)” after their name make use of Frequency Dissonance.
Other features:
- Dual Oscilloscopes for each Channel (L/R)
- Single voice mode with Portamento (variable time controls)
- 32 voice polyphony mode
- Main output level
Dominator is available for £60. A demo is available.
I gotta try this
Only if you have Windows.
Not a problem, as 91.26% of computers runs Windows as opposed to 7.18% running OSX, but anyway I have both OSes at home.
Also there are a few solutions to wrap a VST inside OSX, but its not that easy.
Looks like I offended some insecure people
http://www.netmarketshare.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qprid=10&qpcustomd=0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usage_share_of_operating_systems
?
Looks like nobody bit on the troll-bait.
You might need better bait!
You watch to much internets and now you see troll-baits everywhere, I was just responding to the comment “Only if you have Windows”.
And suggesting that people are insecure, in response to nothing, while you respond to your own comment with links to charts to support your own statements – that’s keepin’ it classy!
“in response to nothing”
No, in response to the people downvoting my comment without ever saying why. If those people weren’t so insecure, they’d have the guts to say why they didn’t liked it.
If you need to know why, you are probably the insecure person in the room…
I have to compliment the synth’s tone. I groan at dance-y demos, but the sound range is shown fairly well. It seems to have respectable depth and Tim devised a good GUI. Added plus there! That said, if I was going to tackle creating my own wavetables, I’d want more than 512 points. 1,024 has been a loose resynthesis/additive standard for a while now. The added detail is worth the CPU/RAM hit.
This method is a lot like using a modular, so you have to consider the work load. I doubt that Dominator will be a rousing market hit because its more of an esoteric synthesist’s synth. However, I happily accept that a lot of people love these beautiful freaks, so this will be someone’s secret weapon, too. Its added sophistications lift it far above casual SynthEdit dabbles. Good on you, Tim!
Good points on the demos – the synth’s technology sounds more interesting than the actual audio results. If the technology is so new, the demo should wow us with new sounds, shouldn’t it?
I would advise checking these demo reels out. As the main ones aren’t posted, that video was just meant as a demo of the synth’s features.
1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_t-qojM-wQ
2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf6WVOyMmfs
3) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRh-93CxFkU
These demo reels show the range of Dominator’s capabilities. Note that they use no other processing than through the synth; no other effects, dsp processing etc. Just the bare synth itself.
There are even more impressive ones on the way, including whole songs using only Dominator.
Enjoy.
Thanks for sharing those links, Tim!