Propellerhead Software has introduced Complex-1, a modular synthesizer plugin for Reason.
It’s a skeuomorphic software modular design, based on classic Moog and Buchla hardware modules. They say that, “Everything you learn here will translate when you find yourself patching a hardware rack in the real world.”
The selection of modules in Complex-1 brings a mix of modular synth ideologies to the Reason Rack. The Complex Oscillator, Low Pass Gates and Shaper modules build on the works on Don Buchla (or West Coast style) and the regular Oscillator and ladder design Filter module, which derive more from the Bob Moog school of synth design.
“Complex-1 is one of the most ambitious synths we’ve ever made,” says Mattias Häggström Gerdt, Product Manager. “Complex-1 offers a whole new palette of sounds to Reason for endless sonic possibilities.”
Features:
- Fully-featured modular synthesizer
- 4X oversampled
- ‘Best-of-class’ assortment of modules, including oscillators, filters, modulation and sequencing devices.
- Can produce anything from esoteric sonic experiments to pristine synth instrument tones
- Comes with 150+ patches
- Connects ‘really well’ to the rest of the Reason rack with CV
Audio Demos:
https://soundcloud.com/propellerhead/sets/complex-1-modular-synthesizer
Pricing & Availability:
Complex-1 Modular Synthesizer is available now for $99 USD / EUR.
Watched some other demos on YT and it looks like a lot of fun with endless sonic possibilities. Sold.
Make it a VST like Europa.
Definitely, a vst of this would put a rocket up Softube’s arse. Along with VCV this would give them a real incentive to improve their product. Plus it would be wicked using this outside of Reason.
Well I’l be damn, hell did freeze over, Propellerhead finally added a modular synth RE to Reason, I’ve only been asking for this for years. Calling this a true modular is somewhat disingenuous though. It is really a semi-modular synth more akin to the Arp 2600. It has a fixed number and layout of modules so it’s not completely open ended but, still, a good start. Already got the demo installed.
I noticed it is called “Complex-1” so, does that mean there will be a complex 2 that will be a fully open-ended modular synth in the not too distant future? Who knows, only time will tell.
Very nice demo Propellerhead! They have come up with a really interesting synth here……….another reason to wanna jump on it……….what a shame Reason isn’t out for Linux
You know, first thing I thought when I saw it was… I wonder if the rack will face the opposite direction, to make it more easily visually connected to the semi modular back panel of the reason world. I think it’s fine facing forward, but dang that would have opened up a pretty interesting modular environment.
Yes…I just bought! Started playing with it! Very exciting I must admit, I am slightly disappointed with the back panel…as it appears to allow only a minimal (1?). Outside modulation sources? Also the front panel cable behavior seems a bit primitive and awkward. If you want to remove or redirect a cable, you can only do it from the “business” end (output). My preference would be to be able to move or remove any end, (as long as the signal path is appropriate of course.). But I suppose the designer wants to maintain consistency with back panel cable behavior. I can see that in the future, there will be a demand for more of those ever coveted “utility” modules found in hardware systems like multiples (especially multiple outs to one input). Or switches or…..of course, lots of VCAs. I do hugely appreciate the effort to make available a Healthy dose of randomized functions..which is always what makes modular so exciting to me! As usual, I struggle with the sizing limitations in Reason….I want a full screen view of the module and would like to avoid using Apple’s or Microsoft’s magnifier options.