Genki Instruments Cosmos packs virtual analog synthesis in a new Synthesizer plugin with a fascinating, knob-free space exploring interface.
The entry into the Synthesizer is made with subtractive synthesis. Most commonly with an analog or virtual analog Synthesizer. There are countless of them on the market. From “we are the best, the most authentic, with a high price tag, to pearls that you can download for free. There is something for everyone.
There are so many VA synths out there these days that one wonders who should buy them all. Often 1-2 VA synths are enough in your plugin arsenal. Now another company dares. The Icelandic music tech company Genki Instruments, developers of the Wave Ring gestural controller has introduced Cosmos. Another virtual analog synth but with a radical different design.
Genki Instruments Cosmos
Cosmos is a new Synthesizer plugin with a very special, intriguing UI design. Instead of an interface full of virtual knobs, you drive through parameters like in the Milky Way. It’s a completely different visual experience to craft sounds. Genki Instruments says it’s made to explore new musical territory.
“We made Cosmos out of love for happy accidents. It is specifically designed to be an inspiration machine, not just for synth buffs, but any musician who wants to create interesting sounds and sonic textures. The Cosmos is your playground,” said Genki CEO Ólafur Bjarki Bogason.
The core of the synth consists of an 8-voice variable shape virtual analog oscillators with sync, FM, cross-fading velvet noise and a sub-oscillator. Then, you get an analog-modeled filter in form of a planet with independent cutoff, resonance, damp and drive. There are two UFOs (LFOs) with frequency + shape controls and two ADSR envelopes with which you can add movement to your sound. Also, are the well-known functions visually implemented very differently.
To refine you can sound and put them in the deep space, you can add a lush reverb and echo with variable feedback, damp, time and mix controls. Lastly, there is an galaxy arpeggiator with rate, octaves and four unique modes.
What Genki Instruments, the developers of the Wave Ring control, show here is nothing brand-new in terms of features. It’s a classic virtual analog Synthesizer. However, how you operate the synth is inspiring and refreshingly different. Here you don’t turn knobs but you go through parameters to the perfect sound.
Genki Instruments Cosmos is available now for an introductory price of $69.99 USD instead of $139.99 USD. It runs as a 64-bit VST3, and AU plugin on macOS and Windows.
More information here: Genki Instruments
Looks like a perfect fit for iPad
Would be great to see it as AUv3 on iPadOS
Love the interface. Looks a bit limited sound-wise though?