KV331 Audio Synthmaster goes version 3 with an upgraded multi-engine core offering more modularity, synthesis features, and more. Now in Beta.
Multi-engine synthesizers have the advantage of having many synthesis types in one plugin. They also offer the possibility of combining them and thus crafting complex, evolving sounds. Popular multi-engine synths are UVI Falcon 3, Spectrasonics Omnisphere 2, VPS Avenger 2, or KV331 Audio Synthmaster 2.
There will soon be a big upgrade for the latter. KV331 Audio has been working on this for several years. Development is in its final stages, and a release is planned for March. You can already test an alpha version with most of the new features.
KV331 Audio Synthmaster 3
For everyone who hasn’t worked much with Synthmaster 2 or doesn’t know it at all. It’s a semi-modular Synthesizer plugin with multiple synth engines. I like to call these synths multi-engine synths.
From virtual analog, FM, wavetables, vector synthesis, and sampler with multi-sample support, Synthmaster 2 already offers an excellent synthesis playground for sound designers.
In Synthmaster 3, the Turkish developers at KV331 Audio continue SM2’s feature set and expand it with many new functionalities. It will not be a free update. At $29, the price is, however, very fair and offers a lot of great additions to explore.
Expanded Modularity
One of the strengths of Synthmaster 2 is the ability to modify the signal path and configure it however you want. In the upcoming Synthmaster 3, this semi-modular core becomes even more modular. It won’t be a modular synth but offers configurations reminiscent of it.
First, the complete core structure of Synthmaster received a major upgrade. In Synthmaster 3, you can add/remove layers dynamically. Each preset has up to 16 layers, each with own set of oscillators, filters, envelopes, and more. So basically, up to 16 independent synths in one.
Routing within the layers is just as flexible. Individual functions are regrouped into dedicated layer modules (osc, mod, filter, operator, FX…) that can also be dynamically changed. You can connect the modules modularly (up to 16 per layer) and create complex patches.
KV331 Audio has opened this up so that you can now easily build complete DX7 FM synths within one patch. The same flexibility also applies to the modulation sources, consisting of envelopes, LFOs, sequencers… You can have up to 32 sources per layer. That’s a lot of mod power.
According to the developers, you can also import entire Synthmaster One (wavetable synth) presets in the layers.
New Sound Design Features
Synthmaster has received a massive boost not only in its structure but also in its respective synth engine. Starting with the oscillators, you can explore a new virtual analog oscillator type. It renders the oscillator shapes in real-time, giving you more authentic, analog-sounding waveforms, promises the devs.
Then, it also features new oscillator unison modes, including chords (major, major 6th,…), with which you can quickly create fat-sounding sounds.
A big news in Synthmaster 3 is three built-in editors for classic waveforms, wavetables, and multi-samples. With these, you can delve deep into sound design. It is especially very helpful if you want to work with your own sample sets. For me, these three editors would be worth the $29 upgrade.
Not all features have been implemented yet. One is the new granular oscillator, which will be added in a later alpha/beta version.
There are also new additions to the filters and other shapers. On the filter side, you get an all-new phaser filter and benefit from an improved comb filter with new feedback/feedforward modes.
For me, it’s a very underrated filter that has tons of potential. Great for experimental sounds or timbres that explore the physical modeling side. Another new function is a waveshaper module with 12 different types of distortions. In use, any boring “sine wave” can be transformed into something super exciting.
Further, it comes with an improved Keyscaler modulation source and a new noise LFO modulation source. Features you know and love from Synthmaster 2 are still available in SM3, including all the oscillator and filter types, modulation engine, and more.
Also new are dedicated tabs for the track- and layer view. These give you a clearer view of the entire patch and layer activities.
Synthmaster 3 Alpha
As already mentioned, not all features have been implemented (2 Jan 24). This also includes the final GUI. It is important to know before installing the Alpha version on your system. There are known problems in various places, such as unready features, missing implementations or bugs.
For example, you cannot currently import Synthmaster 2 patches. This will, however, be added in a later alpha/beta version. So don’t expect too much from this alpha version or don’t make your final judgement on SM3 on this. The plugin will be final in 2-3 months.
First Impression
I currently have Synthmaster 3 Alpha on my M2 Macbook Air. The version runs very stable, and it gives you an overview of where SM3 is heading. I’m happy that the horizon is very close and that SM3 is a reality. I’m looking forward to the final version. Until then, happy testing
KV331 Audio Synthmaster 3 will be available in March 2024 (estimated). SM3 is now in public alpha; beta is coming this January. It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows. Join the official user group on FB to get all the details about the alpha/beta version.
You can purchase Synthmaster 3 in a pre-release version for $69 instead of $179. Existing users of SM2 (regular) can upgrade for $29 to SM3. There is also a crossgrade for SM One users for $49 and SM 2 Player for $59. For owners of the Synthmaster Everything Bundle the upgrade is free of charge.
More information here: KV331 Audio
i dont think layers is such a great improvement. its always easier just to have multiple synths to see what is going on