Baby Audio Atoms is a new physical modeling Synthesizer plugin based on a novel mass-spring interaction network, now available.
Announced at NAMM 2024, the new Baby Audio Synthesizer Plugin Atoms is now available. Atoms is a unique physical modeling Synthesizer plugin. instead of the classic exciter resonator concept, it uses a unique mass-spring interaction network. A concept we already have in the Physical Audio Mode synth.
Even though, for many this is like music mathematics, BA has managed to incorporate this fascinating idea into a plugin in an attractive and hands-on way.
Besides the six hands-on parameters, Baby Audio added a powerful automation and randomization engine to create constantly evolving sounds. For example, the random engine selectively adjusts each parameter based on its relationship to the others.
What I already wrote during NAMM has now been confirmed. Atmos doesn’t have classic effects but a unique approach to it that that derived from the behavior of the physical model itself. That’s intriguing.
Lastly, the plugin ships with 250 presets from professional sound designers.
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Article From January 28, 2024
Last April, Baby Audio released its first Synthesizer plugin, the BA-1. A modern take on the vintage Yamaha CS01 synthesizer. It’s a nice plugin with excellent sound and nice extras. This wasn’t the last synth plugin from BA.
At NAMM 2024, Baby Audio introduced Atoms, a new exciting physical modeling Synthesizer.
Baby Audio Atoms
Atoms is Baby Audio’s second Synthesizer plugin. It’s a physical modeling Synthesizer based on a unique mass/spring interaction network. More precisely, it models a network of masses connected by springs with inertia and weight, with sound generated by “playing” it with a virtual bow.
The concept reminds me of the Physical Audio Mode Synthesizer. It also combines masses and springs to create unique sounds.
Even if the underlying core of Atmos is very complex and technical, the user will see little of it. Baby Audio has made the whole thing very user-friendly with a limited set of parameters that significantly impact the sound.
You can craft your sounds using the parameters: force (how the bow plays the model), chaos, drive (saturation), order, overtones (the position on the model you apply the bow to change harmonics), and a lowpass filter.
On the effects side, it has a built-in chrous and vibrato. Interesting are points in the BA NAMM presentation: there is no delay/reverb and the onboard effects are not based on standalone algorithms. They are generated by the physical model engine itself. Cool idea.
According to Baby Audio, it will also host an internal modulation/automation system. This includes an X/Y pad, envelopes, and full MPE support great for evolving sounds. The latter allows you to assign MPE to the six parameters for very expressive sounds.
First Impression
I’m a big fan of physical modeling synthesizers. The announcement that Baby Audio’s next synth will explore physical modeling really piqued my interest. I’m excited to see how versatile it will be and whether it will bring a lot of new, unheard sounds.
Baby Audio Atoms is available now for an introductory price of $59 instead of $99 until March 30, 2024. It runs as a VST, VST3, AU and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: Baby Audio
Its like Chromaphone by AAS never existed…