Minuit Solstice is a new spectral Synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows that turns any sample into playable sound maps.
The easiest way to access a synthesizer is through subtractive synthesis, which is usually used in conjunction with analog/virtual analog synthesizers. With some experience, wavetable or even FM synthesis follows.
Things get much more experimental and wild with granular, additive, or spectral synthesis. Fans of the latter can rejoice, there is a new spectral synth called Solstice from a new developer named Minuit.
Minuit Solstice
Spectral synthesis is a technical process that can be daunting for users, especially beginners. Minuit has created Solstice, a Synthesizer that aims to make spectral synthesis accessible without sine wave harmonics and filtered noise shapings on the surgical level.
At Solstice’s core is an easy-to-use analysis tool that transforms any sample into a unique, playable map that clusters frames by timbre similarities. So more of a re-synthesizer than a spectral Synthesizer?
Once created, you can navigate the map and play sounds back by setting the playhead and clicking on the different regions. You can also add random for organic variations or morph between different timbres. It’s like a world map, but instead of cities, you can explore sounds.
The engine freezes the actual frequency content of each moment. So moving between points morphs these frozen spectra smoothly. Additionally, you can go from any attack to any sustain without the transient in between, as seen in other synthesis forms.
A powerful feature of the Solstice Synthesizer is the ability to draw paths/routes into the map, which the playhead runs. They can be played once or in bouncing or looping modes. All this can be synced to tempo for rhythmical timbral changes.
Maps that you have created once are saved in the presets with all settings. They also remember the exact map positions and are ready to play.
Smooth Shaping
Alongside the easy-to-use sample-to-map conversion and playback options, there are also various elements for shaping and refining your sounds.
First, you have a spread parameter that controls the frame blending. More precisely, it determines how many adjacent cells blend together, resulting in either more precise and clear sounds or more blurry and smooth ones.
Then, it offers a spectral pitch processor with eight octaves up or down without artifacts and a fascinating cascading self-oscillating reverb. The latter is playable like an instrument if you set the decay and tone parameters high.
Minuit Solstice ships with 60 factory samples and 65 ready-to-use presets. Alternatively, you can also upload your own samples at any time.
First Impression
At first glance, this is an exciting new spectral Synthesizer plugin with a lot of potential. I like the way the spectral synthesis is very playful, and the cryptic aspects are hidden behind the process.
Depending on how Minuit continues the plugin development, this could be very exciting.
Minuit Solstice is available now for 85€. It runs as a VST3 and AU plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows. There is a 30-day trial version available.
More information here: Minuit
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