Anukari is an innovative 3D physics Synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows that generates sounds using masses and springs.
Physical modeling is a method for crafting acoustic-like sounds through synthesis. In these, oscillators excite resonators, which are objects. The results are audible and lovely, but the process is often hidden behind the curtain.
Anukari is a new physics Synthesizer that uses established physical modeling techniques while also going far beyond what most offer.
Anukari
Classic physical modeling synthesizers have dedicated sections for exciters and resonators. To make sounds, you have to excite the resonators. Anukari is different, and it’s finally available.
Evan Mezeske, a former Google developer, developed Anukari for the past three years, and on top of that, there were several months in beta. It’s now ready for everyone interested in sonic exploration with 3D physics.
Forget everything you know about physical modeling synth interfaces, to put it bluntly. This plugin places the user in a large 3D playground where they can experiment freely with all kinds of objects, and more.
The best for me: it’s fully 3D visualized. It’s not about turning a somewhat sterile interface with virtual knobs. Important to know: the visuals don’t just showcase the audio engine beautifully.
Nope, it’s not a gimmick. It’s the other way around. You need the visuals to make the audio happen. According to the developer, the idea originated from the experiments he conducted as a child in his grandfather’s car repair shop.
Create 3D Structures That Sound
In Anukari, you can design a three-dimensional (3D) structure from various masses (objects, bodies…) connected by springs. Dive deeper by using oscillators and other subtractive synth elements, or even an audio input or virtual microphone in the structures.
It’s like building with LEGO bricks, only you’re in a physics environment. The properties of each object, body, and spring are fully configurable. They are as flexible as an oscillator in a synth. One can spend days, if not weeks, building one’s sculptures here.
And the visual aspect is the key point for me here, as it helps you see a rendering of what you’re doing, which is very cool.
It can also be made to sound. For this to happen, it needs to vibrate. You can do this in various ways. Of course, you can move one of the objects with your mouse and see what happens. Please shake!
There are also virtual mallets and bows available, which you can use as a structure exciter. Each one makes the constructed structure shine with a different sound. A bow produces a more string-like texture, while the mallet is more for percussive timbres.
Alternatively, Anukari also houses an extensive modulation system with LFOs, envelope generators, and envelope followers that can animate almost any parameter. These allow for continuous movements throughout the entire structure.
Take It Further
MPE and microtuning support via MTS-ESP also gives you endless ways to explore the structures very expressively.
Anukari also has an audio input or virtual microphone block that can be added to existing structures. These influence the sound pickup and give you different sonic characteristics.
MIDI-enabled exciters are one thing, and to use them as a virtual instrument. With the external audio input functionality, you can also use it as an experimental FX processor. The developer ships the plugin with a dedicated FX version.
Route audio through and watch the masses and springs react. Unusual sound shaping is guaranteed.
Anukari First Impression
This plugin strongly reminds me of the Physical Audio Modus and Preparation 2 plugins, which are very unusual physical modeling synths. Anukari is the steroid-based version of these.
It’s an innovative Synthesizer/instrument that reveals a previously unexplored side of physical modeling. Better: it makes it accessible to everyone, not as an Excel-like parameter list but as a visually appealing package.
If you’re tired of the same old sounds, you’ll certainly be surprised by the quirky, yet acoustic and funny sounds that are still possible with plugins. Bravo, Evan Mezeske!
Anukari is now available at an introductory price of $99 instead of $140. It runs as a standalone and VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: official website
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