James Peck released this week Bluewave, a new awesome subtractive Synthesizer for Reaktor 6 full version. The goal of the developer was to make a Synth with a nice GUI that sounds awesome and doesn’t consume to much CPU power. In my opinion, the developer achieved this mission because first the GUI design is absolutely lovely. The Design remember me to the Mutable Instruments Eurorack modules with these special knobs. The sound quality is solid but don’t expected wonder of the world with this Synth. It doesn’t open complete new synth doors but is an excellent synth for all users of Reaktor 6.
One of the reason why I love Reaktor 6 is this awesome community behind this product. You find hundreds of awesome new developed ensembles (instruments, effects, midi devices…) which are available for free for all Reaktor 6 user. Normally, in the plugin world, these devices cost a lot of money but here you get so much interesting things for free. If you want to join this community, I really recommend to buy Reaktor 6. Maybe wait until the next sale where you can get very possible R6 for only 99€. To be honest, 99€ for this software modular Synthesizer is the best No-Brainer ever seen. If you are not sure, think about this near thousand of new instruments available for free. You will be not disappointed ;).
Goal: To make a subtractive synthesizer that sounds awesome, looks awesome, is CPU friendly, and is easy to use. Also trying to increase the general waviness of life with some very emotional and understanding snapshots.
All controls are up-front and there is no panel switching. Most knob values are hidden. The design is based in both primary and core, in order to optimize CPU efficiency.
NOTE: This is still very much a WIP. There might be a few bugs. Careful when switching snapshots as it can cause spikes in audio. Also don’t hold any notes when switching on Mono or Glide mode. Please leave any bug reports/suggestions in the comments!
Features:
- 8 voice polyphony
- Can be increased in settings; will increase CPU
- 3 variable shape oscillators (Sine, Tri, Saw, Pulse, BiSaw)
- Frequency division-based sub oscillator
- HQ switch to alter between primary and core-based oscillators, turn off to save CPU
- Oscillator on/off switches; turn off unused oscillators to save CPU
- OSC3 can be used as FM and mod source, or inserted in audio-path
- OSC3 can be key-tracked or fixed pitch
- Variable type low-pass filter, utilizing new Reaktor 6 filters
- Key tracking, saturation and overdrive
- Filter types: Primary Ladder, Primary LP2+LP4, Pro52, Core Ladder LP2+LP4,
- Core SVF NL LP2, Core TSK NLB LP2, Core Ladder NLB LP4, Core Ladder NLA LP4
- Core TSK NLA LP2, Core Butterworth LP2+LP4, Core Ladder Diode NLA LP
- Butterworth non-resonant high-pass filter
- 3 velocity sensitive ADSR envelopes
- 2 Dual multi-destination LFOs
- Variable shape (Sin, Tri, Pulse, Random, Etc..)
- Hybrid primary/core design to optimize CPU
- Separate vibrato controls
- Tape wow and flutter
- Bit crusher + clipper
- Noise generator
- Choose from wicked settings like “Beach” and “Mall”
- Choose from wicked tape noises like “Hiss” and “Hum”
- Noises are not gated. They will just kind of keep going unless you switch the section off.
- Chorus section
- No rate control, because you won’t need that where we’re going.
- Saturation
- Oscillator pitch drift
- Switchable between Poly and Mono voice modes, with controls for Pitch Bend range and Glide time It is still recommended to change voices to 1 within the ensemble to maximize CPU efficiency
- Customizable background with separate layers for BG colour and image overlay
Available here: Bluewave Subtractive Synthesizer
You're right. Reaktor is a unique powerhorse if it's about flexible designs of electronic instruments. Despite of all of these endless discussions about analogue vs virtual instruments, it always was and still will be a serious and inspiring tool to get and create new ideas. Take your time with it and you'll get the spirit of what electronic music can offer to open minded people today.