MAZ SOFTSYNTHs & SAMPLERs PAGE

last updated 06-Nov-2005

NOTE: This page will not be updated anymore, see you at the new website www.maz-sound.com!

Here are some links to demo's of synths > 50$:

Program	Price	features
Audio Simulation DreamStation	$89	music synthesizer combined with tracker interface and full MIDI support, provides virtual analog synth, wavetable synth, step-sequencer, mixer and effect processors, plus nice graphics
Propellerheads ReBirth RB-338	$179	recreates two 303's + one 808 + one 909
Native Instruments Generator + Transformator (Reaktor)	$298	modular fusion of synthesis, sampling and effects, popular by good reason
Seer Systems Reality	$199	another big one, multiple synthesis techniques, up to 128 voices, now works with every DirectSound-capable card + a few others too (Event Gina, Darla...)
Seer Systems SurReal	$129	simpified version of Reality: sample playback, analog and FM synthesis, physical modeling, includes hundreds of custom-designed sounds, including a full General MIDI bankset, imports SF2
Dimension Arc Revolve 100	$145	MIDI performance sequencer, what ReBirth is for audio, Revolve is for MIDI
Karnataka Audio Architect	$200	p'n'p modular synthesizer
Synoptic Virtual Waves	$199	creates virtual sound generating machines by connecting modules, such as synthesizers, effects, modulators, filters ...
Synoptic Probe	$199	reproduces sounds from the legendary vintage machines (Minimoog, Prophet V etc...), full MIDI integration, includes a sequencer, an arpeggiator, an effects processor and a vocoder
BitHeadz Retro AS-1	$259	analog synth for Win95/98 and MAC, includes 1000 classic analog patches, sounds great imho
Signum 1100 DX	$100	software sampler for win9x/NT, looks and feels like a real AKAI, reads WAVs and AKAI S1000 CD's
Human Machine Interfaces InMotion 3D Audio Producer	$495	creates 3D audio presentations for playback via conventional stereo loudspeakers, time line sequencing allows complex scenes to be created
Arturia Storm	$225	host platform for lot's of synthesizers and effects - a virtual studio rack
VirSyn	$299	analog and digital synthesis combined with new physical models, 8-dimensional sound morphing
BigTick Rainbow	$66	original mixture of FM, AM, additive and substractive synthesis, running standalone or as VSTi

NON REALTIME SYNTHs

Smorphi 3.0

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Smorphi 3.0 (913 KB)

5 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Andre Karwath (AKA)

11-Oct-1997

	software synth with very nice user interface and good tutorial, check it out
	you have 32 independent voices to form the sound
	many parameters : wave generation (even free adjustable waveform - draw it with your mouse)
	additive synthesis including preview of the wave
	the resulting wave goes through the volume envelope (free or ADSR)
	finally you can add vibrato and use the lowpass filter, there is also macro recording available
	write your resulting sample in a WAV-file (in the shareware-version limited to 1 second)
	NEW: MIDI-in support
	NEW: improved wave preset editor (filter, function generator, .wav import ...)
	NEW: wave-, FFT- or sonogram display of the calculated samples
	NEW: added noise mode to the oscillators
	NEW: effect section: lowpass with resonance and 6/12/18/24/38/infinite dB, 10-band graphic equalizer, distortion ...
	NEW: faster! - calculations up to 3 times, program start up to 5 times
	NEW: more and better demo instruments
	NEW: removed shareware nagscreen, improved registration possibilities (all major credit cards, many different currencies)

Stomper Hyperion 5

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Stomper Hyperion 5 (1005 KB)

5 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Hakan "Zap" Andersson

10-Feb-2001

	not freeware, but now DownloadMusicWare (you'll get it once you start it) , cool toy to create analogish (not just) drum sounds, includes many presets
	32 oscillators are adjustable in their frequency, amplitude and tone
	creates typical filter sweeps
	choose sample-rate and save your result to a WAV-file
	reads WAVs as oscilators + allows "unprecedented WAV-mangling capabilities" (tape-stop effects, scratch-effects, add distorsion and filtering to WAV's ...)
	NEW: complete rewrite, former Visual Basic, now C++
	NEW: direct manipulation: drag you envelopes around the screen
	NEW: Stomper now runs as Tuareg plugin
	NEW: not longer MusicWare but now DownloadMusicWare (you'll get it once you start it)

FX2 2.10A

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

FX2 2.10A (2446 KB)

12 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Nick Jones

09-Jul-2000

	40$ shareware, modular synth, sound processing and synthesis laboratory for musicians, audio engineers and hobbyists
	combines tools for sound effects and sound synthesis in a "plug and play" framework which lets you create complex sounds by combining simple building blocks
	supports a wide range of sound synthesis techniques including frequency modulation (FM), additive synthesis, granular synthesis, noise generators and physical modelling
	provides built-in effects tools including filters, reverberation, phase shift, fuzz, vibrato, pitch changing and vocoders, but the built-in effects are just the start - because you can combine them to create and save new effects as FX2 tools
	lets you build new virtual instruments and play them in real time using a midi keyboard, or under the control of the built-in sequencer and percussion controller tools
	optionally exports the generated sound to WAV
	NEW: major update, some tools rewritten

Defractor 0.97

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Defractor 0.97 (301 KB)

2 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Neurotix

12-Oct-1997

	"digital sample generator" (up to 48 bit depth) with 2 oscillators combined in different ways
	13 waveforms (incl. 1 custom), 2 envelopes, smoothing filter, pinch/punch filter, sliding, overdrive, attenuator
	saves .wav, .raw and .xi
	NEW: no clue, ask the author ;)

FM Dreams 2.2

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

FM Dreams 2.2 (1909 KB)

10 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Ian Wilson

25-Jun-2000

	freeware non-realtime 4-op FM synthesizer, generated sounds can be saved to WAV
	also uses PD synthesis to create a huge palette of waveforms, which makes it more powerful than other 4-op FM synths, in many instances this 4-op synthesis rivals the 6-op synthesis on the original Yamaha DX7 synth
	Basically it uses mathematical principles to generate sounds based on FM synthesis, where the frequency of one operator (waveform/oscillator) is used in the generation of another operator. This frequency dependency produces sidebands, which form the basis of an FM sound. Without going into specifics, it can create sounds not possible with any other forms of synthesis.
	Ian's page contains lot's of demo patches to load into FM Dreams
	unfortunately the program isn't just non-realtime, but very slow non-realtime

REALTIME SYNTHs

VSampler 2.75

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

VSampler 2.75 (7624 KB)

37 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Speedsoft

06-Nov-2005

	VSampler 2 has been ceased in October 2003 in favour of it's successor VSampler 3
	realtime controllable VSTi/DXi/standalone 24bit/96kHz stereo sampler and synthesizer with up to 64 voices and 16 individual outputs
	works either as native VSTi or DXi (Pro version only) offering sample accurate timing or standalone through a virtual MIDI port
	loads 16/24 bit WAV/AIF (incl. loop-points and rootkey), SF2 (Creative Labs SB Live format), TTI (TerraTec instruments), LM4 drumkits and (Pro only) AKAI S-1000/S-3000 CD's and ZIP-discs, AKAI S1000 PRG and P files as well as AKAI S5000/S6000 AKP files, VSampler exports SF2 and VBS (it's own bank format, which includes all bank-specific settings)
	fully customizable realtime controls (modulation wheel, assignable controllers, pitchbend), integrates external VST effect plugins and even hosts VST instruments
	supports realtime effects, such as volume-, filter- and LFO-envelopes with linear or logarithmic envelopes, two velocity controlled filters (modes LP, HP, BP, notch), two LFO's
	velocity zones allow to use different samples in dependence of the velocity to create very realistic instruments, incl. velocity zone crossfades
	includes two realtime-synths: an DX7-like FM synth (imports original DX7 patches) and a classical analog-synth
	automatic spreading of several imported WAV-files at the keyboard by frequency analysis, automatic mapping of split-ranges and root-keys, derived by pitch-tracking ("Track Freq" must be activated), new option for creating e.g. drum-presets from multiple WAV's loaded at once (checkbox "use next free key(s)" in Open-Dialog)
	by use of templates you can apply complex instrument settings incl. keyzones to another instrument with just one mouseclick
	you can make the graphical interface match the mood of your song by "skins", incl. animated rotary knobs, there are several alternative skins availabe for download
	VSampler bank fileformat description available for program-developers (.hlp file + Delphi sample project) at the vsampler download page
	NEW: VSampler 2 has been ceased in October 2003 in favour of it's successor VSampler 3

VAZ+ demo 1.7demo

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

VAZ+ demo 1.7demo (971 KB)

5 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Martin Fay

30-Oct-1999

	35$ shareware (demo can't load/save presets), realtime synthesizere with integrated sequencer, uses the common parts of a virtual synth: oscillators, envelops, filter ...
	also available at authors page is VAZ MODULAR, a great modular synth, price is 290$
	supports MME or DirectSound for low latency (20ms)
	works as MIDI device too, stable MIDI timing
	version 1.1 has improved MIDI specification: selectable channel + controllers + velocity + aftertouch mod sources
	usual PC keyboard can be used as a substitute for a MIDI keyboard
	VAZ+ is a definite must-have!
	NEW: oscillator algorithms updated to match those used in VAZ Modular
	NEW: sample playback options for one-shot playback and no trigger in an enhanced sample loading dialog which also shows sample details
	NEW: filter algorithms enhanced with 64bit code for better low frequency performance
	NEW: transpose options to support small controller keyboards
	NEW: apply and mute buttons added to the Preferences dialog
	NEW: output level falls more gradually with increased polyphony
	NEW: audio output improvements, including 32kHz and 48kHz sample rate options, MME output is now also threaded allowing the cpu overload cutout to be removed
	NEW: MIDI slider control fixes: tuning sliders work and LFO Waveshape slider moved to 61 to avoid Portamento On/Off messages
	NEW: additions to pattern randomizer dialog to select which steps are affected and ramp modes for the control lines

RubberDuck H3o+ 2.10

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

RubberDuck H3o+ 2.10 (3122 KB)

15 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

D-LUSiON

09-Mar-2000

	demo version of a software based virtual 303like bassline creator
	registered version (35$) saves the complete sound to WAV - means: you get your bassline in 16bit/44kHz clinical purity - w/o any soundcard noises+crackles
	realtime filters with farting resonance, 4 basic waveforms, integrated 224 note sequencer
	digital delay, 2x syncable wave player (drumsloops!)
	syncable midi support (JOYSTICK!), direct sound, nice gui, new synthesis, very cool dual oscilator, joystick support for endless creativity
	includes support for DAS ("d-lusion audio server"), DAS syncs all D-Lusion programs
	NEW: additional 24 dB ladder filter
	NEW: completely resizable GUI
	NEW: skin support

Orangator 2.0

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Orangator 2.0 (457 KB)

3 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Agent Orange +
Tangerine

09-May-1999

	freeware, powerful and flexible virtual analogue synthesizer with subtractive synthesis, lot's of good presets to start with
	creates typical acid & trance stuff, weird industrial noises, Jarre-like sounds, drums in every color ...
	lot's of sliders and stuff, 3 envelopes, 2 LFO's, filters, overdrive, noise, included sequencer ...
	saves sounds to raw PCM, WAV or FastTracker XI
	nice modular synth version is also available: Visual Orangator 1.0 (182 K) allows unlimited number of filters, oscillators ...
	NEW: after more than a year in beta stage - now final 2.0
	NEW: real-time mode, improved midi input, ADSR midi envelope, two midi controllers, improved sequencer, transposing sequencer (can be used as arpegiator), utilities buttons
	NEW: harmonics functions added, harmonic detune, triangle LFO shape, LFO phase, ring modulator, FM synthesis, phase modulation
	NEW: chord generator, 32-bit reverb, chorus + flanger with linear interpolation, flanger is realtime now

Audio Compositor 4.4

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Audio Compositor 4.4 (1510 KB)

8 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Scott Mitchel

17-Oct-2001

	40$ shareware (limited to 22 kHz mono and read-only of soundbanks in the unreg'd version), MIDI to WAV (16, 24 or 32 bit) renderer & player, soundbank editor and converter
	works via DirectX or MME and is therefore the first realtime software-wavetable-MIDI-player I know which works under NT4 (Timidity didn't allow realtime MIDI input)
	it reads a standard MIDI file or live input from MIDI IN port (use a loopback midi driver to route the signal from a MIDI sequencer into AC)
	it can output the result into a WAV file or realtime trough your soundcard, the average CPU load on my Celery450 was 50%, so even on a P200 there's a good chance to use it as realtime sampler
	loads plain WAV samples or complete instruments/banks in DLS (level 1 & 2), SF2, KRZ and it's own ACP format
	saves complete instruments/banks into DLS or SF2 (registered version only)
	works pretty good as software AWE32/64 emulator for those who don't own one, just load a MID, open the matching SF2 and hit play!
	provides a graphical environment for editing samples and patches, well, the GUI design is definitely not the strong point of AC
	non-germans just ignore this: G�nter Schenk's deutsche Online Bedienungsanleitung f�r Audio Compositor, alles auch komplett als ZIP zum offline lesen vorhanden
	NEW: fixed a bug in DLS output causing some regions to be written with an incorrect loop type
	NEW: some minor cosmetic enhancements, including an improved display in the renderer
	NEW: some minor efficiency improvements in the renderer
	NEW: a change in the SoundFont editor to work better with LiveUpdate's "LiveSynth" product
	NEW: support for polyphonic aftertouch (not to be confused with regular channel aftertouch, which has always been recognized), polyphonic aftertouch routings can be saved to .ACP and DLS level 2 files
	NEW: support for the MIDI Tuning Standard, in its present state this will be accessible only to, forgive the term, sysex geeks
	NEW: for fast systems realtime polyphony can now be set as high as 128 voices (MIDI files, as always, are rendered with unlimited polyphony)

AXS Demo free

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

AXS Demo free (225 KB)

2 minutes

DOS (Win 95/98)

NewStyle

25-Jan-2001

	freeware for DOS, but there's a beta for Windows available now: AXS is a very cool multi-timbral virtual analog synth
	supports SB16/AWE or GUS Classic (or both!) or saves audio to WAV file (just press TAB for session begin/end)
	you can play trough the usual pc-keyboard or external MIDI device (full MIDI implementation: ALL parameters accessable via MIDI controllers)
	be sure to watch the AXS download page for demo songs and drumkits
	external MIDI IN support GUS, SB and COM-port, you have access to 4 different channels/instruments via MIDI
	VESA 2.0 with linear frame buffer (LFB) support for the 640x480x256 videomode
	variable number of voices + variable mixing rate, 8 different channels: 7 synths (ch1 to 7) and a sampler (ch 8)
	resonant filters (lowpass, highpass, band reject + pass), pulsewidth + ring modulation, 2 LFO's/instrument, 5 LFO destinations (all very easy to handle)
	distortion (yeah, we want dirt!) and delay fx (panning delay, sounds very good)
	there's a nice little helper app from Frozen East Records: MakeDRM 1.0 creates DRM files using all wavs from current dir (you can specify starting note)
	NEW: f****** good news for those who were not able to run the DOS-version of AXS anymore (there were sound- and graphiccard issues with newer cards): AXS 2.03++ for Windows (BETA) released (if you run screen resolutions >= 1280x1204 you can see both AXS screens at once without scrolling) as well as AXS plugin for WinAmp (BETA)

GranuLab 1.0

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

GranuLab 1.0 (115 KB)

< 1 minute

Win9x/NT/2000

rasmus ekman

21-Mar-2000

	freeware for home use, 20$ for pro use, realtime granular synthesizer (50$ for commercial use), can be controlled by MIDI
	it#s no mainstream program, but after playing around for a while you will love it, it's perfect for generating weird effects on drumloops, parameter morphings on sweeping pads, the more sick the better!
	loads WAV files as raw material, there are 4 important things to play around with: soundfile playback, grain density, grain pitch and envelope of the grains
	randomisation of most grain generation parameters
	features real-time control over time-stretching and pitch of a sound, amplitude modulation
	store parameter sets (patches) and transform seamlessly from one to another - rocks!
	special window where four patches can be selected and gestural morphing between patches can be done in real-time by mouse
	the GUI design could be more clear, obviously
	NEW: GranuLab Transitional available (at the moment only for those who sent 20$ before), it can run up to 8 independent grain streams simultaneously

Bass64

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Bass64 (10 KB)

< 1 minute

C64 or emulator :-)

Matt Simmonds

05-Jan-1999

	cult mini bass synth/sequencer for !C64! , uses the nice filters of the C64 soundchip
	it's kinda OS-independent , by using an C64-emulator (preferably one with .WAV capture like ccs64) you can output the basslines for use in modules or whatever
	play your bassline while using a joystick to alter the presets 'live' as you record!
	the only thing which is actually missed is a multi-pattern-sequencer

TS-404 1.05

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

TS-404 1.05 (121 KB)

< 1 minute

Win9x/NT/2000

SONiC-SYNDiCATE

03-May-1999

	musicware, virtual analogue multitimbral synthesizer, req. using DirectX
	includes lots of good examples, I hacked another one-machine-thing together: mazgated (2 K)
	features all basic concepts of an analog synthesizer: 2 Oscillators (VCO), LFOs, a filter unit (VCF) and an ADSR section (VCA)
	includes Oscillator Sync, Pulse Width, FM, a Ring Modulator, Distortion, and delay
	step sequencer with randomizer

SimSynth 2.7

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

SimSynth 2.7 (1385 KB)

7 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

David Billen

07-May-2000

	before I tell any facts: please do yourself a favour and download SimSynth NOW, pleease
	35$ shareware, successor of the famous 1.x SimSynth from Win 3.1 times, now with slick new design
	the homepage says "BIG PHAT SOUND", oh yes Dave, you are so right, holy shit, boys and girls, this babe sounds sooo phat!!!
	features realtime knobs, step sequencer, programmable effects, graphical edit of envelopes, killer overdrive
	sounds like a MiniMoog overdriving it's filters, do hard acid sounds, or even sound metal
	OSC section: 3 oscillators (triangle, sawtooth, pulse, noise or pure sine), each of them got that WARM button
	LFO section: same shapes as OSC section
	SVF section: SVF stands for "State Variable Filter", the type of filter that was used on many Oberheim synthesizers)
	EFX section: consist of a delay, a "modulator", (choruser/flange) and optional band pass or notch EQ
	Envelopes: three envelopes, AMP, OSC, and FILT, which control the amplitude, the oscillators and the SVF filter respectively
	Riffs: that's the step sequencer, allows to create short riffs, useful for testing a sound
	everything syncs to tempo knob for output that completely works with other audio apps!
	NEW: Image Line, makers of FruityLoops, now own SimSynth
	NEW: great new look!

AudioMulch 0.9b9p1

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

AudioMulch 0.9b9p1 (1988 KB)

10 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Ross Bencina

24-Apr-2002

	50$ shareware, realtime interactive modular computer music environment, a bit like Buzz, no song functions
	draw connections between various audio signal generators and effect processors
	realtime audio processing from file or sound card audio input possible
	output can be monitored and recorded to a wave file
	signal processing elements include flanger, drum machine, monophonic synth, granulator, spatialiser, additive synth, comb filters ...
	support for VST plugins, MIDI controllers and MIDI clock sync
	streaming sound file subsystem which supports WAV and AIFF sound files, higher bit depths (including 24bit and floating point), and efficient playback of many sound files simultaneously
	NEW: some fixes, here's the detailed list

Virtual Kawai K4

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Virtual Kawai K4 (951 KB)

5 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Claude Kaber

20-Dec-1999

	freeware, simulates a Kawai K4 synthesizer via SB Live! hardware or AWE 32/64 (required!), needs 1 MB free wavetable RAM
	AWE users need to have Creative Labs Soundfont Manager installed, as the Program uses many wave samples simultaneously, it's possible to quickly hit the 32-polyphony-maximum of the old AWE's
	uses small wave samples as Oscillators (represented by a soundfont that contains parameter-neutral recordings of the K4's waveset), usually combines 2-4 Oscillators to create a single sound, some of the K4's Wave samples are so called 'Digital-Cyclic' waves (or 'Fourrier-Waves'), allthough these waves are extremely small, they contain the sound spectrum of complex instruments
	loads 4 waves into 4 differend soundfont banks and plays those waves simultaneously with the EMU-typical filter cutoff, resonance, coarse / fine tuning, reverb and chorus effect, volume- and filter envelope, vibrato + LFO
	imports SysEx files from the Kawai K4 and translates it into Soundfont-parameters (you'll find lot of K4 Sysex files on the net)

Orion Pro 3.7

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Orion Pro 3.7 (4848 KB)

23 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Synapse Audio Software

16-May-2003

	99$ shareware, Orion is an impressive all-in-one music studio recreating all parts of a traditional studio including sequencing, the emulation of a mixing desk and all wired rackmount hardware (synthesizers, samplers, drums, effects etc)
	Orion 'Standard' is 49$, misses some of the enhanced features of Orion, e.g. audio tracks and the extended sampler
	features vintage audio tracks, an integrated sequencer, analogue gear, a wavetable synth, a sampler, a groove slicing machine, a plucked string generator, arpeggiator, a full-fledged mixer, built-in effects (e.g. reverb, compression, (tube) distortion, phaser, gate
	supports VSTi's and DXi's + effect plugins
	all machines of Orion are skinnable
	NEW: Orion Platinum 4.0 released, the following news apply to the Platinum version only:
	NEW: Wasp improved, new skin, new features: LFO delays, variable velocity amounts, keyboard tracking, and more
	NEW: Harmonic Resonator effect, which lets you control the cutoff frequency of a highly resonant filter with notes, causing harmonic ringing
	NEW: Parameter readouts on all controls
	NEW: MIDI export of entire song files is now possible
	NEW: more ...

Audio Sim 1.91

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Audio Sim 1.91 (97 KB)

< 1 minute

DOS (Win 95/98)

Audio Simulation

11-Jul-1997

	30$ shareware, realtime synthesizer with LFO, 2 oscillators, envelopes, sequencer and arpeggiator
	DEMO version doesn't allow to save your output

Saiko 1.0r9

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Saiko 1.0r9 (216 KB)

2 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Arguru

11-Feb-2001

	freeware "algorithmic electronica composer", I always knew it, now that's the proove, techno doesn't require any skills
	it does not just help for hardware setup problems during live act situations, people never will stand around stupid without dancing while you are solving your audio-problems, if the crowd is drunk enough they won't notice :-]
	the second main task of Saiko is, even if you are to drunk to locate sliders, you can ask any person to do the job for you meanwhile, even girls! (just a quotation, hehe)
	doesnt generate pure random stuff, most generated rifflines follow some psychedelic/goa directives
	combines realtime synthesis + sampling, you can also load wav loop layers (2 loopers + 1 slicer) to add some special events
	just had to give it a TOP
	NEW: Saiko is back.

DirectCsound 5.10

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

DirectCsound 5.10 (631 KB)

3 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Gabriel Maldonado

02-May-2001

	freeware, realtime DirectX version of the famous Csound, Csound is for sound synthesizing what povray is for raytracing
	a very powerful script driven program which can do nearly everything, but definitely needs a lot of enthusiasm to get into
	csound works like a "compiler", you write 2 text-files, one (.orc) for the instrument definitions, the other (.sco) for the notes to be played, result is a wave file
	SoundFont2 support
	binaries for all common platforms, alternative CSOUND versions, source, manuals, benchmarks, helper apps: Csound FrontPage @ MIT Press
	this book may help to handle the massive power of CSound: The Csound Book : Perspectives in Software Synthesis, Sound Design, Signal Processing, and Programming
	check out Visual Orchestra, another Csound GUI [thanks spark]
	NEW: DirectCsound implements GUI-widget opcodes to control synthesis parameters in realtime. Such opcodes have been written using the ultra-fast and multi-platform FLTK library. Both console and windows version support such opcodes. The introduction of FLTK (and, in the near future, of OpenGL) opens a new era for Csound, that will support both graphic and sound.
	NEW: GUI containers: FLpanel, FLpanel_end, FLscroll, FLscroll_end, FLtabs, FLtabs_end, FLgroup, FLgroup_end, FLpack, FLpack_end
	NEW: GUI valuators: FLslider, FLknob, FLroller, FLtext, FLjoy, FLcount
	NEW: GUI widgets: FLbutton, FLbutBank, FLbox, FLvalue, FLprintk, FLprintk2
	NEW: Opcodes that modify widget apparence: FLcolor, FLlabel, FLsetVal_i, FLsetVal, FLsetColor, FLsetColor2, FLsetTextSize, FLsetTextColor, FLsetFont, FLsetTextType, FLsetText, FLsetSize, FLsetPosition, FLhide, FLshow, FLsetBox, FLsetAlign
	NEW: General widget-related opcodes and snaphsot support: FLrun, FLsetsnap, FLgetsnap, FLsavesnap, FLloadsnap
	NEW: Synchronized with canonical Csound version 4.12

SynC Modular 2.21

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

SynC Modular 2.21 (1304 KB)

7 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Dr Sync

31-Jan-2002

	49$ shareware modular synth (sampler module in full version only), fast, flexible, multitimbral (16 different synths playing at the same time), obviously inspired by Native Instruments Generator/Reaktor in design
	BeOS version available at authors site
	beats the known modular softsynths in performance and compares in performance with non-modular softsynths
	all parameters are midi controllable
	allows users to create own oscillators and filters (using Z-1 modules)
	comes with a loopback MIDI driver allowing co-operation with sequencing software playing up to 16 parts together
	also included are examples and a nice step-by-step tutorial
	additional synth patches are available in the User Area
	the development of SynC Modular has been stopped (except of minor bugfixes)
	NEW: audio input module (VST mode registered version only)
	NEW: BeOS version updated for file format compatibility issues
	NEW: fixed bug causing the program to crash on different occasions

SAMPLERs

VSampler 2.75

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

VSampler 2.75 (7624 KB)

37 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Speedsoft

06-Nov-2005

	VSampler 2 has been ceased in October 2003 in favour of it's successor VSampler 3
	realtime controllable VSTi/DXi/standalone 24bit/96kHz stereo sampler and synthesizer with up to 64 voices and 16 individual outputs
	works either as native VSTi or DXi (Pro version only) offering sample accurate timing or standalone through a virtual MIDI port
	loads 16/24 bit WAV/AIF (incl. loop-points and rootkey), SF2 (Creative Labs SB Live format), TTI (TerraTec instruments), LM4 drumkits and (Pro only) AKAI S-1000/S-3000 CD's and ZIP-discs, AKAI S1000 PRG and P files as well as AKAI S5000/S6000 AKP files, VSampler exports SF2 and VBS (it's own bank format, which includes all bank-specific settings)
	fully customizable realtime controls (modulation wheel, assignable controllers, pitchbend), integrates external VST effect plugins and even hosts VST instruments
	supports realtime effects, such as volume-, filter- and LFO-envelopes with linear or logarithmic envelopes, two velocity controlled filters (modes LP, HP, BP, notch), two LFO's
	velocity zones allow to use different samples in dependence of the velocity to create very realistic instruments, incl. velocity zone crossfades
	includes two realtime-synths: an DX7-like FM synth (imports original DX7 patches) and a classical analog-synth
	automatic spreading of several imported WAV-files at the keyboard by frequency analysis, automatic mapping of split-ranges and root-keys, derived by pitch-tracking ("Track Freq" must be activated), new option for creating e.g. drum-presets from multiple WAV's loaded at once (checkbox "use next free key(s)" in Open-Dialog)
	by use of templates you can apply complex instrument settings incl. keyzones to another instrument with just one mouseclick
	you can make the graphical interface match the mood of your song by "skins", incl. animated rotary knobs, there are several alternative skins availabe for download
	VSampler bank fileformat description available for program-developers (.hlp file + Delphi sample project) at the vsampler download page
	NEW: VSampler 2 has been ceased in October 2003 in favour of it's successor VSampler 3

Setit 1.20

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Setit 1.20 (295 KB)

2 minutes

Win95/98

Jaakko Salli

11-Mar-2000

	freeware, very basic instrument bank manager for EWS64 and SoundFont compatible cards (AWE series, SB Live! series, EMU APS)
	features virtual bank mode, includes visual MIDI device connection and signal modification capability
	saves bank configuration into a preset file for easy reloading

X-Incarn 1.52

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

X-Incarn 1.52 (772 KB)

4 minutes

Win 95/98

N.y.s. Software

01-Nov-1999

	49$ shareware (drum)loop processing tool, only limitation of the unregistered version: no rendering to wave
	real time processing, automation of all boring stuff like cut, paste...
	independant control of each 16th (with ADSR envelope) of: speed and direction of sound (with 'scratching'), pitch (+12/-24 half-tone), cutoff (low pass filter), resonance, distortion, level
	exchange, repeat, turn off any part of the loop, glide, slide and "double" effect on each control
	randomize and initialisation function on each control
	group shifting on the most effectives fonctions
	six real time screen controls
	listen to any change by holding CTRL while moving sliders
	400 presets to store your settings
	NEW: new help file and many language corrections (from french to english)

MISC

FruityLoops 3.40

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

FruityLoops 3.40 (9918 KB)

48 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Image-Line

31-Jan-2002

	shareware, 49$ for the "Pro" and 99$ for the "Full" verison, a very powerful and stylish all-in-one music production system
	it features MIDI and audio step sequencer - triggered channels, additionally to the included effects and sound generators it supports VST instruments, VST plugins and DirectX plugins
	support for DirectX, ASIO, VST instruments and DX instruments, Buzz machines & FX
	allows you to automate, record and edit the movement of any wheel or slider
	integrated sampler, Buzz machines support, TS-404 bassline synth, 3xOsc generator, Plucked! string generator, the MidiOut generator (controls all parameters of your external gear or sequencer), the BeepMap (generates sound out of your jpg and bitmap images)
	the "Full" version adds Piano roll and full automation of all wheels
	optionally you can purchase additional generators such as the great SimSynth Live ($35) and WASP ($30)
	NEW: added fat mode to channels (echo delay tab)
	NEW: new input to output mapping formula in remote control linking
	NEW: added Fruity formula (internal) controller plugin
	NEW: new Export->Project bones (exports all channel & effect presets + scores, to merge projects easier)
	NEW: introducing channel filtering for easier reading of the step sequencer
	NEW: introducing layer channels, to control several channels at once
	NEW: fixed the freezing on some systems with the MIDI output enabled
	NEW: added activity meter to channels
	NEW: new Fruity chorus plugin, new Fruity DX10 & SoundFont player plugins
	NEW: can now move patterns (or blocks of patterns) up/down (see playlist menu)

Hammerhead 1.0

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Hammerhead 1.0 (1081 KB)

6 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Bram Bos

11-Jul-1997

	with Hammerhead you can create drumloops for tracking or midi-music with your soundcard
	for this you can use 25 drum-samples, 5 drumloops (jungle...) and 6 of your own samples in the userbank
	and as usual you can save your whole drumloop as a .wav-file - the loop fit's perfectly

DrumStation 1.08

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

DrumStation 1.08 (3693 KB)

18 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

D-LUSiON

09-Mar-2000

	35$ shareware, virtual drum computer, nice and easy to use GUI
	8 channels, simple but powerfull step sequencer
	realtime FX per channel: reverb, hall, flanger, delay, LP-filter, distortion, timeshifting
	available DrumKits: DR-110, RZ 1, KPR-77, RealDrums, DPM-48, TR-606, TR-808, TR-909, 512 (in this demo only TR-808 and 512)
	WAV-Recording
	includes support for DAS ("d-lusion audio server"), DAS syncs all D-Lusion programs
	NEW: bank switching bug fixed

seq-303 2.025

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

seq-303 2.025 (823 KB)

4 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Metaphoric Software

18-May-2001

	35$ shareware analog sequencer emulator, inspired by stuff like Moog 960, Serge TKB, ARP 1613, Paia 4780, Korg SQ-10 and of course TB-303, 35$ shareware (30 days limit)
	what RubberDuck and VAZ are for your CPU, this is the toy for your wavetable card - for the true fun your card should be able to apply some FILTERS (like AWE32/64, EWS 64 XL, DB50XG or any decent external synth)
	one of the best features: you can export to a plain MIDI file for further work in your favourite MIDI sequencer
	16 stages by 5 rows (pitch, velocity, and three controllers)
	configurable NRPN support (GS, XG, AWE32 presets included)
	real-time interaction, external transposition, program banks, randomization (for ultimate jamming)
	advanced multiple-instance integration and synchronization (cool!)
	NEW: minor fixes

arp-x8 1.0117

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

arp-x8 1.0117 (780 KB)

4 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Metaphoric Software

18-May-2001

	25$ shareware: Arp-X8 is an eight-layer arpeggiator similiar to the arpeggiators found in classic instruments like the Roland Jupiter 8 and Arp Quadra, but adds a vast array of controls
	includes 8 separate arpeggiators, each with independent controls
	features ten motion algorithms, including random and brownian motion, rhythm and accent generator, input and output range controls, MIDI file record and export, and of course full integration with Seq-303 and MIDI Thruway
	NEW: minor fixes

XG-909 1.00152

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

XG-909 1.00152 (1171 KB)

6 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Metaphoric Software

18-May-2001

	30$ shareware: drummachine for use with GM/GS/XG-compatible soundcards/synths (XG recommended), inspired by the famous "X0X" series of drum machines from the 80's
	combines the familiar step-sequencer + pattern/song model with an analog-style sequencer
	static and dynamic control of all XG drum parameters, includes a SysEx manager as well
	shuffle, flam, and echo
	MIDI file record and export
	advanced multiple-instance integration and synchronization, fully integrated with other Techno Toys

Little Drummer Boy 0.90b

download

at 28.8 it takes

program runs under

author

updated

Little Drummer Boy 0.90b (2134 KB)

11 minutes

Win9x/NT/2000

Hakan "Zap" Andersson

11-Jan-2000

	(not only) drum loop creator, in fact it's a step-sequencer-soft-synth which uses WAVs or Stomper-sounds (Stomper must be installed) as instruments
	already have an older version of LDB? - here's just the latest .exe as zip-file (158 K)
	as long as it's beta it costs 12$ reg fee, the final will be 16.50$, so hurry up and get your reg key now if you want to save those 4.50$
	it got a TOP even if it's not realtime (needs a few seconds to compile the sound on my P200), it doesn't sync or has MIDI support and doesn't allow multiple patterns - I found it to be the most inspiring loop creation tool so far
	nobody forces you to use drums only, hehe, nice demonstration may be the loop I made last night (158 K) (just depack it into your LDB main-dir, important: archive contains subdirectories) - the filtering of the synth bass line (first track) is completely done by LDB - only one WAV used
	hehe, features loadable "designs", and of course it allows to render the complete loop into a WAV
	full parameteric morphing, means: you can define 2 parameter sheets per sounds: one "accented" and one "unaccented" and then you can morph between those sheets via accent levels
	you can morph/customize the following parameters: distortion, decay, stereo spread and resonant filtering (reso+cutoff)
	it also allows to change the pitch of a sound (with glide, so you can simulate 303 or other oldschool synth if you like)
	NEW: some bugfixes
	NEW: new option for reverse sounds, "backwards, end here": LDB automagically calculates the start time of the sound so it ENDS in a given tick. Perfect for those backwards cymbals that go "schlurp" just before a beat
	NEW: Double-, Triple- and Quadruple-hit options: make a tick hit more than once
	NEW: file save testing: will check (and warn) if you are using samples with an absolute path (which is not good if you want to share your .SQZ files with your friends)
	NEW: automatic .ZIP file builder, which builds a .ZIP file with the loop, and all component sounds (requires PKZIP.EXE to work in this version)