Introducing Cadencia by Contralogic Productions – a virtual analog synthesizer that combines classic simplicity with unexpected depth in modulation capabilities. This plugin is designed for musicians and sound designers looking for warm analog character and a penchant for sound experimentation.
Sound Foundation: Two Oscillators
At the heart of Cadencia are two analog-modeled oscillators. This configuration is a time-tested classic in synthesis, allowing the creation of dense basses, piercing leads, and atmospheric pads. The simplicity of two oscillators makes Cadencia accessible even to beginners in the world of synthesis while laying a solid foundation for more complex sounds.
Sound Shaping Tools
- Filter: The plugin features a 4-pole filter with a 24 dB/octave slope. This type of filter is known for its rich, creamy resonance and is a key element in shaping classic analog timbre, allowing you to gently or aggressively cut frequencies and add character through resonance.
- ADSR Envelopes: Two standard ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelopes provide full control over the dynamics of the sound and the modulation of parameters. You can use them to shape the volume and apply to the filter or other available parameters to create evolving or percussive sounds.
Unique Modulation System
What sets Cadencia apart from many simple analog synthesizers is its Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO) system. The plugin has four LFOs that can be assigned to modulate different parameters. But the real magic begins when you start experimenting with their interaction.
Unpredictable Soundscapes
The main feature of the LFOs in Cadencia is that each LFO can modulate the speed of a neighboring LFO. This unique routing opens the door to extremely complex and often unpredictable modulation patterns. Instead of stable, cyclical modulations, you can create sounds that pulsate, change their speed, become chaotic, or slowly evolve in a non-linear way. This is ideal for creating textures, experimental sounds, non-rhythmic movements, or adding an element of live, breathing unpredictability to your patches.
Built-in Effects
To further shape and enrich the sound, Cadencia includes a built-in stereo effect that can function as a delay or flanger. These effects add space, movement, and texture to your sound without the need to add external effect plugins. Delay is great for creating loops and echoes, while the flanger adds a metallic, moving character that blends well with analog timbres.
Cadencia in the Workflow
Thanks to its simplicity in controlling the main parameters and the unique modulation section, Cadencia is an excellent tool for both quickly creating classic analog sounds and for hours of experimentation with LFOs, which can lead to completely new, unexpected results. Its intuitive interface allows you to quickly master the basic functions, while the deep LFO system provides space for creative growth and exploration.
The plugin is available in VST format and is designed for the Windows operating system (Win32), making it compatible with many Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).
Conclusion
Cadencia is more than just another virtual analog synthesizer. It is an instrument that invites play and experimentation. If you’re looking for a synthesizer with warm analog sound, a classic set of features, and a unique “twist” in the form of interacting LFOs that can generate unpredictable and complex modulations, Cadencia by Contralogic Productions is an excellent choice for your music palette.
