Immerse yourself in the depths of vintage sound with Nabla – a plugin from Full Bucket Music that recreates the unique KORG Delta String DL-50 synthesizer from 1979. This instrument is a true find for lovers of warm analog sound and textures that defined the music of the late 70s and 80s.
Nabla masterfully combines two sections: synthesizer and string, allowing you to create rich pads, atmospheric textures, and characteristic leads. Thanks to its palindromic (paraphonic) architecture in its basic implementation, the plugin can reproduce up to 64 voices of polyphony, which is an extremely generous figure for instruments of this type.
Two Sections, Endless Possibilities
The Nabla plugin is divided into two main, but complementary sections, each of which has its own unique characteristics and sound-forming capabilities.
Synthesizer Section
This part of Nabla is the source of classic synthesizer timbres, which are ideal for creating basses, leads, and percussive sounds, although its main strength is, of course, pads and textures. The section is equipped with:
- Four frequency-limited signal generators, operating on the basis of frequency dividers, ensuring stable and clear sound.
- An additional noise generator for adding character and texture.
- A four-pole zero-delay feedback filter that can operate as a bandpass or low-pass filter, providing wide possibilities for timbre formation.
String Section
This section gives Nabla its signature “string” sound, which is so reminiscent of classic analog string machines. It is ideal for creating lush string ensembles, warm backing tracks, and cinematic pads. Section features:
- Two signal generators, also based on the principle of frequency dividers, which provide the characteristic sound of strings for vintage instruments.
- A two-band equalizer for basic timbre correction.
- The Ensemble effect, which is a key element for obtaining a rich, chorused sound that imitates the playing of an ensemble of instruments.
Modern Enhancements (“Tweaks”)
Full Bucket Music has not just created an emulation, but also added a few useful features that were not in the original KORG Delta, expanding the capabilities of the plugin:
- “GOD Mode”: Provides true polyphony for the synthesizer section, overcoming the limitations of the original paraphonic design.
- Panning: The ability to independently pan the synthesizer and string sections to create a wider stereo image.
- Built-in effects: Integrated Phaser and Delay effects allow you to further process the sound directly in the plugin, adding movement and space.
Technical Aspects
Nabla is designed with modern audio processing standards in mind. It uses double precision audio processing, which guarantees high sound quality and minimal artifacts. All plugin parameters can be conveniently controlled using MIDI controllers, making it ideal for live playing and automation in a DAW. The plugin is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions and is fully compatible with SM Pro Audio V-Machine.
Nabla by Full Bucket Music is more than just an emulation. It’s a carefully recreated piece of musical history, complemented by modern features for convenience and expansion of creative possibilities. It will be a valuable addition to the arsenal of any musician, producer, or sound engineer looking for authentic vintage synthesizer and string sounds.
