Welcome to the world of unconventional sound design with the Synodeia plugin from Klanglabs! This unique VST instrument opens the door to sound experiments, allowing you to transform a melody or a monophonic instrumental signal into triggers for samples. Forget about standard approaches to samplers and synthesizers – Synodeia offers a fresh perspective on the interaction between audio input and sample playback.
What is Synodeia?
Synodeia is not just another sampler. It is an instrument that analyzes the pitch (frequency) of a monophonic input signal and uses this information to trigger pre-loaded samples. Imagine you’re playing a melody on vocals or guitar, and each note triggers a unique drum sound, atmospheric effect, or any other sample you’ve chosen. That’s exactly what Synodeia does.
The plugin can recognize 12 different frequencies, corresponding to the full 12-tone chromatic scale. Each of these recognized frequencies is associated with a separate sample player. This gives you the ability to assign a unique sample to each note within an octave, creating complex and dynamic sound sequences that are controlled by your performance.
Key features and characteristics
Synodeia is designed with flexibility and convenience in mind, although its concept is quite original. Here are the main functions you get:
- 12 frequency recognition: The plugin accurately identifies the pitch of the input monophonic signal for 12 different notes of the chromatic scale.
- 12 WAV sample players: For each of the 12 recognized frequencies, there is a separate slot where you can upload your own samples in *.wav format. This allows you to fully customize the palette of sounds being played.
- Detailed control and fine-tuning: Synodeia provides many parameters for fine-tuning the plugin’s operation. You can adjust the recognition sensitivity for each individual frequency, control the volume of the input signal, and also adjust the detector’s response for optimal triggering.
- “Hints” system: No need to search for instructions – just hover the mouse cursor over any control, and the plugin will show a short hint about its function. This makes the process of mastering Synodeia quick and intuitive.
- Presets of equal temperament: The plugin contains ready-made presets for setting up frequency recognition according to the principles of equal temperament for octaves from 0 to 5. This will help you quickly start working with standard musical structures.
- Two versions of audio output: Synodeia is available in two versions: “Synodeia.dll” with traditional stereo (L-R) output and “Synodeia m-o” (Multiple audio outs), which offers 12 stereo pairs of outputs. The latter version is ideal for advanced mixing and processing of each triggered sample separately in your DAW.
Creative possibilities
The possibilities of using Synodeia are limited only by your imagination. Here are a few ideas:
- Creating unique drum parts by “playing” them on vocals or bass.
- Transforming melodies into chord or arpeggio sequences using different samples for each note.
- Adding atmospheric textures or sound effects that appear in sync with certain notes of your performance.
- Experimenting with granular synthesis or vocoding, using samples as a “carrier” for the pitch of the input signal.
- Creating interactive instruments where the pitch of the voice or instrument triggers complex sound events.
Synodeia from Klanglabs is a powerful tool for musicians and sound designers looking for new ways to create music. Its ability to transform pitch into triggers for samples opens up endless possibilities for experimentation and innovation in your music production.
Given its unique functionality and flexibility of settings, Synodeia can become a key element in your VST plugin arsenal, allowing you to create truly original and exciting soundscapes.
The plugin is available in VST format and is compatible with Windows operating systems (32-bit).