PolyGAS – Polyphonic Granular Synthesizer by Stone Voices
The world of sound design is constantly evolving, offering musicians and producers new tools for creativity. One of the most interesting and powerful methods of sound synthesis is granular synthesis. And it is on this principle that PolyGAS (Polyphonic Granular Advanced Synthesizer) from Stone Voices is built – a virtual instrument that opens up endless possibilities for creating unique textures, atmospheres and instrumental timbres.
Granular synthesis works by breaking down audio files into extremely short segments, called “grains.” These grains are then played simultaneously, often at different speeds, volumes, positions in time, and pitches, creating dense sound clouds or interesting, moving textures. PolyGAS gives you full control over this process, allowing you to delve deeply into the details and shape the sound on a microscopic level.
Key features and capabilities of PolyGAS:
- Polyphony and working with samples: PolyGAS supports 32-voice polyphony, allowing you to create complex harmonies and textures. It works with your own samples in WAV and AIFF formats (8, 16, 24 and 32-bit, mono/stereo), opening the way to using any recorded sound as a source for granular synthesis. It is important that only uncompressed audio files are supported.
- Powerful envelope editor: One of PolyGAS’s strengths is its flexible envelope editor. You have access to 18 envelopes with up to 40 nodes each, allowing you to precisely control various granular synthesis parameters over time. In addition, it is possible to synchronize the position of the envelope nodes with the tempo of your composition in the DAW, as well as to adjust the dependence of the envelope amplitude on the tonality of the pressed key.
- Controlled randomization: To add unpredictability and uniqueness to the sound, PolyGAS offers a controlled randomization function of the granular synthesis parameters. This allows you to quickly generate interesting variations and discover new sounds.
- Amplitude nonlinear distortions: The plugin includes a nonlinear distortion section with 11 different types, including clipping, bit-crusher and others. This allows you to add character, warmth or aggression to your sound.
- Universal filter: PolyGAS is equipped with a universal filter that can be controlled manually (Cutoff, Resonance), using envelopes or even depending on the tonality of the pressed key. Different types of filtering are available: LP, HP, BP, Comb.
- Delay line with modulation: The delay section allows you to create Delay and Flanger effects. The delay time can be synchronized with the DAW tempo. There are different feedback modes (Normal/CrossFeed) and LFO waveforms for modulation (Sine/Triangle).
- High-quality reverb: The plugin contains a reverb based on the Ambient Reverb Stone Voices technology, which provides high-quality spatial sound and depth.
- Master section: For final sound polishing, a master section is available with low and high frequency controls, stereo base width, and overall volume level.
- Microtonality support: For musicians working with non-standard tunings, PolyGAS supports microtonal settings using VAZ/Anamark (.tun and .scl) format files.
- Bank and preset management: The plugin provides convenient tools for saving, loading and organizing your sounds.
- MIDI controller support: Full control of parameters using external MIDI devices.
- Detailed documentation: The package includes a detailed user manual to help you master all the features of PolyGAS.
PolyGAS is not just a synthesizer, it’s a complete sound workbench for experiments and creating unique soundscapes. Its deep granular synthesis capabilities, combined with a wide range of effects and modulations, make it the perfect tool for electronic music, film scoring, sound design, and any genre where an unusual and original sound is needed. If you are looking for a tool that will take your sound production to a new level, PolyGAS deserves your attention.