Discover Ragnarok – a virtual rebirth of a unique analog synthesizer from the distant year of 1980! Created by the Full Bucket Music team, this plugin brings the classic sound and features of an individually assembled hardware instrument right into your DAW. Ragnarok is not just another synthesizer; it’s a piece of analog sound history, recreated with attention to detail and the addition of modern capabilities.
The Heart of Ragnarok: Classic VA Architecture
At the core of Ragnarok lies the time-tested architecture of a virtual-analog synthesizer (VA). The signal begins its journey in the oscillator section, passes through a dynamically controlled filter, and then is amplified and shaped by the amplifier section, controlled by an envelope. This familiar structure provides an intuitive workflow, allowing both beginners and experienced sound designers to quickly grasp the subtleties of the plugin.
Flexibility and Power: Key Features
Oscillators and Noise Source
Ragnarok is equipped with a unique bank of oscillators. This is not a standard set, but a special “3+1” configuration with limited bandwidth, allowing for up to four oscillators per voice. This feature gives the sound a special character and richness. In addition, a white noise generator is available, which can be mixed in to create various effects, from a slight hiss to dense noise textures.
- Unique 3+1 oscillator bank with limited bandwidth
- Up to four oscillators per voice for a rich sound palette
- White noise generator for additional texture
Filter and Modulation
The plugin has a multi-pole filter, which offers low and high-frequency modes with a cutoff slope from 6 to 24 dB/octave. The filter is equipped with resonance, allowing for the creation of classic “juicy” analog effects. For dynamic control of the volume and filter frequency, two envelopes (ADSR or AD) with exponential slopes are provided – this makes it possible to precisely shape the attacks, decays, and sustains of the sound. A low-frequency oscillator (LFO) expands the modulation possibilities, adding movement and life to your patches.
- Multi-pole filter (6–12–18–24 dB/Oct)
- Low and high-frequency modes
- Controlled filter resonance
- Two envelopes (ADSR or AD) with exponential slopes
- Low-frequency oscillator (LFO) for flexible modulation
Built-in Effects and Functions
Ragnarok goes beyond the basic VA architecture, offering built-in tools for further shaping the sound. An Overdrive effect is available, which adds warmth, richness, or aggressive distortion, perfectly imitating tube overload. In addition, an integrated 7-band graphic equalizer (Static Filter) allows you to precisely adjust the tonal balance of the sound directly within the plugin. These effects expand the palette of available sounds, from vintage warmth to modern, dense timbres.
- Built-in Overdrive effect for analog distortion
- 7-band graphic equalizer for precise tonal control
Additional Features
The plugin supports up to 64 voices of polyphony, including portamento functionality, which allows you to create dense layers of sound and smooth transitions between notes. A special Repeat/Pseudo Arpeggiator function adds interesting rhythmic possibilities, allowing you to generate repeated notes or arpeggio-like sequences, inspired by the behavior of vintage sequencers. Sound processing is carried out with double precision, guaranteeing high-quality sound. All plugin parameters can be fully controlled using MIDI controllers, making Ragnarok ideal for live performances and studio automation. The plugin is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions and is fully compatible with SM Pro Audio’s V-Machine hardware host.
- Up to 64 voices of polyphony with portamento
- Special Repeat/Pseudo Arpeggiator function
- Double-precision sound processing
- Full support for MIDI controllers
- Availability in 32-bit and 64-bit versions
- Compatibility with SM Pro Audio’s V-Machine
Ragnarok from Full Bucket Music is an excellent choice for musicians and producers looking for a unique virtual embodiment of a vintage analog synthesizer. Its special character, flexible sound-shaping capabilities, and user-friendly interface make it a valuable addition to any virtual studio, allowing you to create both classic analog timbres and experimental textures.
