Start your musical journey with SAW – a compact yet incredibly powerful software synthesizer from Samsara Cycle Audio. This VST instrument is entirely focused on the classic and ever-relevant sawtooth wave, which is the cornerstone of numerous electronic and modern music genres.
Key Features of SAW
Oscillator Section
At the heart of SAW is its sawtooth wave oscillator. You have access to four independent sound sources, each of which can be tuned in pitch using the “feet” switch. You can choose between:
- 32′
- 16′
- 8′
- 4′
- 2′
By combining these different octave positions, you can create rich, “fat” sounds with a rich harmonic spectrum, ideal for dense basses, layered chords, or wide leads.
Filter Section
Shape the timbre with a versatile filter section. Available filter types:
- Low Pass
- High Pass
- Band Pass
With the Filter Pass Mix control, you can smoothly blend the output signal of the filter. The Q (resonance) parameter allows you to emphasize the cutoff frequency, adding a characteristic “singing” sound. The filter is a vital tool for “sculpting” the desired timbre from the harmonically rich saw wave.
Envelopes
The dynamics and evolution of the sound over time are controlled using envelope sections for volume (AMP Envelope) and filter (Filter Envelope). Each envelope has standard ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) parameters, allowing you to create a wide variety of sounds: from instantaneous to slowly increasing, from percussive to atmospheric.
Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO)
To add movement and life to your sound, SAW is equipped with an LFO section. You can direct the LFO to modulate the volume level (AMP) or the filter cutoff frequency (Filter). The Host Sync function, which synchronizes the LFO speed with the tempo of your DAW, is particularly useful, allowing you to create rhythmic, pulsating textures.
Built-in Effect
SAW has a built-in Flanger effect. The flanger creates a characteristic “metallic” or “whistling” sound, adding depth, movement, and a unique tonal coloration, perfectly suited for creating atmospheric pads, moving leads, or experimental sound textures.
Additional Control Options
SAW offers several important additional features:
- Glide (Portamento): for a smooth transition from one note to another.
- Mono/Poly Selector: to choose the playing mode (monophonic or polyphonic).
- Midi Learn: for easy assignment of parameters to a MIDI controller.
These features provide convenience and expressiveness of control during playing or recording.
Sound Potential of SAW
Thanks to its focus on the sawtooth wave and a set of classic synthesizer functions, SAW is a versatile tool for creating powerful basses, rich leads, and atmospheric pads. It’s perfect for a variety of genres where classic synthesizer sound is used.
Conclusion
SAW from Samsara Cycle Audio is a simple but powerful tool for working with the sawtooth wave. The presence of key synthesis elements makes it a valuable addition to your plugin collection. Try SAW and experience the full power of the classic sawtooth wave in your creativity!
