Immerse yourself in the nostalgic world of classic computer games with SE64 – a unique monophonic synthesizer designed by Oli Larkin. This VST instrument is specifically designed to recreate the iconic sounds associated with the era of 8-bit and 16-bit consoles. If you’re looking to add an authentic retro-gaming atmosphere to your music, soundtracks, or sound designs, SE64 will become an indispensable tool.
Delving into the world of retro sounds
SE64 is not just a synthesizer, it’s a portal to the past, where every sound evokes memories of the first gaming adventures. Developer Oli Larkin has made every effort to convey the unique sound characteristics of old gaming platforms. The plugin is ideal for creating chiptune music, electronic compositions in the retrowave style, and for adding distinctive sound effects to any modern track.
Key features of SE64
This monophonic synthesizer is equipped with a set of features that allow you to flexibly shape the sound, reproducing both simple tones and more complex timbres.
Two powerful oscillators
- The first oscillator offers a choice between sawtooth, triangle, sine waves, as well as various PWM (pulse width modulation) waveforms. This makes it possible to create rich and dynamic timbres.
- The second oscillator generates a triangle wave, which is ring modulated with the output signal of the first oscillator. This combination opens up wide possibilities for creating metallic, ringing, or experimental sounds, characteristic of many retro games.
Versatile Envelope Generators
SE64 has separate envelopes for:
- Pitch
- Pulse Width
- Amplitude
- Filter Cutoff
The presence of independent EGs for these parameters allows you to precisely control the dynamics and evolution of the sound over time, creating vibrant and expressive patterns.
Signature arpeggiator
One of the key features of SE64 is its extremely fast arpeggiator. This component is able to reproduce the famous “chordal” parts that can be heard in the music from the legendary Commodore 64 (C64) computer and its SID chip. This opens the door to creating authentic patterns that will instantly transport the listener to the era of the heyday of home computers.
Bit-crusher effects
For additional coloring and giving the sound even more “digital” graininess, the plugin is equipped with two bit-crusher effects. These effects simulate the limited bit depth of old digital converters, adding characteristic artifacts and distortion, which are an integral part of the retro sound.
Conclusion
SE64 by Oli Larkin is a compact but extremely powerful tool for anyone interested in creating music and sounds in the retro-gaming style. Its intuitive interface, combined with unique features such as a fast arpeggiator and ring modulation, makes it a great choice for both experienced sound designers and novice musicians looking to explore the world of chiptune. Add SE64 to your plugin collection and start creating your own nostalgic masterpieces!
