Alphatron SE: A Hybrid Synthesizer for a Unique Sound
Alphatron SE by HG Fortune is not just another virtual analog synthesizer. It’s a true hybrid, combining the warmth of analog oscillators with the unique capabilities of digital waves. This approach opens up limitless horizons for creating fresh and original sounds, from classic synthesizer timbres to experimental textures that will surprise even experienced sound designers.
The Heart of Sound: Oscillators and Modulation
The oscillator section of the Alphatron SE is one of its most interesting features. Here you’ll find three sound sources, each with its own unique properties:
- The first oscillator (VA Oscillator) offers virtual analog waveforms: sawtooth (Saw), ramp (Ramp), sine (Sine), triangle (Tri), and pulse (Pulse). Its main “feature” is the poly-wave mode with the ability to use up to 6 waves simultaneously. This allows you to create rich, multi-layered sounds, similar to the effects of Super Saw, Super Pulse, Super Ramp, etc.
- The second oscillator (VA Oscillator) also works with classic analog waveforms, but white and pink noise are added to them. This oscillator acts as a “sync slave”, and its frequency can be synchronized with the third oscillator, which opens the door for creating complex harmonically rich timbres.
- The third oscillator (Sample Oscillator) is a digital component of the hybrid architecture. It contains a set of typical digital waves with different harmonic content, which resembles the sound of iconic synthesizers of the late 80s, such as Ensoniq ESQ-1 or SQ 80. This oscillator is the “sync master”, controlling the synchronization of the second oscillator.
In addition, Alphatron SE has a dedicated amplitude modulation (AM) module with a separate output. It uses the second oscillator as the main source, which is modulated by the first or third oscillator. This adds another dimension to the sound possibilities, allowing you to create metallic, ringing, or other unusual timbres.
Filters, Envelopes, and Effects
For shaping and processing sound, the Alphatron SE is equipped with a full set of tools:
- Resonant Low Pass Filter with a cut-off slope of 24 dB/octave. It has its own ADSR envelope generator and supports up to 4 mixed modulation sources, which provides flexible timbre control.
- The envelope generator for the amplifier (VCA EG) is also implemented in ADSR format.
Both envelope generators offer three operating modes: exponential, reverse exponential, and linear. In addition, it is possible to control the attack and decay times using key velocity sensitivity, which makes playing the synthesizer more expressive.
The effects and signal processing section includes:
- Booster or Exciter – to choose from to add “meat” or “air” to the sound.
- Mystify – a unique effect with three modes (Brite, Soft, Dark) to add mystery and character.
- Delay synchronized with the BPM of your project, with the ability to manually or modulated control the offset and pan.
- Bass Boost – to emphasize low frequencies.
- Pan for the unprocessed delay signal.
- Small Reverb – to add space and volume.
- Saturator – for warm analog distortion.
- Main Volume.
Deep Modulation
Alphatron SE is equipped with a powerful modulation section:
- Three standard LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators).
- One Duo LFO with two waveforms and phase control of the second waveform.
- One Sample & Hold (S&H) module.
- One Pitch LFO with the option of accelerating or slowing down the LFO speed using the Modwheel or Aftertouch.
These tools allow you to create moving, evolving sounds, add vibrato, tremolo, filter sweeps, and much more.
Creative Tools
The three “Lazy” buttons are a nice addition that can be a source of unexpected ideas. They likely implement some form of randomization or quick loading of interesting presets, which helps you go beyond the usual.
Alphatron SE is a powerful and flexible synthesizer that offers a unique combination of analog and digital capabilities. It is ideal for creating a variety of sounds: from classic synthesizer basses and leads to atmospheric pads and experimental effects. If you are looking for a tool that will help you stand out and find your own unique sound signature, Alphatron SE deserves your attention. It is available as a VST plugin for the Windows (Win32) operating system.
