Asper – Experimental Synthesizer for Unique Sound
The Asper synthesizer from zOne.sk is not just an instrument, but a real experimental sound lab. This plugin combines the power of wavetable synthesis, subtractive synthesis, phase distortion, and elements of physical modeling to create extraordinarily vivid and unpredictable sounds. If you are looking for a fresh sound and a tool capable of adding organicness and “humanity” to your tracks, Asper deserves your attention.
Main Idea: Live Sound and Round Robin Imitation
The key philosophy behind Asper lies in adding “humanity” directly at the oscillator level. Instead of striving for ideal, but static behavior, Asper imitates natural variations, characteristic of acoustic instruments or recordings, where each note or strike is slightly different from the previous one. This approach, similar to the Round Robin technique in samplers, creates a feeling of realism and dynamics that goes beyond typical synthesis. This is not an attempt to imitate analog circuits, but rather a simulation of the behavior of a “live” performer.
Innovative Oscillator and Versatile Capabilities
Instead of a complex modulation system, the developer focused on a unique oscillator architecture. The Asper wavetable oscillator is divided into two layers, each with its own independent settings and control parameters. This allows you to easily control different aspects of the sound, for example, the attack depending on the key press velocity, without the need for complex modulation source assignments. Each layer can be individually detuned, have its own comb filter, pitch envelope, or phase distortion. Layer mixing control is also extremely flexible, allowing the use of individual curve shape settings or even inverting it for each layer, using the same MIDI CC controller or key press velocity.
Asper is equipped not only with a powerful wavetable oscillator, but also with an additional sub-noise synthesizer. Round Robin simulation is applied to both the wavetable and noise oscillators, emphasizing the basic idea of live sound.
Key Features and Functions:
- One wavetable oscillator with two independent layers.
- A large collection of 118 wavetables that can be combined.
- Comb filter for both layers of the wavetable oscillator.
- Advanced volume settings with breakpoint for detailed control.
- Phase distortion for each layer with 5 shapes and its own pitch setting.
- Modulation section for phase distortion with sync option.
- Separate sub-noise synthesizer.
- Round Robin simulation at the oscillator level for wavetable and noise sources.
- Velocity or assigned MIDI CC mixing mode settings.
- Ability to control the curve shape for morphing, filter, FM-synthesis (from exponential to logarithmic).
- Filter with parallel or serial operation mode.
- Modulation section for the filter.
- Shaper with two modes.
- Saturation to add saturation.
- Portamento for monomode with setting the speed level for triggering.
- Vibrato module.
- Interactive graphical interface with tooltips when hovering the mouse.
- Display of the assigned MIDI controller for each control element.
- 6 quick presets for all envelope controls.
- Ensemble module for unison effects or even reverb simulation.
- Simple soft clipper to prevent clipping (can be disabled).
- Randomization function for almost every subsection.
- Simple preset manager.
- One-page interface with scaling options (from 80% to 150%).
Asper from zOne.sk is a tool for those who are not afraid to experiment with sound and strive to add uniqueness and a live, organic feel to their music. Its innovative approach to Round Robin simulation at the oscillator level and flexible architecture make it a valuable addition to the arsenal of any sound designer or musician.
