Saltline Brzoza: Explore the Depths of FM Synthesis
Welcome to the world of frequency modulation with Brzoza – an impressive virtual instrument from developer Saltline. This plugin, in VST format for the Windows operating system, is not just another synthesizer; it’s a powerful tool for creating unique, dynamic, and expressive sounds, based on a two-operator and six-modulator architecture.
Brzoza offers a deep dive into FM synthesis, giving the user significant control over every aspect of sound generation. This makes it an ideal choice for creating both classic FM textures – from shimmering bells and metallic percussions to rich basses and leads – and for experimental sound design that goes beyond the ordinary.
Architecture: Operators and Their Functionality
At the heart of Brzoza are two operators, each playing the role of both a sound source and a modulator for the other operator. Each operator is equipped with a full set of parameters for precise tuning:
- Choice of four classic waveforms: Sine, Saw, Triangle, and Square.
- Width control for the square wave, allowing for richer or more hollow timbres.
- Flexible pitch control: fixed or keyboard-dependent pitch.
- Wide octave range (32, 16, 8, 4, 2 feet) to cover the entire sound spectrum.
- Precise tuning in semitones (-12 to +12) and microtuning (from -1 to +1 semitone) with reset capability.
- Three-stage pitch envelope (Attack, Decay, Release) with control of the influence level, adding dynamics to melodic lines and effects.
- FM modulation depth, which depends on the signal coming from the corresponding operator modulators.
- Complete ADSR volume envelope (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) with level control, essential for shaping the dynamic profile of the sound.
- Operator panning adjustment with the ability to reset to the center position.
Such detailed control over each operator allows for creating complex basic timbres, which will be the starting point for further modulation.
Powerful and Flexible Modulators
Brzoza stands out thanks to its six modulators – three for each operator. Although all modulators use a sine wave, their uniqueness lies in the complex system of modulation envelopes and routing, which opens up endless possibilities for adding movement and evolution to the sound:
- Each modulator has its own pitch settings (fixed or keyboard-dependent, octave range, semitones, microtuning) and a three-stage pitch envelope, like the operators.
- FM modulation depth for modulators depends on the signals coming from other modulators (see routing details below).
- The key feature is the system of modulation envelopes (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release, Amount, Loop):
- Modulator 1 directs its signal to Operator 1 through one modulation envelope.
- Modulator 2 directs its signal to Operator 1 through its first modulation envelope, and also to Modulator 1 through its second modulation envelope.
- Modulator 3 directs its first signal to Operator 1 through its first modulation envelope, the second signal to Modulator 1 through its second envelope, and the third signal to Modulator 2 through its third envelope.
This interconnected structure of modulators allows for creating extremely dynamic and rhythmic FM timbres, where the modulation itself can be modulated.
Sound Shaping: Filter and Controls
After FM generation, the signal passes through a versatile state-variable filter, which offers four types of filtering:
- Low Pass
- High Pass
- Band Pass
- Band Reject
The filter cutoff has its own flexible ADSR envelope with a looping function, which allows for creating moving filter effects, from smooth sweeps to sharp rhythmic changes in timbre.
The processing chain is completed by the master volume control.
Expressive Control: MIDI and Modulation Matrix
For maximum expressiveness and integration into your workflow, Brzoza offers full MIDI control, including:
- Pitch Bend Wheel and its range.
- Modulation Wheel.
- Re-trigger function for restarting envelopes.
- Mono mode for classic monophonic parts.
- MIDI Learn, Unlearn, and Edit functions using the left click.
It is especially worth noting the external modulation matrix – a powerful tool for assigning MIDI controllers and other modulation sources to different plugin parameters. The matrix has 6 slots, distributed over 3 pages, and allows you to:
- Use 5 external modulation sources: Pitch Wheel, Mod Wheel, Velocity (key press force), Aftertouch, and Key Follow (note height dependence).
- Assign these sources to 32 different destination parameters within the synthesizer.
- Invert the modulation source signal.
- Control the influence level of the source on the destination.
This matrix opens the door to extremely expressive and dynamic performance, allowing you to “bring to life” your sounds.
Saltline Brzoza is more than just a free plugin. It’s a full-featured FM synthesizer with a unique architecture and deep modulation capabilities, which will be a valuable addition to the arsenal of any musician or sound designer working on Windows. Discover new sound horizons with Brzoza!
