Digits: Reimagining Phase Distortion Synthesis by Extent of the Jam
A true gem has emerged in the world of virtual instruments, capable of breathing new life into your music production. Digits by Extent of the Jam is not just another synthesizer; it’s a powerful phase distortion beast, inspired by the legendary Casio CZ series instruments, but brought to the absolute maximum of its capabilities.
Origins and Innovations
Phase distortion synthesis, first popularized by Casio CZ synthesizers in the 80s, offered a unique alternative to traditional synthesis methods. Instead of changing the amplitude (as in subtractive synthesis) or the frequency (as in FM synthesis), it changed the phase of the wave passing through a “distortion” generator. This allowed for the creation of sounds with a rich harmonic structure, which were both ringing and warm, organic and electronic.
Digits takes this idea as its basis, but does not stop there. The developers from Extent of the Jam have expanded the palette of possibilities by adding modern functions and making the synthesis as flexible as possible. This allows you to create sounds that go far beyond what was possible on the original CZ instruments.
Sound Palette
Thanks to the expanded capabilities of phase distortion synthesis, Digits is an incredibly versatile tool for sound design. It is capable of reproducing a wide range of timbres:
- Warm and atmospheric pads, perfect for creating deep soundscapes.
- Sharp, experimental and “glitchy” sounds that add uniqueness to your tracks.
- Rich and “dirty” basses that cut through the mix with their presence.
- Expressive leads and dynamic sweeps that grab the listener’s attention.
- And also many other textures and timbres, from classic digital bells to abstract sound effects.
This flexibility makes Digits a valuable tool for producers of various genres – from electronic music and ambient to hip-hop and experimental electronics.
Intuitive Interface
One of the key advantages of Digits is its minimalist and extremely intuitive interface. The developers deliberately abandoned overly complex menus and confusing settings to allow users to focus on the most important thing – creating sound. Each parameter is clearly represented and easily accessible, which greatly speeds up the sound design process. You can start with a “blank sheet” and get a unique timbre in a matter of minutes, without delving into deep technical details.
Starter Preset Pack
For those who want to start working right away or are looking for inspiration, Digits comes with a library of 51 high-quality presets. These presets demonstrate the wide range of the synthesizer’s capabilities and cover different types of sounds: from rich pads and punchy stabs to expressive leads and dense basses. They are a great starting point for getting to know Digits or can be used directly in your compositions.
Compatibility
Digits is available in VST format and supports operation on the most popular operating systems:
- Windows (32-bit and 64-bit)
- macOS
- Linux
This guarantees that you can easily integrate Digits into your favorite digital audio workstation (DAW) regardless of the platform.
Conclusion
Digits from Extent of the Jam is an outstanding phase distortion synthesizer that successfully combines nostalgia for classic instruments with modern capabilities and ease of use. Its ability to create an extremely diverse palette of sounds, intuitive interface, and cross-platform compatibility make it a valuable addition to the arsenal of any musician or sound engineer. Try Digits and discover new horizons in sound design!
