GSS-370 by SynthIV: Where Classic Meets Experimentation
Immerse yourself in the world of retro sounds with a modern, unpredictable twist! The GSS-370 plugin from developer SynthIV is more than just an emulation. It’s a recreation of the character of the legendary Yamaha PSS-370 digital synthesizer, enhanced with captivating circuit bending capabilities, opening the door to entirely new soundscapes. If you’re looking for unique textures, lo-fi atmospheres, or an instrument for experimentation, the GSS-370 deserves your attention.
Reviving the Yamaha PSS-370 Sound
The Yamaha PSS-370 was one of the interesting digital synthesizers of its time, known for its distinctive sound that fits perfectly into the aesthetics of the 80s. The GSS-370 is created as its “sound-a-like,” striving to get as close as possible to the original character and capabilities.
You get access to the PSS-370’s digital synthesizer engine with its main controls:
- 5 original waveforms to choose from.
- Octave of the modulation oscillator.
- Frequency Modulation (FM) level.
- Basic envelope parameters: Attack, Decay, and Overall Level.
- Switches to activate vibrato and sustain (release).
This basic set allows you to create classic digital timbres, from juicy pads to sharp leads, with the characteristic flavor of vintage digital instruments.
Circuit Bending: Unpredictable Creativity
The most intriguing feature of the GSS-370 is the integration of circuit bending capabilities. This allows you to “break” the standard logic of the synthesizer and get unexpected, often glitched and experimental sounds that are impossible on the original instrument.
Simply switch between standard and circuit-bent modes to explore these new territories. This can lead to strange modulations, sound artifacts, or a complete transformation of the original sound, making each sound a unique experiment.
Additional Features and Controls
In addition to emulation and circuit bending, the GSS-370 offers a range of modern features that expand its versatility:
Detailed Overview of Functions:
- Level Indication: Decibel meter and peak indicator for visual volume control.
- Gain (Boost): Additional amplification of the output signal.
- V-Mod: Adjusting how much the note velocity will affect the vibrato depth.
- Flexible Filter: Full-fledged filter with Cutoff, Resonance, Fill (probably adds saturation or character), and Dry/Wet controls. Cutoff and Resonance parameters can be controlled by LFO.
- Advanced LFO: Low-frequency oscillator with independent Frequency and Depth controls.
- LFO Routing: The ability to direct the LFO to modulate different parameters:
- Pitch.
- PWM (Pulse Width Modulation, active when the 5th waveform/pulse is selected).
- Pan.
- Volume.
An On/Off switch for the LFO is available.
- Mod Wheel Control: The modulation wheel on your MIDI controller can control the LFO frequency, adding expressiveness to your performance.
Conclusion
GSS-370 is a captivating VST instrument that successfully combines nostalgia for the classic digital sounds of the 80s and the thrill of unpredictable circuit bending. It’s the perfect choice for musicians and sound designers looking for unconventional, characteristic timbres for their tracks in styles like lo-fi hip-hop, chiptune, industrial, ambient, or any experimental genre. Its intuitive controls combined with deep modulation capabilities make it a powerful tool for creativity. Download GSS-370 and start exploring its unique sound world!
