Discover new sonic horizons with Lucid, an innovative hybrid synthesizer from Xenobioz. This unique plugin masterfully combines four powerful synthesis techniques: Waveshaping, Frequency Modulation (FM), Morphing, and Subtractive synthesis. This deep combination makes Lucid an incredibly flexible tool for creating a wide range of timbres – from classic synth sounds to complex, evolving textures and experimental sound effects.
The Foundation of Sound: Oscillators and Hybrid Engine
Lucid is equipped with three powerful oscillators, each with a built-in independent waveshaping module. This allows you to shape the basic timbre of each oscillator at the initial stage of sound generation, opening up broad possibilities for creating unique output signals.
To expand the sound palette, three different frequency modulation (FM) modes are integrated. In combination with waveshaping and subtractive elements, FM in Lucid allows you to generate both classic bell-like FM sounds and completely new, unexpected timbres.
The synthesizer offers four oscillator combination modes: Mix, Morph, Meld, and Vertical Morph. These modes go beyond simple mixing, allowing you to create smooth transitions and complex interactions between sound sources, which is ideal for developing dynamic, live timbres.
Shaping and Movement: Filtering and Modulation
For precise timbre shaping, a high-quality ZDF filter with six modes is used, providing flexible control over the sound’s frequency spectrum and adding an analog character.
Three flexible LFOs, two of which can be waveshaped, offer wide modulation possibilities. They can operate at both low and audio rates, allowing you to create both subtle movements and complex, aggressive modulation effects.
Control and Expression: Envelopes and Distortion
Two ADSR envelope generators with customizable slopes, Velocity and Keytracking control provide precise control over sound dynamics and articulation. The envelope randomization function adds an element of unpredictability and helps create more organic or experimental timbres.
Polyphonic distortion, implemented via waveshaping, allows you to add richness and aggression to the sound while maintaining chord clarity.
Spatial Effects and Additional Features
Built-in Delay (with modulation) and Reverb effects help place the sound in space and add depth.
The parameter randomizer, which can be triggered by a key or LFO3, is a great tool for quickly exploring the synthesizer’s sound capabilities and finding new ideas.
Preset Library
Lucid comes with 384 ready-made presets that demonstrate the wide range of the synthesizer’s capabilities and serve as an excellent starting point for creating your own sound.
Key Features in Brief:
- Hybrid synthesis: Waveshaping, FM, Morphing, Subtractive.
- 3 Oscillators + Waveshaper for each.
- 3 FM modes (Algorithms).
- 4 Oscillator combination modes: Mix, Morph, Meld, Vertical Morph.
- 1 ZDF Filter (6 modes).
- 3 LFOs (Audio rate, 2 Waveshaped).
- 2 ADSR with advanced settings.
- 1 Polyphonic distortion (Waveshaper).
- 1 Modulated Delay.
- 1 Reverb.
- 1 Randomizer.
- 384 presets.
Conclusion
Lucid from Xenobioz is a powerful and flexible hybrid synthesizer that opens up wide possibilities for modern sound design. Its unique combination of synthesis techniques, advanced modulation capabilities, and high-quality effects make it a valuable tool for any musician or producer working in a Windows VST environment.
