Plastique: Vintage 80s and Beyond – The Next Generation Casio HT-700 Synthesizer
Immerse yourself in the sound world of the 80s with Plastique – a virtual instrument from de la Mancha that revives the iconic sound of the Casio HT-700 synthesizer, adding modern capabilities and a unique character. This plugin doesn’t just emulate a classic, it rethinks it, offering flexibility and creative potential for both nostalgic lo-fi sounds and modern musical experiments.
At the heart of Plastique are 31 original waveforms from the Casio HT-700. These are the very same unique timbres that shaped the sound of 80s music, from synth-pop to indie-electronic. But don’t think Plastique is limited to just this palette. Thanks to two oscillators with sync and detune functions (octave/semitone), you can create rich, layered sounds that go far beyond the capabilities of the original.
Deep sound shaping
One of the key advantages of Plastique is its flexible filter. The resonant low-pass filter has a configurable number of poles – from 2 to an impressive 16! This allows you to achieve a wide range of timbral changes: from a soft high-frequency cut to extreme, “screaming” resonances. The cutoff spread function adds even more possibilities for creating unique textures and movement in the sound.
To add dynamics and expressiveness to your sounds, Plastique is equipped with two envelopes: volume and pitch. The pitch envelope is especially useful for creating percussive sounds and “clicking” or “sweeping” attacks.
Modulation and rhythmic capabilities
- Tempo sync LFO: The tempo-synchronized LFO has 10 different waveforms and an option to sync with the note start. It can modulate the filter cutoff frequency and pitch, adding movement, pulsation, and unpredictability to sounds.
- Tempo sync Arp: The built-in arpeggiator, which is also tempo-synchronized, offers 6 operation modes, an adjustable octave range, and note length. This is the perfect tool for creating melodic patterns, bass lines, and textured backgrounds.
Effects and “Lo-fi” character
Plastique contains a set of built-in effects that help shape the final sound:
- Tempo sync Delay: Tempo-synchronized delay adds space and repeats.
- Adjustable Chorus: Adjustable chorus gives sounds width, warmth, and a characteristic “vintage” color.
Special attention has been paid to the possibilities of giving the sound a “lo-fi” character. The Lofi Options section allows you to reduce quality (bit depth/sample rate), add distortion, and simulate pitch “drift”, creating the feeling of old, unstable equipment.
With 64 ready-made presets from well-known sound designers, Plastique offers an excellent starting point for your creative explorations. Whether you’re looking for authentic 80s sounds, experimental lo-fi textures, or just want to expand your synthesizer palette, Plastique from de la Mancha is an instrument worth having in your virtual studio.
Compatible with the Windows operating system (Win32) as a VST plugin.
