PolyWaves: Synthesizer with Poly-Arpeggiator and Unique Modulations
In the world of software synthesizers, instruments are constantly emerging that offer new approaches to sound generation and performance. One such interesting specimen is PolyWaves from the developer Audioutsider. This plugin is not just another synthesizer, but a multifunctional tool that combines a polyphonic arpeggiator, sequenced modulations, and a unique sampler-oscillator.
PolyWaves is designed for musicians and sound designers looking for fresh ideas and unconventional textures. Its architecture allows for the creation of complex, evolving soundscapes, rhythmic sequences, and melodic patterns that go beyond the standard capabilities of synthesis. The key feature is the integration of arpeggiation and modulation sequencing, which allows you to “animate” the sound, giving it dynamics and unpredictability.
Features of PolyWaves
The plugin offers a set of powerful components for sound shaping:
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Three Oscillators: The main sound source. Although the details of the wave types are not specified, the presence of three oscillators usually means ample opportunities for creating rich timbres by layering and detuning.
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Sampliser: This is perhaps one of the most interesting features. The Sampliser allows you to use samples not as ordinary playable sound files, but to control them in a similar way to an oscillator (VCO – Voltage Controlled Oscillator). This opens the door to experimental synthesis, where samples become dynamic components controlled by modulations and note pitch, rather than just static reproductions. You can imagine this as granular synthesis, where “grains” are formed from a sample and controlled as if it were an oscillator. This can generate unique, “living” textures that are constantly changing.
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Distortion: The built-in distortion effect adds richness, warmth, aggression, or dirt to the sound, depending on the settings. This is an important element for electronic music, rock genres, or simply for adding character to any sound.
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Vowelliser: This effect is designed to give the sound vocal, “vocal” characteristics. It imitates the formant filters of the human voice, allowing you to synthesize sounds that resemble singing or speaking, or create strange, mutating timbres.
Arpeggiation and Sequenced Modulations
The heart of PolyWaves is its poly-arpeggiation and sequenced modulation system. The poly-arpeggiator allows you to trigger multiple independent arpeggiators simultaneously, each with its own settings for speed, pattern, and octave range. This can create extremely complex and dense rhythmic and melodic structures from a single chord press.
Sequenced modulations work in tandem with the arpeggiator. This means that you can program changes in synthesis parameters (such as filter cutoff frequency, resonance, effect level, or even Sampliser’s parameters) according to the steps of the arpeggiator or independently. This allows you to create sounds that not only arpeggiate, but also actively transform, “breathe,” and evolve over time. Imagine a plucky sound that gradually opens up the filter with each subsequent note of the arpeggio, or a sample that changes its texture at each step of the sequence.
Applications and Potential
PolyWaves is ideal for creating:
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Complex, hypnotic arpeggios and sequences.
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Evolving atmospheric pads and drones.
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Unique lead sounds with synchronized modulations.
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Experimental sound textures using the Sampliser and Vowelliser.
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Rhythmic elements based on synthesis and samples.
Despite the fact that the plugin is only available in VST format for 32-bit Windows systems (Win32), it can be a useful tool in the collection of producers who work on older systems or use hosts that support 32-bit plugins. Its unique feature set makes it valuable for those looking for something different from standard synthesizers.
If you are looking to expand your sound palette and add complex, dynamic, and experimental elements to your tracks, PolyWaves is worth a look. Its combination of poly-arpeggiator, sequenced modulations, and the innovative Sampliser opens up a wide range of creative possibilities.
