Reducktion by Dead Duck Software: Synthesizer and Sequencer in One Package
Hello, friends! Today, we’ll dive into the world of sound synthesis and rhythmic patterns with Reducktion — a polyphonic synthesizer with a built-in 16-step arpeggiator/sequencer from Dead Duck Software. This plugin is a real find for creating atmospheric passages and generating dynamic, moving parts.
Reducktion’s Synthesizer Capabilities
At the heart of Reducktion is its powerful synthesizer engine, which offers a rich array of tools for shaping your unique sound.
Oscillators and Wave Shaping
You have three multi-mode oscillators at your disposal, each with its own features:
- Wave: Smoothly transitions between basic waveforms — sawtooth, square, triangle, and sine, providing a wide range of timbres.
- Pulse: An oscillator specifically designed for working with a pulse wave, allows precise adjustment of the pulse width from 0 to 100% to obtain a variety of square and pulse sounds.
- FM: Implements sinusoidal FM modulation using a carrier and two modulators, opening the door to complex, metallic, and ringing timbres.
The plugin provides a full stereo output with the ability to pan the oscillators and add stereo noise. The unison function up to 8 voices with control over detune, mix, and stereo spread allows you to create dense and voluminous sound textures.
Filtering and Modulation
For further timbre shaping, Reducktion is equipped with two resonant filters:
- 24 dB/oct Low Pass filter with self-oscillation, ideal for creating deep basses and “acid” sounds.
- 12 dB/oct multi-mode filter including Low Pass, High Pass, Band Pass, Band Stop and Peaking modes, providing flexibility in correcting the frequency spectrum.
Three ADSR envelopes allow you to precisely control the dynamics of volume, filter, or other parameters. Three flexible LFOs (low-frequency generators) with triangle, sine, square, sawtooth, and random waveforms, tempo sync, free run, phase, and attack time, provide unlimited possibilities for adding movement and life to your sound.
The 12-slot modulation matrix serves as a central hub for routing modulation sources (LFOs, envelopes, arpeggiator/sequencer) to various synthesizer parameters, allowing you to create complex and interactive patches.
Built-in Effects
For the final touch, Reducktion has a built-in effects section, which includes Drive, EQ, Chorus, Delay, and Reverb. These effects help add character, space, and depth to your sounds without the need for additional plugins.
Arpeggiator and Sequencer
One of the key features of Reducktion is its built-in 16-step arpeggiator/sequencer, which transforms static chords into dynamic melodic and rhythmic sequences.
- Modes: Supports Up, Down, and Up/Down arpeggiator modes for classic and inverted sequences.
- Parameter Control: In sequencer mode, each step can independently control the note, velocity, and note duration, allowing you to create complete melodic or rhythmic patterns.
- Settings: Variable number of steps and step time values, synchronized to tempo (from 1/32T to 1/1D), provide high flexibility in creating rhythmic patterns.
- Modulation: Two modulation sources with the ability to step or smooth output can be used to modulate other synthesizer parameters depending on the position in the sequencer, adding another level of dynamics.
Ease of Use
Reducktion is designed with the musician’s convenience in mind:
- MIDI Learn: Easy assignment of hardware controllers for quick and intuitive plugin control.
- Preset System: The file system of presets simplifies sound management and sharing.
- Scalable Interface: The ability to change the size of the user interface (100%, 150%, 200%) provides comfortable work on monitors of different resolutions.
- Themes: Custom themes allow you to customize the appearance of the plugin according to your preferences.
Reducktion is a versatile tool that will find its place in the arsenal of both experienced sound designers and beginners. Its combination of powerful synthesis and a flexible sequencer opens up many possibilities for creativity.
