In the world of virtual musical instruments, true gems sometimes emerge, offering a unique perspective on sound design. One such instrument is the Seeq One synthesizer from the developer Odosynths. This VST plugin for Windows operating systems (Win32) is not a typical representative of the synthesizer world. Its main feature and the core of its functionality is a powerful and flexible sequencing system that opens up new horizons for creating rhythmic patterns, complex modulations, and a live, changing sound texture. Seeq One is designed for musicians and sound designers who are looking for a tool that allows them to go beyond the standard programming of synthesizers and delve into the world of interactive and dynamic music creation. Thanks to its architecture, Seeq One is ideal for experiments, creating unique lead parts, pulsating basses, atmospheric pads with complex internal dynamics, and effects that develop over time. It combines classic synthesis elements with an innovative approach to parameter control using several interacting sequencers.
The Heart of Seeq One: Powerful Sequencers
The architecture of Seeq One is based on a unique concept of using as many as five independent sequencers, each of which performs its specific role in shaping the final sound and its development over time. These are not just note generators; they are tools for dynamic control over various synthesis parameters, from pitch to filter characteristics and modulation sources. This multi-layered sequencing system allows you to create extremely complex and detailed sound patterns that would be difficult or impossible to realize with traditional synthesizers with one or two sequencers. Each sequencer can work synchronously with the tempo of your project in a DAW, opening up opportunities for creating hypnotic rhythmic figures or smoothly evolving soundscapes. The flexibility of assigning sequencers for different purposes makes Seeq One an extremely adaptable tool for a wide range of musical genres and sound experiments.
Sequencing Variety
- Note and Octave Sequencer: This main sequencer is responsible for the pitch and octave played by the synthesizer. However, its functionality is not limited to this. It can also be assigned to modulate the filter parameters, pulse width, resonance, or phase modulation. This versatility allows you to create melodic lines that simultaneously modulate the timbre, adding unpredictability and liveliness to the sound. You can create arpeggios that change their brightness or saturation with each note, or generate complex polyrhythmic structures where pitch is related to other dynamic characteristics of the sound.
- Two Decay Envelope Sequencers: These two sequencers are designed specifically for generating decay effects. They are mainly used to control the filter cutoff frequency and the oscillator pitch. However, like the first sequencer, they can also be assigned to modulate the pulse width, phase modulation, or resonance. The presence of two such sequencers allows you to create more complex and multi-layered decay effects, where, for example, the filter closes with one decay pattern and the pitch gradually decreases with another. This adds depth and expression to each sound played.
- “Normal” Sequencer: In addition to the specialized sequencers, Seeq One has one “normal” sequencer without decay effects. This sequencer is more traditional in its purpose and can be used for the same modulation purposes as the envelope sequencers (filter, pulse width, phase modulation, resonance). Its presence expands the overall modulation capabilities, allowing you to create additional independent control patterns over parameters that complement or contrast with the decay effects. This allows you to finely tune the dynamics and movement of the sound.
- Gate Sequencer with Mix Option: This sequencer controls the gate, that is, the duration of the sound playback. Its feature is the presence of a mix option, which probably allows you to mix the output of this sequencer with another control source or adjust the intensity of its effect. The gate sequencer is critical for creating percussive sounds, staccato effects, or complex rhythmic patterns, where each sound has a clearly defined duration. The mixing option adds another level of control over the “rhythmic” life of the sound.
Sound Engine: Oscillators and Filters
Although the sequencing system is the main “feature” of Seeq One, the sound engine of the synthesizer itself also offers significant flexibility for creating rich and diverse timbres. The plugin is equipped with three main oscillators and a wide selection of classic waveforms, as well as a powerful filter section.
Richness of Sound Waves
The synthesizer has three main oscillators, each of which can generate standard waveforms that are the basis of subtractive synthesis: sine, saw, ramp, pulse, and triangle. The presence of three oscillators allows you to create complex multi-layered sounds, where each oscillator can be tuned to a different pitch (octave, note, fine-tuning) and waveform. This opens the way to creating dense leads, fat basses, luxurious pads, and experimental timbres through deviation, additive mixing, and wave interaction.
In addition to the main oscillators, Seeq One also includes an additional oscillator specifically designed for use in frequency modulation (FM), phase modulation (PM), and pulse width modulation (PW) schemes. This oscillator can act as a modulator, adding harmonic overtones, metallicness, or changing the character of the pulse wave to the main sound, significantly expanding the palette of available timbres beyond simple subtractive synthesis.
Timbre Formation with Filters
For further shaping and sculpting of the sound, Seeq One offers a filter section with five different types: low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, as well as filters with 4-pole and 8-pole slopes (4pole/8pole). These filters allow you to cut or amplify certain frequencies, changing the brightness, warmth, or resonance of the sound. The filter section is also equipped with its own ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelope and level control, which allows you to dynamically control the filter cutoff frequency over time. This allows you to create “wah-wah” effects, smoothly open or close the filter, giving sounds life and movement.
Modulation and Effects
To add movement, texture, and space to sounds, Seeq One is equipped with a set of classic modulation sources and effects.
Dynamics and Movement
The plugin has two low-frequency oscillators (LFOs) that can be used to periodically modulate various synthesizer parameters, such as pitch (vibrato), volume (tremolo), filter cutoff frequency (wah-wah), or other assigned goals. The presence of two LFOs makes it possible to create more complex modulation patterns by combining them or assigning them to different parameters simultaneously. In addition, there are two decay FX, which can be used to add unique tails or resonances to sounds, complementing the functionality of the envelope sequencers.
Spatial and Timbral Effects
For spatial processing, Seeq One includes a stereo delay (Left and right delay) that allows you to create echo effects and add space to the sound. There is also a Glide function that provides a smooth transition between notes, which is an important characteristic of many classic synthesizer timbres. To add character and saturation to sounds, a soft distortion effect is built in. This effect can add warmth, “grit”, or slight aggression, making the sound more expressive.
Ready-Made Solutions: Preset Bank
For a quick start and demonstration of the plugin’s capabilities, Seeq One comes with a bank of 64 built-in presets. These presets cover a wide range of sounds, from basses and leads to pads and effects, demonstrating the potential of combining sequencers, oscillators, filters, and effects. They can serve as a great starting point for your own sound design or be used directly in your music projects. Studying these presets can also help you understand how the different parameters of Seeq One interact, inspiring you to create your own unique timbres.
Conclusion
Seeq One by Odosynths is not just another synthesizer in your collection of VST instruments. It is an instrument that invites experimentation, offering a deep level of control over sound through its innovative system of five sequencers. The combination of flexible sequencing, a rich oscillator section, versatile filters, and a set of effects makes it a powerful tool for creating dynamic, live, and unique sounds. Whether you are creating electronic music, writing soundtracks, or simply exploring the possibilities of sound design, Seeq One can be a valuable addition to your plugin arsenal. Its focus on interactive sequencing sets it apart from many other synthesizers, making the sound creation process exciting and unpredictable. Try Seeq One and discover new ways to generate musical ideas and sound textures.
