Serenity: Discover the World of Choral and String Pads
Welcome to the world of Serenity – a unique software synthesizer from HG Fortune, specifically designed to reproduce rich and atmospheric sounds of choirs and string pads. This instrument does not aim to blindly imitate vintage hardware, although you will undoubtedly find echoes of classic timbres in it. Serenity offers a fresh perspective on creating textural soundscapes, allowing you to delve into the depths of sound design.
Extensive Synthesis Capabilities
At the heart of Serenity are two PCM wave oscillators with two banks of 128 waves, providing a vast palette of source materials – from realistic vocal and string samples to more complex and abstract textures. Each wave has been meticulously processed, and many new ones have been added to ensure maximum flexibility.
The sound passes through a multi-mode filter (LoPass, HiPass, BandPass) with a flexible ADSR envelope controlled by Velocity sensitivity and three response modes. Additionally, there is a 4-channel adaptive mixer for filter cutoff frequency modulation, as well as an independent VCA envelope (ADSR) with similar control options.
Modulation and Effects
Serenity is equipped with a rich set of tools for modulation and sound processing:
- Three universal LFOs for cyclical modulation of various parameters.
- S&H (Sample and Hold) for creating random or stepped changes.
- DLFO (Double LFO) with two outputs and phase shift capability, opening up new horizons for complex modulation patterns.
- Special Pitch LFO with acceleration/deceleration options for expressive pitch bend and vibrato effects.
- Unique “Twin Etherify” effect – two Formant Filters with various modulation options, ideal for creating vocal-like or otherworldly textures.
- Gator – not only for level modulation, but optionally for filter and delay panning, allowing the creation of rhythmic sound patterns.
- The effects section includes Delay with various panning options, Stereo Flanger and Stereo Reverb for adding space and movement.
- Bass Enhance to enhance low frequencies.
- XY-Joypad with 6 controls for 12 assignments, providing intuitive control over multiple parameters simultaneously, with optional display of LFO movement and Aftertouch.
- Three “Lazy Buttons” for quickly creating random but musically pleasing sound variations.
Patches and Free Version
The full version of Serenity contains over 760 ready-made patches, distributed in 6 banks, providing instant access to a huge library of inspiring sounds. The plugin supports 12 voices of polyphony.
The free version has some limitations:
- Limited polyphony – only 3 voices.
- No internal patch management.
- No MIDI Learn support.
- No Velocity control on the Attack/Decay envelopes of the filter and VCA.
- No option to load SF2 samples.
- Fewer patches – 4 banks instead of 6.
- However, the free version hides a small “easter egg” – a hidden feature highlight!
Serenity is a powerful tool for musicians, composers, and sound designers looking for high-quality and expressive sounds of choirs, strings, and pads. Its flexible synthesis architecture and rich set of modulation capabilities make it a valuable addition to any virtual studio. Try the free version to experience the potential of this plugin!
