Tethys 2: Rebirth of a Classic with a Unique Sound
Immerse yourself in the world of analog synthesis with Tethys 2 – a virtual instrument from TN Audio, breathing new life into the architecture of the legendary PAiA Proteus 1. Forget about digital sterility; Tethys 2 offers a rough, organic tone reminiscent of the golden era of synthesizers, but with the modern flexibility of a plugin.
Sound Palette and Effects
Tethys 2 doesn’t just imitate – it creates its own sound space. Its core, inspired by the Proteus 1, provides a rich and diverse range of sounds. But the real magic begins with a unique set of built-in effects, designed for maximum simplicity and expressiveness:
- Phaser, Chorus, Echo: Classic time and modulation effects, implemented with the Tethys philosophy – a minimum of controls for fast and effective sound shaping. They add space, movement, and texture without unnecessary complexity.
- X Mod: This effect is a true gem. Its action depends on the waveform of the second oscillator and the position of the regulator. X Mod can generate sounds ranging from subtle modulations to extreme experiments, reminiscent of FM, AM, Ring Modulation, or even unpredictable connection artifacts. It’s the perfect tool for creating unique, unexpected textures and leads.
- Drive: An overdrive effect that began as an attempt to reproduce the sound of the Washburn SX3 pedal, but has evolved into something unique. Its tone strongly depends on the level of the input signal provided by the volume control. This means that to achieve the desired sound, you may need to reduce the volume on the plugin and compensate for it on the mixer. Drive adds warmth, aggression, and character, perfectly combining with the experimental X Mod.
Organic Control: Variable Attenuation Matrix (VAM)
One of the most interesting features of Tethys 2 is the Variable Attenuation Matrix, or VAM. Understanding the close relationship between the X Mod, Drive effects, and volume, the developers integrated VAM to make the playing process as expressive and organic as possible. Simply select the modulation source (Velocity, Aftertouch, or Modulation Wheel) and set the maximum value using the corresponding VAM control. Now the intensity of the selected parameter (for example, Drive or X Mod) will dynamically change depending on your performance – the harder you press the key (Velocity), the deeper you apply Aftertouch, the higher you raise the Modulation Wheel, the stronger the effect will be or the higher the volume (if VAM is applied to the volume). This mechanism makes Tethys 2 incredibly sensitive to the nuances of your playing, allowing you to create complex and living soundscapes right at your fingertips.
Simplicity and Flexibility
Despite the depth of sound shaping capabilities, the Tethys 2 interface remains intuitive. The philosophy of “less controls, more music” is evident in everything from simple effects to the thoughtful VAM. This makes Tethys 2 an ideal tool for both quickly creating unique sounds and for a deep dive into sound design.
Compatibility
The Tethys 2 plugin is available in VST format and is compatible with Windows operating systems.
Discover Tethys 2 – a synthesizer that combines vintage charm with innovative control capabilities, offering a unique tool for musicians and producers looking for a fresh, organic sound.
