X-Wheel of Fortune 6: A Music System and Sequencer for Atmospheric Soundscapes
X-Wheel of Fortune 6 by HG Fortune is not just a plugin, but a complete multi-component music system designed for creating unique compositions in the ambient, soundtrack, and experimental music genres. The built-in cell step control sequencer lies at the heart of its magical functionality, allowing for the creation of complex and unexpected musical patterns.
This instrument invites musical experimentation. Set basic parameters and let the built-in algorithms generate variations. It is this ability for automatic development and change that makes X-Wheel of Fortune 6 so special and inspiring.
System’s Heart: Innovative Cell Step Control Sequencer
The key element of X-WoF 6 is its unique sequencer. The name “Cell Step Control Sequencer” comes from the fact that each step is a separate “cell” with a variable length of 1 to 8 bars. This gives tremendous flexibility in building rhythmic and melodic structures.
The sequencer allows you to set sub-tempos for bass, high sequence (HiSq), and percussion (Perc 3-5) parts, as well as assign atmospheric loops (Athmo) or single sounds (One Shot) to every second step, controlling their level and pitch. For each step, you can independently define harmonic steps to be used by synthesizer parts and as starting notes for bass and HiSq patterns. These steps automatically adapt to the selected current scale. Additionally, every 8 steps, you can set a new base note that will transpose the next 7 steps. A function to limit the range of steps for playback is also available (e.g., from step 5 to 12).
Rich Sound Arsenal
The plugin is equipped with 10 different sound engines:
- Two synthesizers specialized for creating rich and deep pads.
- A separate synthesizer for bass parts, providing a solid foundation for the composition.
- A synthesizer for high sequences (HiSq), ideal for arpeggios and melodic lines.
- An engine for atmospheric loops (Athmo) and single sounds (OneShot), which adds texture and unexpected elements (sounds of rain, water, sonar, etc.).
- Five percussion instruments that allow you to create complex and diverse rhythmic patterns.
Harmonic Capabilities and Experiments
To facilitate composition and harmonic exploration, X-WoF 6 offers an impressive library of 262 built-in scales, including pentatonic, hexatonic, and heptatonic variants. Working with harmonic steps based on the selected scale simplifies the creation of musically aligned patterns. In addition, for each patch, you can assign your own, even experimental, custom scale.
Interactive Control and Modulation
Two XY SuperModulation pads and one XY Master Control pad, which can control two others, are provided for live performance and dynamic control of parameters. This allows you to control up to 28 different parameters simultaneously, even with different polarity (direction of change), using only one controller. This level of interactivity opens up wide possibilities for creating moving and changing soundscapes.
Free and Pro Versions: Key Differences
There are differences between the free (Free) and extended (Pro) versions:
- Presets/patches: Pro = 64; Free = 4 (fully usable) + 28 with additional voice comments and forced switching of the editing panels during playback (although returning to any panel is possible).
- Athmo/One Shot waves: Pro = 100 waves; Free = only 60 waves.
- MIDI Out: Pro – present for all internally generated note events; Free – absent.
- MIDI In: Free – supports only MIDI CC; Pro – supports MIDI CC, as well as playing notes and triggering instruments, allowing you to use the Pro version as a 4-part multitimbral sound module.
X-Wheel of Fortune 6 is a powerful and creative tool for musicians and sound designers looking for new approaches to creating ambient, experimental, and cinematic music, combining sequencing, synthesis, and generative capabilities.
