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sonicsnap « A synth with wide horizons .. »
Published on 05/05/13 at 12:45Easy installation and authorization and without problem.
At first glance, Predator small gas plant air. This is only an impression partly due to the fact that there are many possible settings for each oscillator (glop!) and secondly, that the assignment of controllers is not a model rationality (not glop, though nothing serious.)
So, for each of the three oscillators: 128 waveforms possible (no less), symmetry control, tuning (by "semi" and "cent"), "sub" (adding a square wave placed a octave below the tuning), "spread" (a kind of unison détunable per oscillator), Pulse Width Modulation (which affects all waveforms, not just the "square", the PWM is subject to a sinusoid whose can adjust the speed) and finally level setting. Oscillators 2 and 3 only, you can assign an FM modulation or ring.
This is followed by two filters with a variety of types. Only the first is resonant, has a saturation its own envelope and its own LFO and all possible settings (Keytrack, velocity sensitivity and modulation wheel.)
To finish with the top of the interface, there is still the amplitude envelope, the master volume, the sensitivity of the velocity and panning.
Downstairs we have a dedicated LFO to pitch, two ADSR envelopes and two LFOs assignable to any parameter (all that might have been simplified) more four-lane modulation to control any parameter via midi. Here you can also set the pitch bend wheel.
Also, by clicking "> arp" will open a large window to set the arpeggiator (not 16).
That's not all: We still have the effects (21 kinds of good quality) with their own assignment control midi (two channels, so it is not easy.)
Still the choice of "play mode" (Poly, Mono 1 and 2, Legato, Arp and Unison 2-6 vote), portamento, access to many factory presets and "morphing" for mixing two presets to create others.
Finally, by clicking on "> adv" will open a small window containing general order settings (oversampling, global tuning, analog drift - to derail the oscillators as an analog old -, etc.).
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
Predator has always worked flawlessly on my Mac Pro with Mac OS 10.6.8 and Digital Performer. It is very CPU intensive.
OVERALL OPINION
Predator I have for many years. Yet I long underused because I considered strictly oriented techno-danceflor. The fact is that the factory presets are mainly dedicated to this genre. So I took a long time to realize that with all the waveforms and settings available (some quite original) Predator has enormous potential that can be widely away of this vocation. In fact, I can now say: Yes, Predator is a versatile synth.
On the other hand, even if the interface could be simplified regarding envelopes, LFOs and other controllers, it is not at all difficult to program instrument. All settings are very effective: as soon as you touch a knob, you can immediately hear what we do.
Despite seven years of age, Predator is quite topical. It is effective in all types of lead sounds, pads, stabs and I think its particularly interesting bass.
If I found out a little late, it's now a synth that I am very glad.
At first glance, Predator small gas plant air. This is only an impression partly due to the fact that there are many possible settings for each oscillator (glop!) and secondly, that the assignment of controllers is not a model rationality (not glop, though nothing serious.)
So, for each of the three oscillators: 128 waveforms possible (no less), symmetry control, tuning (by "semi" and "cent"), "sub" (adding a square wave placed a octave below the tuning), "spread" (a kind of unison détunable per oscillator), Pulse Width Modulation (which affects all waveforms, not just the "square", the PWM is subject to a sinusoid whose can adjust the speed) and finally level setting. Oscillators 2 and 3 only, you can assign an FM modulation or ring.
This is followed by two filters with a variety of types. Only the first is resonant, has a saturation its own envelope and its own LFO and all possible settings (Keytrack, velocity sensitivity and modulation wheel.)
To finish with the top of the interface, there is still the amplitude envelope, the master volume, the sensitivity of the velocity and panning.
Downstairs we have a dedicated LFO to pitch, two ADSR envelopes and two LFOs assignable to any parameter (all that might have been simplified) more four-lane modulation to control any parameter via midi. Here you can also set the pitch bend wheel.
Also, by clicking "> arp" will open a large window to set the arpeggiator (not 16).
That's not all: We still have the effects (21 kinds of good quality) with their own assignment control midi (two channels, so it is not easy.)
Still the choice of "play mode" (Poly, Mono 1 and 2, Legato, Arp and Unison 2-6 vote), portamento, access to many factory presets and "morphing" for mixing two presets to create others.
Finally, by clicking on "> adv" will open a small window containing general order settings (oversampling, global tuning, analog drift - to derail the oscillators as an analog old -, etc.).
SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE
Predator has always worked flawlessly on my Mac Pro with Mac OS 10.6.8 and Digital Performer. It is very CPU intensive.
OVERALL OPINION
Predator I have for many years. Yet I long underused because I considered strictly oriented techno-danceflor. The fact is that the factory presets are mainly dedicated to this genre. So I took a long time to realize that with all the waveforms and settings available (some quite original) Predator has enormous potential that can be widely away of this vocation. In fact, I can now say: Yes, Predator is a versatile synth.
On the other hand, even if the interface could be simplified regarding envelopes, LFOs and other controllers, it is not at all difficult to program instrument. All settings are very effective: as soon as you touch a knob, you can immediately hear what we do.
Despite seven years of age, Predator is quite topical. It is effective in all types of lead sounds, pads, stabs and I think its particularly interesting bass.
If I found out a little late, it's now a synth that I am very glad.