reFX Rippler: Hybrid Modal Synth for Dynamic Sound Design

reFX has introduced Rippler, a new virtual instrument that merges advanced physical modeling with classic subtractive synthesis. This innovative plugin is designed for electronic music producers seeking versatile sound design capabilities, offering a unique approach to creating both realistic and imaginative textures. Consequently, Rippler allows users to explore a broad sonic palette, ranging from organic instrument emulations to complex, evolving soundscapes.

At its core, Rippler employs state-of-the-art modal synthesis. This technique utilizes banks of resonators to mimic the sound of various acoustic instruments without relying on samples. Moreover, it features bi-directional energy coupling between resonators, which generates rich, dynamic timbres that respond naturally to musical input. Furthermore, two traditional oscillators and two filters are integrated, enabling users to blend, enhance, or solidify their sounds with classic subtractive synthesis methods.

Extensive Modulation and Effects

Rippler boasts a comprehensive modulation system where nearly every parameter can be modulated by multiple sources, including envelopes and LFOs. The intuitive drag-and-drop interface simplifies the creation of intricate, evolving sounds. Additionally, users can shape any modulation connection with custom response curves using Mod Mapping, transforming linear modulation into exponential, S-curved, or stepped responses for precise control. Furthermore, a fully modular effects chain is included, offering 13 master bus effects and 12 per layer. This allows for chaining effects in any order, creating unique sonic textures from subtle warmth to extreme destruction.

Expressive Control and Advanced Features

The dual-layer architecture provides two independent synthesis layers with options for parallel and serial resonator routing. For expressive performances, Rippler offers full MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support and Aftertouch, ensuring that each note can have its own pitch bend, pressure, and slide. Moreover, micro-tuning capabilities are present, allowing users to load Scala .scl or .kbm files or use MTS Client for diverse scales. The key-tracking can also be compressed, expanded, or re-mapped for unique sonic possibilities. A notable feature is the audio input, which enables sidechaining audio directly into the resonators, transforming any audio into a resonant instrument for creative sound design. Finally, the Manual Mode facilitates user-defined tuning with snapshot morphing, ideal for experimental sound design and real-time morphing between custom resonator configurations.

Features

• Dual-Layer physical modeling synthesizer plus traditional synth oscillators and filters
• 441 Factory Presets
• Exciter with custom impulse, 32 samples, sample import or sidechain input
• Noise generator feeds into resonators, output, or both
• 12 Acoustic-style resonator models: String, Beam, Squared, Bell, Membrane, Plate, Drumhead, Djembe, Vibraphone, Marimba, Open Tube, Closed Tube
• Manual resonator type for custom additive synthesis
• Resonators work in series or parallel, with bi-directional energy coupling
• Dual oscillators with Phase, Fold and Asymmetry
• 27 Filter types including vintage, ladder and vowel
• Modulation from four LFOs, four envelopes, random generators, MIDI/MPE controllers, macros
• 13 Effects in three chains (Layer A, Layer B, Master): EQ, Distortion, Stereoizer, Phaser, Compressor, Chorus, Magnetic, Tremolo, Delay, Bucket Delay, Reverb, Particle, Limiter
• Vibrato with Rate, Delay and Rise
• Arpeggiator with additional modifiers for pitch and velocity
• Modulation Matrix with custom mapping curves, power curve
• Preset Browser with Favorites and Type tags, random selection

Price
Intro: $99.00
Regular: $129.00

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More info: reFX | Rippler