Reviewed By jecarr [all]
July 31st, 2017
Version reviewed: v1.43 on Windows
ARTPyrite is not just a most fascinating software synth:- it is also a transporter that will waft you to ethereal interstellar realms through its dreamy flowing atmospheric soundscapes. There is no attempt to be an emulation synthesizer, presenting versions of the classical instruments known to us for centuries, but rather like Omnisphere, this is a synthesist's synthesizer, a VST that highlights the sonic landscapes that only synthesizers can produce.
The program offers an extensive array of sounds, with 10 soundsets, most of which have the full 128 creations. Within this generous offering you will find a diversity ranging through fluid cinematic pads and textures to gutsy pulsing impacts and rhythms, all easily editable from an extensive diversity of sound-samples, and an accessible and user-friendly interface. The artwork of the gui is also commendable, with the graphics showing another dimension to the incredible skills of the sound-designer, Vera Kinter, who some may know from their experience with the much-missed Alchemy.
Another feature which makes ARTPyrite so highly commendable is the superb and readily-offered care generously given to her customers. A sign of this is the free demo version that has been made available. In all ARTPyrite is a quite unique gift to us.
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A contemporary successor of H.G. Fortune's ambient synths.
H.G. Fortune aka Günter Hager, who passed away in 2014, was a legendary figure among free VST synthesizer developers, notable for a long line of unconventional synthesizers especially suitable for complex, gloomy and lo-fi ambient sounds. Hager was involved in the early stages of the development of Art Pyrite but didn't live to see the final product. I'm sure he would have appreciated it.
Similar to Fortune's synthesizers Art Pyrite is especially suitable for all kinds of pads, ambient sounds and complex soundscapes. But it can do more than that. Two pairs of oscillators are fed thru a lowpass and a combined bandpass/highpass filter, each with their own envelope. The first two oscillators feature conventional analogue-style waveforms, the other two a selection of high-quality samples (much more in the full commercial version of the synth). While Fortune liked harsh and diffuse sounds, the waveforms here are generally much more clear and transparent.
What makes this synth so versatile and a true gem in the tradition of H.F. Fortune are its extensive modulation capabilities, You have two conventional LFOs, one Sample & Hold and one special slow LFO, each with its own matrix of preset modulation tagets, and on top of that a 16 step sequencer. The speed of each modulation source is, as in Fortune's synths, always set in relation to the host tempo. So whatever you do with it - you are always in sync. Soundshaping is completed with usable reverb and delay effects and a special kind of chorus called "Drone". As the name implies it's especially suited for all kinds of drone sound.
Overall one of the best free VST synths for pads, ambient and more. The only drawback is that patches from the free version are not compatible with the commercial product. But since the price is moderate it may be worth to consider purchasing the full version.
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