KVR Audio

Sound Mechanics · Post by **Sound Mechanics** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 8:42 am

I just came across this synth and wondered what other think about it, compared to other top soft synths. I couldn't find many threads discussing it so I thought I'd ask here.
The demos sound good.

sinkmusic · Post by **sinkmusic** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 8:46 am

It sounds very good, and the cpu usage is incredibly low.
The interface can take a while to get you into it (there are so many parameters in -nearly- a single tab), but the sound is wonderful.
THe bad side is that it seems discontinued now (but there are no known bugs or issues afaik).

recursive one · Post by **recursive one** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 8:51 am

I was also interested in Helix a while ago, but then was distracted by newer options, like Spire and Dune2.

Can somebody of the actual users say how does it stand up to the newer synths?

Chopper · Post by **Chopper** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 8:56 am

A strong favourite in KVR. I personaly don't own it, as I have many alternatives and it isn't the kind of instrument/sound i prefer, but it's very good. if you are after an ''analog sounding'' instrument, then it isn't the first you should consider, but if you are after something very powerful, low CPU, ''modern sounding", and offering a huge amount of texture possibilities then jump on this. one of those older VSTI that refuses to show its age. great for EDM/dubstep and many other dancefoor-related basses/leads and pads.

PALU · Post by **PALU** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 9:10 am

I remember using it long time ago, when it was free or in beta. I liked it very much - AFAIR the oscilators were very fun and unusual.

Sound Mechanics · Post by **Sound Mechanics** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 9:41 am

I actually think I tried it way back but was a bit overwhelmed by the interface - I'll download and give it a go later.

Thanks for the comments

stanlea · Post by **stanlea** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 10:04 am

I own it, and I can say it's really good. And not discontinued.

ENV1 · Post by **ENV1** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 10:05 am

I still have the beta. Excellent synth, capable, very light on the CPU. Envelopes are SQ-80 style, which might mean a learning curve for people used to regular ADSR. Can be learned quickly though. All in all one of the better soft products ive heard, has a very solid lowend too. Can do both analog and digital, (obviously), also stuff that you dont hear every day. Price for the full is perhaps a little on the high side considering the price development of recent years, still im sure that buying it would not lead to disappoinment since the full can do even more than the beta.

valerian_777 · Post by **valerian_777** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 10:13 am

Got it when it was on sale. 64bit and excellent sound quality.

Numanoid · Post by **Numanoid** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 10:21 am

Hemmick Reef wrote:I just came across this synth and wondered what other think about it, compared to other top soft synths. I couldn't find many threads discussing it so I thought I'd ask here.

Back in August, discussion went viral when Helix was put up against Diversion, Dune 2 and Spire:
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic ... ilit=helix

There is also another thread about Helix here:
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic ... ilit=helix

Sound Mechanics · Post by **Sound Mechanics** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 10:31 am

Numanoid wrote:
Hemmick Reef wrote:I just came across this synth and wondered what other think about it, compared to other top soft synths. I couldn't find many threads discussing it so I thought I'd ask here.
Back in August, discussion went viral when Helix was put up against Diversion, Dune 2 and Spire:
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic ... ilit=helix

There is also another thread about Helix here:
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic ... ilit=helix

Thanks for the links.

Synchanter · Post by **Synchanter** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 12:27 pm

I saw it listed as one of the synths in the One Synth Challenge. Lots of tracks using Helix to listen to.
https://sites.google.com/site/kvrosc/osc-37-helix-beta

pandashake · Post by **pandashake** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 12:37 pm

It's a very useful poly-synth that did what Dune/Spire/Diversion and some elements of Serum does years before, and with less of a CPU hit. I did one of the original included banks for it and it is still one of my favorites years later.

chk071 · Post by **chk071** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 12:38 pm

recursive one wrote:I was also interested in Helix a while ago, but then was distracted by newer options, like Spire and Dune2.

Can somebody of the actual users say how does it stand up to the newer synths?

Both definitely better in terms of sound quality, and usage. Helix' oscillators sound quite well, and it uses very small CPU, but the filters are not on par with Dune 2's or Spire's, and especially the envelopes lack punch IMO. Well, a lot of time has passed since Helix has been released, so, no wonder. It's a good synth i guess, but for the price, there's a lot of better options now.

izonin · Post by **izonin** » Fri Oct 03, 2014 12:46 pm

Helix is a miracle in terms of efficiency. You know the new zero-delay-feedback filters? This one is a zero-CPU synth.
Soundwise it's OK. Demo it and see if you like it.

Audjoo Helix opinions?