Softube's Parallels synth is out ($129)

[Ou_Tis]

"Introducing Softube Parallels: A Soft Synth Like No Other
In a sea of same-same and sound-alike soft-synths, Softube is harnessing the power of what’s currently possible and making a unique, beguiling and beautiful-sounding new instrument."
BT a.k.a. Brian Transeau. American music producer, composer, technologist, audio technician, multi-instrumentalist."

Technically that doesn't specify that the *sound* is unique I guess... though in the video they mention "unique" sounds. Hmm.

[zerocrossing]

Looks interesting but.....

Gobbler.png

No. On to the next........

Uh... yeah. As soon as they wanted me to give Gobbler my iLok password... Nope. What the F? I've never ever been asked my iLok password for any software.

And... it does not look that interesting. Pass.

[zerocrossing]

You don't need Gobbler to install this product. Sign In and request the demo. Then wait a couple of minutes. Go to My Downloads. You can find the link to My Downloads (it's always hidden actually) by going to Download, under the "Don't want to use the Gobbler App" part. If Parallels doesn't show up in the list, just wait a couple of minutes. That's how I got it.

Read above - see my screenshot - you need it. Especially if you are new user trying to demo their products.

Just try to pretend to be a new user and tell me how the hell i can try it without Gobbler sneaking in my data or in my computer. How?

Gobbler can't "sneak in your computer" unless you download and install the Gobbler app. The point is that you don't have to do that. What you're doing in the second screen above is giving both Softube and Gobbler permission to validate their plugins and updates to them on your iLok account automatically. They're asking for that because Gobbler automatically updates your plugins to new versions when you install and choose that option. If you don't choose to install their app, it basically means nothing.

I agree that it all looks a bit fishy, but after thinking about it, I'm pretty sure it's a lot more innocuous than it looks at first glance. Having said that, yeah i didn't install the Gobbler app itself and I hand-update my Softube plugs the old fashioned way.

I think Gobbler would face a lot less resistance if they'd fully and completely explain the scope of their services everywhere they're mentioned, at least for a while, and just change their damn name to something that doesn't sound like the service 1) is an invasive alien that will eat your face if you let it or 2) delivers turkey dinners. SO many names out there, folks....

Sorry, wanting your secret password is already shady enough. I can't for the life of me figure out why they would need it.

[DrGonzo]

A hard pass from me as well.

Softube is a strange company. On one hand their algos and plugins really sound great, and on the other hand they seem hell-bent on creating the user experience as difficult as possible. When trying their Modular, it took me about one hour to install the damn thing, because I didn't want to get Gobbler. At the end I went for Gobbler because I couldn't figure out how to install it normally. Then they had one of the weirdest browser thingy that I ever used. It was like designed for people just to use the presets and not create their own sounds.

As for Parallels being based on samples. I really don't mind that - Omnisphere have shown it can be done properly many times over - but my experience with Softube Modular left a bad taste in my mouth, so... thank you, but no thank you.

In this matter, that the plugin market is so saturated is just a good thing for the end user. I feel absolutely no need to use this plugin.

/C

[Hanz Meyzer]

Seems to be a rompler, similar to uvi synth anthology?

[v1o]

Of what benefit is Gobbler to Softube anyway?

[sprnva]

A far as I know, Gobbler is used to handle subscriptions through iLok. However, it seems in Softube's case they just decided to let it deal with all their licensing, even for permanent licences.

[Julien Unison]

Well I just tried it and it's finally very, very good sonically.
I think I will buy it once the demo will expire.

[abxer]

I will just stick with Alchemy. Does all this and more

[Aloysius]

It has all the source sounds from parallels? Wow.

[Stefken]

Sounds nice

https://youtu.be/pkJD7IJb024

[SoundPorn]

This does sound really good, these examples reminded me of Biotek, it shows that it can be a great tool for composers.

I think the thing they missed on with this is the ability to import you're own samples, that would of really took it over the top. Or atleast more then 100 sounds because despite them being large samples it still sounds limited.

Sounds nice

https://youtu.be/pkJD7IJb024

[simmo75]

This does sound really good, these examples reminded me of Biotek, it shows that it can be a great tool for composers.

I think the thing they missed on with this is the ability to import you're own samples, that would of really took it over the top. Or atleast more then 100 sounds because despite them being large samples it still sounds limited.

Sounds nice

https://youtu.be/pkJD7IJb024

I think it should be priced around $49 as it’s so limited.

[plexuss]

The more I work with Parallels the more I like it. It's sonically deeper than at initial glance. It's defintiely carved itsself out some uniqueness.

Here's a ditty I put together with 5 instances with tweeked factory presets


https://soundcloud.com/musicofplexus/five-parallels

[Biome_Digital]

Interesting looking synth. Took a day to get a demo though! Can't find an init patch. Any one know how to initialise it?