After 6+ months of development + internal testing + user testing (KVRAudio & Facebook Users Group), we are glad to announce the arrival of SynthMaster v2.9.9. Our last update was back in 2018, so this update was long overdue. Some of you guys might ask, "dude, we were expexting v3.0?". Well, this update was a necessary step in the way towards v3.0 before we fully start working on it, because somethings in our older archictecture had to change (like fixed parameter structure -> not letting the user add/remove/load/save modules dynamically)
Anyhow, I believe we reached a point where we can now declare v2.9.9 ready. Our existing users should simply check for updates inside SynthMaster 2.9.8 to download the latest update:
The demo version is available on our site as well: https://www.synthmaster.com/synthmaster.aspx
Just a reminder to demo users: Download our SynthMaster Player while it is free (Until Jan 4), then up you can upgrade to v2.9.9
Let me start explaining the new features one by one:
1. New / Updates Skins with larger layout: Satyatunes created a new Dark skin for SynthMaster:
and he updated the existing Tranquil Blue skin, which in my opinion looks much better now. As you see from the screenshot, the skin layout is extended to include two tabs with pitch/mod wheels, piano keyboard, MIDI Modulation Sources, EZ knobs and XY Pads. We believe putting those modulations sources right under the synth/fx modules would speed up the sound design workflow:
2.Realtime Visual Feedback for Modulation Sources and Targets: This was a heavily requested feature. Now you can clearly see how modulation sources and targets are changing when you play a note. The animations are optional, you can turn them on or off:
3.Resize Skins Easily: Skins can now be resized by dragging the triangle arrows at the bottom right corner of the plugin user interface (as in SM1). Each skin comes with the following sizes: 100%, 120%, 140%, 160%, 180% and 200%
4.Better Support for Microtuning: SynthMaster 2.9.9 comes with 300+ scales ranging from 5 note to 12 note, in equal or alternate temperaments. Root note of the scale can be set globally.
5.MIDI Learn for discrete controls: MIDI learn now works for all controls, including discrete controls and modulation matrix controls:
6.Dynamic Insert FX allocation: Insert effects can now be instantiated multiple times on multipx FX slots. Gone are the days that we were limited to only 1 Reverb, 1 Delay and 1 Chorus per preset
7.New Modulation Sources: Each layer in SynthMaster now has 4 ADSR envelopes, 4 Multisegment envelopes, 4 LFOs, 4 Sequencers, 4 Keyscalers and 2 2D Envelopes.
7.1. Glide/Step LFOs in prior versions are now loaded as Sequencers.
7.2. For LFOs and Sequencers, triggering can be set to: Global, Single, Poly and Random.
7.3. Sequencers have up to 16 steps with individual initial/final levels and slopes.
7.4. In dual mode, 2 separate sequences can be created and morphed using Crossfade parameter.
8.Preset Browser Improvements:
8.1. Instrument categories are now listed based on Native Instruments NKS standard. Favorite presets can be added/removed easily by clicking on the star icon next to the preset name.
8.2. Users can upload their presets to the Public User Library that's hosted on the cloud
8.3. Users can download presets from the Public User Library by clicking on the Online button
9.Waveform/Sample Import Improvements: SynthMaster now differenciates between waveforms, wavetables or samples in a much better way, and imports them correctly. If it detects samples that are part of a multisample or drumkit, the sfz multisample definiton is created automatically.
10.QWERT Keyboard Input: SynthMaster now supports MIDI input by pressing keys on computer QWERT keyboard. This allows the user to play notes or record arp steps without having a MIDI controller. Left/Right arrows are used to change the octave while Up/Right arrows are reserved for changing the current preset:
11.Change Voice Parameters While Playing: In prior versions of SynthMaster, oscillator waveforms or filter types could not be changed while a note was playing. This limitation is now gone in SynthMaster 2.9.9, allowing a faster sound design workflow.
12.MPE Mode: SynthMaster now conforms to MPE standard much better: Each preset now has a MIDI Channel parameter, which can be set globally as well. When MIDI Channel is set to "MPE" mode, MIDI Channel 1 is used as the Global channel as per the standard. Mono presets in SynthMaster behave correctly (they play polyphonic since MPE sends MIDI in multiple channels).
There are also many critical bug fixes, so we definitely urge our registered users to download and install this update. If you encounter any issues in the latest update, v2.9.8 installer is still in your user area, you can revert back that at any time!
Happy holidays everyone!
Bulent
