Charlatan³ Free VA synth updated to v3.3.2 (Win/Linux)

[lolilol1975]

Hi, i test C3 on windows 10, 64bit, i7-4790, Bitwig 5
Testing CLAP Version (appreciate using this new Standard )

Here is my List:

- i would increase the Unison voice over 7
- i would adjusting the osc phase vertical like all other knobs and parameters
- i would keep the Modulator Tabs and put the OSC Editors below them. - The only switch between both is [X] of the OSC Editor, what is kinda hidden to easier get the Modulator Tabs back
- i want modulate the Macros
- i would give Filter 2 another Color to differentiate better
- use a colorized visual feedback for Knobs when it is not Modulated (like Note Mod in onto FREQ)
- a assigned Modulator is named as MOD3 when it is an LFO
- i would adding a Point in XFORM also when i click everywhere in the Field as directly on the Line
- i dont know why is there an X and Y Macro if we dont have an coordinate system with x and y axis
- let us Loop and Trigger MSEG's with adjustable Loop-Regions
- i do not fully understand XFORM Modulators, seems it need also a Rate Knob and Running/ actual Position Light
- Running/ Position Light in all Modulator's _ seems that the XMOD starts after Sustain in the Release of an ADSR, weird*
- ADSR Rate need maybe also Time Signatures
- Editing via Mouse Scrolling would be also nice (like in Ration but for Knob and Drop Down Menues)
- Add MIX to all FX
- Add an Compressor with or Saturation or with Limiter (OTT wirkt wahre wunder )
- Because that much Modulators i would add an Modulation Matrix to get an Overview of what is modulated
- want to set up the Voices in Polymode there are mor than 12 Voices?
- overwriting existing Preset warning needed - optional out
- save Preset when change it warning needed - optional out
- if the Distorsion become a little Filter with good Reso (Phaser like) could increase the Distorsion Unit?
- increase EQ Bands maybe 3 for LMH
- Want to modulate ADSR
- Let see us Frequencies in Filter and EQ
- i want to Re-Order FX

Bugs:
- switching Presets in Browser does not not actualize the Presets and stuck in INIT
- - Unison with ZERO Detune and from 2 Voice upwards got a little Frequency Hang on when open and close the Detune Knob fast, but it can be a Feature

Bigger Ideas:
Chord Snap? i want to Keep Chords when editing Ratio in Polymode

Hope that helps, if you have any Questions -> PM (eng, ger)

Very good list ! Tbh, I'm not sure why this version of Charlatan adds fx and doesn't rely on external fx like Charlatan 2. Not that I mind at all, but it adds some complexity and things like reordering seem important. ADSR rates as time signatures would be great.

[farlukar]

By open sourcing it, you don't lose control over it

... maybe

[cyrb]

By open sourcing it, you don't lose control over it

... maybe

To be fair you don't even need to release code for idiots like this to pop up; all you need is someone to buy a domain and set up a fake site and attempt to pass it off as your own. Also, these incidents aren't exactly common, or undefeatable. Paint.NET going closed source was a bad move, as it's still not compatible with Linux.

That said, open source only becomes a real concern when development is no longer active or otherwise abandoned, and there are still things that need fixing or improving. Such a thing is a personal decision as well.

It's important to be grounded. This isn't Burger King, you can't always have it your way.

In fact many $100+ commercial synths that emulate vintage analog synths are strictly monophonic, and even as a customer you have no place to demand polyphony or other features, as it is their design -- their vision.

I personally wish Charlatan3 had modulatable waveshapers similar to z3ta+, helix or surge xt, in addition to the additive mode, but Charlatan3 is already plenty capable, and it's important to appreciate it for what it is. And I'd be lying if I said I already exhausted it's potential.

I'm not sure why this version of Charlatan adds fx and doesn't rely on external fx like Charlatan 2. Not that I mind at all, but it adds some complexity and things like reordering seem important. ADSR rates as time signatures would be great.

Because he made his own effect suite, bkFX, which is marvelous I must say. It just needs a GUI because my DAW doesn't render GUI-less VST3 properly at all.

Built-in effects in instruments has been a thing since the 80s with the D-50. Was a big thing with samplers, and those built-in effects often defined the sound, brought it to new heights. It's convenient. Most of us are lazy and aren't going to try countless external plugins unless we already have pre-conceived ideas. Having effects built-in allows for effortless experimentation with ready-made effects. Sometimes the built-in effects are even better than what I would end up using externally. Charlatan has a very musical delay and reverb, and it shakes things up from me just always reaching for Supermassive etc. And I love when a simple yet effective EQ is added to a synth, to really effortlessly dial in some shine. It's like a channel strip EQ but right there on the instrument, part of the patch itself. There's value in that.

[lolilol1975]

By open sourcing it, you don't lose control over it

... maybe

To be fair you don't even need to release code for idiots like this to pop up; all you need is someone to buy a domain and set up a fake site and attempt to pass it off as your own. Also, these incidents aren't exactly common, or undefeatable. Paint.NET going closed source was a bad move, as it's still not compatible with Linux.

That said, open source only becomes a real concern when development is no longer active or otherwise abandoned, and there are still things that need fixing or improving. Such a thing is a personal decision as well.

The risk of someone trying to hijack or fork the project without authorization is low due to well written licenses, especially when the origin is easily traceable. It doesn't happen often in the open source world and we have several examples of free software instruments going open source and benefitting from it, the most famous examples being Helm by Matt Tytel (interestingly, an earlier version of Vital is also released as open source), Odin 2 and SurgeXT (to which KVR member EvilDragon is an important contributor).

But as you say, it's a concern when development is no longer active, which was the case of Charlatan², or when important features cannot be implemented due to lack of resource/time, which is the case for the Mac port, - from the author's own admission -. It's a pity these are issues that could easily be non-issues if the project was open sourced. That's all I'm saying.
Otherwise I loved Charlatan for its minimalism, low resources and good sound, I even bothered to give my opinion on it a few years ago on KVR's product page. It's sitting next to yours, in which you wrote:

I'm giving it four stars only because it's been exactly 6 years since it was updated, and it desperately needs quality of life and bug fixes. Otherwise I'd give it a 5.

You made the case for open sourcing Charlatan. ^^

Anyway, I think I'll change subject and I want to emphasize that the new engine sounds absolutely great.

[karrikuh]

3.0 Beta 2 released

Changes

• BUGFIX: freeze / crash when adjusting parameters in UI in some hosts
• BUGFIX: Reverb FX sound broken (or even plugin crashing) after long session
• Windows: ask for confirmation before overwriting preset
• Linux: fix POSIX compatibility in install.sh

Known Issues

• Crashes Cubase instantly
• Tooltips not shown in Renoise on Windows

Download
Charlatan v3.0b2 Windows
Charlatan v3.0b2 Linux

[Odd Fella]

Do I get this right, one has to sacrifice an LFO just to use the phaser?

How does setting semitones work with that Ratio parameter? How do I set 7 or 5 semitones?

[Teksonik]

How does setting semitones work with that Ratio parameter? How do I set 7 or 5 semitones?

Char 3 103123-1.png

[Odd Fella]

How does setting semitones work with that Ratio parameter? How do I set 7 or 5 semitones?

Char 3 103123-1.png

Oh, I can't read that, my vision is too bad for that. Why not add a big value readout display at the top, there is a lot of space next to the patch name display.

[Teksonik]

I can read it fine and my eyes are shyte.

Display read-outs are more efficient when attached near the parameter whose value they are showing.

Having to constantly look away from what you're adjusting to the top tool bar for read-outs disconnects the process.

[Odd Fella]

I can read it fine and my eyes are shyte.

Display read-outs are more efficient when attached near the parameter whose value they are showing.

Having to constantly look away from what you're adjusting to the top tool bar for read-outs disconnects the process.

Not if it had mousewheel support

[Teksonik]

It would still be the same issue whether you're adjusting with a mouse wheel or click/drag. You still have to look away and back and away and back from what you're adjusting and hope your mouse cursor doesn't stray out of the click zone for that particular parameter.

A lot of plugins have a central parameter read-out area but I much prefer parameter read-outs to be attached near what they are adjusting.

Readouts.png

[Odd Fella]

I think it is kind of dangerous how much the distortion controls override the global Master control.

The chorus and reverb sound very nice.

[Odd Fella]

It would still be the same issue whether you're adjusting with a mouse wheel or click/drag. You still have to look away and back and away and back from what you're adjusting and hope your mouse cursor doesn't stray out of the click zone for that particular parameter.

A lot of plugins have a central parameter read-out area but I much prefer parameter read-outs to be attached near what they are adjusting.


Readouts.png

I don't have anything against it, but they are just too small for me. If it were a decent sized display that pops up, fine with me.

I never had a problem with the readout in the Sylenth1 display, other than that it is a bit small as well. I know how to scroll without moving the mouse around.

[wikter]

3.0 Beta 2 released

Changes

• BUGFIX: freeze / crash when adjusting parameters in UI in some hosts
• BUGFIX: Reverb FX sound broken (or even plugin crashing) after long session
• Windows: ask for confirmation before overwriting preset
• Linux: fix POSIX compatibility in install.sh

Known Issues

• Crashes Cubase instantly
• Tooltips not shown in Renoise on Windows

Download
Charlatan v3.0b2 Windows
Charlatan v3.0b2 Linux

Working fine un Studio One now. Ive niw noticed that I can't automate (or assign external CC) to the ADSR envelope stages. And rate is a bit limited.

[Odd Fella]

While I like the sound of the synth, it feels rather clumsy after a while. All the clicking and tabs for basic things such as envelopes and lfo's. All the standard things such as keytracking for the filter have to be set up manually. It's almost modular in a way, where you have to patch cables for every little thing.