Skein - Glitch machines : FM synthesizer

[HOTF]

https://glitchmachines.com/products/skein/

Skein is a FM synthesizer focused on experimental sound design and electronic music production.

Skein features 4 operators with skew controls and noise, as well as a flexible modulation matrix with per-cell modulation, per-operator feedback and eight user-definable algorithm presets. Key parameters can be targeted by numerous modulation sources such as 4 LFOs with 15 wave shapes, 4 modulation sequencers with various utilities and up to 32 steps, and 4 multi-mode envelopes. Easily shape and polish patches via two versatile multi-mode filters, as well as an effects processing chain that features 4 multi-effects with local randomizers and a reconfigurable chain order interface.

Much like our other creative audio plugins, we’ve taken an unconventional approach with Skein. Instead of replicating the classic digital FM synths of the past, we set out to create a new instrument that is primarily focused on sound design and sonic experimentation. With a multitude of powerful modulation sources and a variety of processors such as distortion, bit crusher, chorus, phaser, delay, reverb and buffer effects, Skein is capable of generating an incredibly diverse and expressive range of tones and timbres.

Skein features a flexible modulation system that’s accessible via dedicated Mod Selectors situated below all target parameters, including all 16 Matrix Cells. Clicking on a selector reveals a popup Mod Panel, which provides access to the modulation sources including 4 LFOs, 4 Mod Sequencers, 4 Amplitude Envelopes, as well as 4 Randomizers, Velocity and Key Tracking. A highlight of the modulation sources are the Sequencers, which feature up to 32 steps each, a vertical grid resolution menu that allows you to dial in sequences precisely and 10 utility functions that speed up the sequencing process. The LFOs feature 15 wave shapes, as well as integrated oscilloscopes that allow you to visualize the interaction between the 4 LFO modules, making it easier to dial in complex modulation patches.

The sine Operator modules incorporate white noise generators, dual oscillator mode and a Skew control that bends the waveform, resulting in a more complex tone akin to sawtooth waves. The Envelope modules include Decay Mode, Release Mode and Loop, as well as a Perc Mode that applies when the modules are in Decay mode, providing a more snappy response critical to percussive sounds. The Quad Effects Chain offers 4 multi-effects processors with local randomizers, including distortion, bit crusher, chorus, phaser, delay, reverb and buffer effects. The effects chain can be reconfigured via the FX Chain interface, which allows you to easily alter the order of the processors. Two serial or parallel Multi-Mode Filters are also included, offering Lowpass, High Pass, Band Pass and Notch filter modes.

[Nug Wrangler]

Thanks for the heads up

[morphex]

Just received the email and it looks like a killer implementation of FM synthesis. I’m looking forward to giving it a spin! Awesome way to start out the year Glitchmachines!!

[starflakeprj]

Looks pretty, is it scalable though, the GUI?

[billinder33]

Maybe I missed it in the video.... How do you edit the oscillators?

[cryophonik]

Looks interesting, but my aging eyeballs really struggle with their dark GUIs. Do they have alternate/lighter skins?

[HOTF]

Maybe I missed it in the video.... How do you edit the oscillators?

the operator settings are on the top left of the screen

[billinder33]

Maybe I missed it in the video.... How do you edit the oscillators?

the operator settings are on the top left of the screen

Yes, but I don't see anything denoting the type of oscillator. Are they all sines?

[HOTF]

Maybe I missed it in the video.... How do you edit the oscillators?

the operator settings are on the top left of the screen

Yes, but I don't see anything denoting the type of oscillator. Are they all sines?

Sine and/or noise but there is a slew function that can bend bend the waveform.

[martiu]

Looks pretty, is it scalable though, the GUI?

every glitchmachines is scalable

[starflakeprj]

Looks pretty, is it scalable though, the GUI?

every glitchmachines is scalable

Aah, I didn't notice the bottom right corner when watching on my phone. Thanks!

[studiowaveform]

This has abstract techno written all over it.. good job, didn't expect this at all

[mholloway]

All four envelopes are just Attack + Release ??

[nanostream]

This looks interesting, but I’ll wait for a PB sale I guess.

I can imagine the tabbed interface getting annoying pretty quickly, and the mod sources seem a bit limited. I’m sure it’s great for drums and experimental stuff at least, but I don’t think I’ll pay 90 bucks for that.

[HOTF]

The display showing the interaction between the multiple LFOs is a nice touch