Phonec 3 announced; pre-orders open

[sunthief01]

FWIW, Windows user strongly considering setting up a Linux production system in 2026.

I realize I'll be giving some things up but willing to try it as Windows continues down the AI enshittification path

[skyscape]

Phonec 2 is one of the best synths out there and severely underrated. Looking forward to V3!

[zerocrossing]

What’s the vibe on this as compared to your typical VA?

Think analog synth recorded on a VHS tape that got played a lot and then left in your car in an Arizona summer.

[zerocrossing]

I am a longtime owner of this. I haven't seen any emails about it.

I found mine in my spam folder.

[jack [psychicmodulation]]

Yeah I hadn't gotten the upgrade email either but once I contacted the dev he sent it. Definitely email him about it.

Yes, if anyone who has purchased Phonec2 has not received a preorder email, just contact me via email and let me know. I'm dealing with emails one by one, so it might be a minute, but I will get you set up.

[jack [psychicmodulation]]

Didn't realise there was an FX version - hope v3 has that too

In V2 it was this "EXT" input shown here that allowed an external signal to be be processed through it's signal path.

6180.png

i don't see that in the new image posted in the OP. I hope it can still process external signals! Maybe the dev can confirm.

That's right, I created that feature back in the day when I was using hosts like Bidule and EnergyXT because I wanted to just route the audio through the synth to use Melt as an effect. This was before EchoMelt. This feature still can be used in other hosts but it might require some set up.

I have not included it in v3, but if there's interest I can of course consider adding that in a later update.

[Echoes in the Attic]

Didn't realise there was an FX version - hope v3 has that too

In V2 it was this "EXT" input shown here that allowed an external signal to be be processed through it's signal path.

6180.png

i don't see that in the new image posted in the OP. I hope it can still process external signals! Maybe the dev can confirm.

That's right, I created that feature back in the day when I was using hosts like Bidule and EnergyXT because I wanted to just route the audio through the synth to use Melt as an effect. This was before EchoMelt. This feature still can be used in other hosts but it might require some set up.

I have not included it in v3, but if there's interest I can of course consider adding that in a later update.

Yes please bring it back! 2 of my favorite things in Phonec were the external in and the MPE! So I look forward to them both coming back.

[NWSM]

Any chance of Linux native, dev? ‘26 is looking like the year of the Linux desktop, so it might be worth your while.

I do also have a personal reason for asking (just switched from Win10 to Linux). Would love to see it happen. I’ve already preordered the update, btw - so yeah, I’ll just use Wine, etc., if need be.

I am with you...native Linux Support, this is a neat looking basic synth i really want to try and buy.
If there would be any Linux CLAP/ VST3 BETA at any time...i am in...

[Tj Shredder]

I wonder about why MPE isn’t supported right away. I think its more complicated to implement it later than to think per voice from ground up, and then each voice just needs to watch out its Midi channel plus the common channel and its done…
MPE could even free you from the voice allocation, as the controller is doing it for you…
For me its the most important feature of any synth. I banned all keyboards into the past to the non expressive middle ages…

[Vortifex]

Probably because MPE controllers are still an expensive niche product and most computer music producers don't own one, thus not a priority.

[Echoes in the Attic]

Probably because MPE controllers are still an expensive niche product and most computer music producers don't own one, thus not a priority.

Doesn't require a controller though. Drawing pitch bends and expressions per note in midi editors is far superior and more flexible than non-mpe midi editing.

[Tj Shredder]

It became less and less niche. There are expensive ones and less expensive ones. An Osmose has also a built-in synthesizer, an Erae touch is @ 800 € but can do so much more than any even way more expensive keyboard on the market. Unfortunately my cheapest controller the Sensel Morph is out of production. They sell second hand more than I paid… A Roli Seaboard block is also as cheap as a cheap controller. Anybody who thinks he can’t afford more than 100 $ for a keyboard can’t afford to pay for software anyway and would rather go for free synths…
Its mostly niche because its too new and most players didn’t touch one yet. As soon I touched one, I simply stop buying non-MPE instruments, they are not worth it for the lack of expressivity…

[Vortifex]

A Roli Seaboard block is also as cheap as a cheap controller.

The cheapest Seaboard M is £299 brand new, and around £200 second hand. It has only two octaves, no DAW transport controls, and no faders or dials for controlling plugin parameters. Even as a second controller for specialised use it's lacking. People aren't going to buy these until they become cheaper and have standard DAW control features.

But to bring it back to Phonec3, I personally don't care about it having MPE or not. I don't have an MPE controller and probably never will.

[Tj Shredder]

I never needed a DAW control in a performance controller. I never missed them on my LinnStrument or Sensel. I even don’t miss them on my fader boxes, the keyboard of my computer is sufficient for that task. Some extra knobs for sound control could be fine though, but adding some extra knobs is cheaper than a lot of plugins…
I can create all the extra control I could possibly need including MPE areas with an Erae Touch easily…
But if your main instrument is the piano, you can survive without MPE, though its a bit boring soundwise (unless its a real Bösendorfer…; - )
In the end its a matter of taste. Some prefer a flute and others a violin…

[Ah_Dziz]

Yeah I hadn't gotten the upgrade email either but once I contacted the dev he sent it. Definitely email him about it.

Yes, if anyone who has purchased Phonec2 has not received a preorder email, just contact me via email and let me know. I'm dealing with emails one by one, so it might be a minute, but I will get you set up.

Let me know if you want some new demos. Congrats on the new version.