Thorn: Dmitry Sches' new synth!

[Taron]

I have to agree with Taron. The Harmonic Filter and the Harmonic Oscillators are exactly what make Thorn so special, so the lack of flexibility therein does feel a bit disappointing. However, it's not always a lack of programming knowledge on Dmitry's part. The limitations of Thorn's spectral engine are mostly computational. Even on the most powerful systems, real time FFT processing is still nearly impossible. I'm sure Dmitry will figure out some shortcuts and nifty little workarounds. Until then, Thorn's shortcomings are easily forgiven.

Thanks, Sound Author, but nobody is talking about FASTER FFT!
If the preset files weren't over 500 Kilobyte, I would've just added two example presets for you, so it becomes completely clear that there is no processing speed issue.

• Bring up Thorn with the default preset
• Choose Sawtooth for OSC1
• Put the position dial to 100%
• Go to MOD MATRIX and add: SOURCE:Env 1 DEPTH:-100% TARGET:OSC1
• Go to ENV1 and put all slider up to 80%
• Play a note... or 10, just play
• Now set ENV1 Attack to 0% and play

You see, I had you put the OSC position to 100% so you understand it's not some strange processing timing issue to get from the first cell to any other cell. It's an initialization choice!
All I'm asking is for a set of necessary exceptions (conditionals). If it was me, I would try a universal approach, seeing if anything modulates position or harmonic filters, then getting the initial value of the modulator and initialize my procedure with that information. This MAY even be done only during parameter editing, though it should be fast enough to do it right in or after the MIDI processing.
Whether he's buffering tables or what ever is happening, it starts somewhere and the only defining factor for that "somewhere" is the actual parameter. Like "POSITION" on the Oscillator or "SHAPE/BALANCE" on the harmonic filter. He uses these parameters to initialize the process. But IF SOMETHING changed that initial position, it could well be used, rather than ignored as it is happening right now. That is the cause for the problem.
There may be code related challenges, figuring out what to do where and when, but a real big and deep breath with the right kind of sudden courage and a good backup, knowing you can't lose a thing except the time you invest, and then all is well!

[Stefken]

I had a bit of an weird idea

Add an "Invert Spectrum" Option to the "Harmonic .

Result: The background Sound B will not use the frequencies of the dominant sound. The Frequencies are subtracted.
] Peter:H [

I guess this is more a mix thing than a synth thing.
Neutron has dedicated features to help you with just that in your mix. Find conflicting frequencies and eq/compress them out.

[] Peter:H []

I had a bit of an weird idea

Add an "Invert Spectrum" Option to the "Harmonic .

Result: The background Sound B will not use the frequencies of the dominant sound. The Frequencies are subtracted.
] Peter:H [

I guess this is more a mix thing than a synth thing.
Neutron has dedicated features to help you with just that in your mix. Find conflicting frequencies and eq/compress them out.

Sure Stefken, your right. I often chose my Melda MSpectralDynamics for that. https://www.meldaproduction.com/MSpectralDynamics
I just thought an easy option in the context menu could be a valueable add on for Thorn. And probably my "invented" use case was not the best use case imaginable...

Btw, the demo track for my Preset Collection can now say "This is Thorn!" - Just used the bad weather sunday to add some cool speech to the Oscillators (no, not the sample oscillator, it's the Additive/Harmonics Oscillators sued here). This speech preset have their very own aesthetics that I enjoy a lot.

https://soundcloud.com/p-e-t-e-r-h/ephe ... rn/s-MX08t

[sqigls]

All of my factory Percussion noise OSC samples are not working all of a sudden.
None of them are making a sound. The Noise folder samples are working though.
I don't use any custom samples yet, it's all just factory stuff.

[Tj Shredder]

This whole Thorn osc is already much fun just to follow...

Hey gys.. this reminds me of my youth and guys fighting over a young girl..
So I will chuck in mine as well (Dmitry, you have your work cut out for months now.. )

There features mentioned I wouldn't mind having, but my personal most wanted and highest priority is MPE compatibility. Playing that beast is more fun to me than any construction work in a sequencer.

Talking about priorities, anything sequence/arp related has a very low priority for me, as there are other tools out there which could give me that in any complexity I could imagine. I usualy build them myself in Max, but readymade devices or simply any sequencer can do that easily. This would apply to all post effects as well.

Higher priority has anything which is polyphonic. That is only achievable within the synth.

My top list:
1. Multidimensional Polyphonic Expression!
2. Audio input as choosable source in the noise section
3. I would love to see all Midi learned contolers in the modulation area as part of the preset.
4. Antialiasing

I think there is no need to turn the synth into the one fits all area. It may have its own character and its own limitations. But anything which streamlines the programming will be helpful.
I think its the direct and intuitive access, the simple surface and deep details which attract us most...

[sqigls]

All of my factory Percussion noise OSC samples are not working all of a sudden.
None of them are making a sound. The Noise folder samples are working though.
I don't use any custom samples yet, it's all just factory stuff.

seriously, this is breaking my balls.
The sample plays once, then fizzes out, and when i try to reload any sample from the Percussion folder, it just clicks a bit, then i get no sound.

[toonertik]

Talking about priorities, anything sequence/arp related has a very low priority for me, as there are other tools out there which could give me that in any complexity I could imagine. I usualy build them myself in Max, but readymade devices or simply any sequencer can do that easily. This would apply to all post effects as well.


I think there is no need to turn the synth into the one fits all area. It may have its own character and its own limitations. But anything which streamlines the programming will be helpful.
I think its the direct and intuitive access, the simple surface and deep details which attract us most...

RE: Arp..For a sound designer/ preset_designer, these tools must be within the synth, otherwise this whole potential is lost... for sure YOU can use Max and external Arps.. but it defeats the whole point of what can be achieved within the synth
Also.. tricks like modulating certain parameters within the Arp and Glitch within the Thorn would not be so easily acieved with external Arps etc
By incorporating the Arp and Glitch, Dmitry has already set out his stall for this amazing wee synth

[] Peter:H []

Here's another updated Version of my Thorn-Only + Cubase Mixing Plugs Track . Enjoy the added sounds and the warmth added by magneto 2.

https://soundcloud.com/p-e-t-e-r-h/ephemeral-thorn

[veloheinz]

Does anyone know how to modify the gui ?
The blue shimmer pain my eye !

[wickfut]

just tried to buy this but the site appears to be down.. is it just me or is it down for everyone?

[nordickvr]

Same thing here.
Seems that he had some issue with it recently.
Many people reported it over this thread.

[sqigls]

it's been happening a lot.

if it were my website i'd be PISSED

[wickfut]

Same thing here.
Seems that he had some issue with it recently.
Many people reported it over this thread.

if you want to purchase it and the DS site is down then don'tcrack has it with the £53 sale price. Instant serial

This has just nudged Linplug Spectral off my most favourite synth. It's near perfect for psytrance

[sqigls]

i had to buy Thorn from JRRShop when the website went down the first time.
Should be still available there too!

[nordickvr]

...if you want to purchase it and the DS site is down then don'tcrack has it with the £53 sale price...

Thanks but, was a response to

...is it just me or is it down for everyone?

just to confirm you that you weren't the only one that couldn't reach them web site.