Proxima - Synapse Audio

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Proxima$139.00Buy

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db3 wrote: Fri Oct 24, 2025 8:43 pm Richard, please can you take look at Proxima on Mac with native desktop scaling. On a 4K monitor the smallest size is too large and the UI's not hi-dpi crisp — incorrect scaling might explain both.
Sure, could you email us (or PM me) with your exact system specs and the DAW you use? Then we will look into it asap.

Richard
Synapse Audio Software - www.synapse-audio.com

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intro wrote: Fri Oct 24, 2025 7:10 am
Echoes in the Attic wrote: Fri Oct 24, 2025 5:49 am Demo doesn't load in Bitwig for me. Loads in Ableton Live.
Hi, do you get any load error? Is it PC or Mac?
On mac. Latest OS.

Yeah the vst3 is shown in Bitwig's plugins, but when I try to load it says it can't find the plugin. I tried removing, reloading bitwig and then putting it back and loading bitwig again (whic hsometimes helps) but still the error.

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Richard_Synapse wrote: Fri Oct 24, 2025 8:31 pm it'll likely be a larger project :)

Richard
please tell me you're doing a Matrix 12

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sqigls wrote: Fri Oct 24, 2025 10:51 pm
Richard_Synapse wrote: Fri Oct 24, 2025 8:31 pm it'll likely be a larger project :)

Richard
please tell me you're doing a Matrix 12
or a Matrix 6 :wink:

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Sonic Illusions wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 3:23 am Gemini:
Yes, the 1982 Sequential Pro-One features a comprehensive modulation matrix that allows users to route sources like the filter envelope, LFO, and a second oscillator to various destinations including oscillator pitch and pulse width, and the filter. This matrix was a standout feature that contributed to its reputation for versatile sound design, distinguishing it from other monophonic synthesizers of the era.
Modulation matrix details:
Sources: The modulation sources available in the matrix are the filter envelope, the low-frequency oscillator (LFO), and the second oscillator (OSC B).
Destinations: These sources can be routed to modulate several parameters, including:
Oscillator A frequency
Oscillator A pulse width
Oscillator B frequency
Oscillator B pulse width
Filter cutoff frequency
Routing flexibility: The matrix allows for complex sound design by enabling the use of multiple modulation routings at the same time.
Performance controls: The modulation can be controlled directly via the performance wheel, which allows for real-time adjustments to the effect.
Garbage in, garbage out.
NOVAkILL : Legion GO, AMD Z1x, 16GB RAM, Win11 | Audient EVO 8 | Lumi Keys | Studio Pro 8
Korg Odyssey, bx-oberhausen, Proxima, PolyMax, GR8, JP6K, Union, Atomika,
Invader 2, Flow Motion, Olga, TRK 01, Thorn, Spire, VG Iron

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tumface wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 1:22 amI never said that the plugins don't work on stage with no internet connection after you've already activated them.
You did because you called it "challenge-response", which implies an internet connection is ALWAYS required.

You may only be allowed three instances by the licensing agreement but that is not a physical limitation of the software. The fact you can do off-line activation ensures that. And As I've said, I've installed DUEN on at least a dozen computers over the years and never had any problem with activation limits. It just keeps installing and activating.
it requires at least some kind of internet connection and Synapse Audio's servers still need to be running, and you need to have free activation slots.)
You need internet access to download the installer anyway, so what's the problem? We live in a highly connected world.
The problem is that this system will eventually not work at some point in the future, and then you won't be able to install the software anymore.
As I've explained, this is simply not the case. I've probably installed Orion on 20 or more computers, most recently a few months ago, and it always installs and activates just fine. Same with DUNE and Obsession and both Legends.
I wanted to make it clear that I wasn't lying or getting anything wrong in my post. I'm really careful to check these sorts of things.
You are very definitely getting it wrong, as you have proven by pasting the activation procedure in here. It tells you exactly how to license your product off-line if you can't access the servers.
NOVAkILL : Legion GO, AMD Z1x, 16GB RAM, Win11 | Audient EVO 8 | Lumi Keys | Studio Pro 8
Korg Odyssey, bx-oberhausen, Proxima, PolyMax, GR8, JP6K, Union, Atomika,
Invader 2, Flow Motion, Olga, TRK 01, Thorn, Spire, VG Iron

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Echoes in the Attic wrote: Fri Oct 24, 2025 10:01 pm
intro wrote: Fri Oct 24, 2025 7:10 am
Echoes in the Attic wrote: Fri Oct 24, 2025 5:49 am Demo doesn't load in Bitwig for me. Loads in Ableton Live.
Hi, do you get any load error? Is it PC or Mac?
On mac. Latest OS.

Yeah the vst3 is shown in Bitwig's plugins, but when I try to load it says it can't find the plugin. I tried removing, reloading bitwig and then putting it back and loading bitwig again (whic hsometimes helps) but still the error.
Please try the steps outlined on the Bitwig support page:
https://www.bitwig.com/support/technica ... ng-why-30/

Sometimes, if VST 3 plugins are installed while the Bitwig process is running, the result may be as you described (indexing mistake).

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miloszz wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 4:10 amThe Pro One assigns three different modulation sources in varying amounts to five different destinations along two different paths, one of which is using the mod wheel to further modulate depth.
Just like a hundred other synths of the era. The only difference is that SC decided to put the three sets of controls in one place, where other companies put those controls where they made more sense - the Env mod controls with the filter, the LFO mod controls with the LFO and the Osc B mod controls with Osc B. It doesn't actually change or improve anything. But think about how Proxima's MM would look if implemented in the same way as Pro One's, and it becomes glaringly obvious that Pro One's is not really a MM.
A mod matrix is nothing special and does not change the fundamental concept of what a synth is. It's just modulation routings.
A MM doesn't have to be something special, but it definitely should extend the flexibility of the synth. The implementation in Proxima definitely does that and it changes the fundamental concept of what Proxima is - a complex synth, not a simple one.
HenkDeWegWeg wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 8:57 amThis not as analogue sounding as uhe, has the synapse sound, false wide effectings and pretending warm.
Really? Care to point out in the comparison video where it doesn't sound EXACTLY like the real instrument? Because when I listen to it blind, I can't hear where Proxima stops and the hardware starts. They sound absolutely identical. So take your biased bullshit somewhere else, please.
HenkDeWegWeg wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 2:37 pmno I add G force also not sounding analog. XILS KB III €42 value easy to find it.
Right, so Tom Oberheim has endorsed GForce's Oberheim emulations because they are shit, has he? Or maybe it's you who is full of it?
chagzuki wrote: Thu Oct 23, 2025 3:26 pmI know that besides hating ladder filters you're a big fan of unison, so I'm curious what you find this particular 2 OSC synth excels at?
I just swapped the demo in on a track and noticed that as a simple bass it does seem to occupy the lower frequencies and sound crisp/defined with the filter cutting the highs out, which is nice in terms of leaving space for other instruments without leaving the bass sounding soft.
The bottom end is huge, I'v emade some absolutely ridiculous fat leads and pads with it.
Wouldn't at this price point it make more sense to release a more expanded version of the original synth, with optional 3rd oscillator/sub osc etc.?
I suggested a MSEG but nobody else seemed interested. And that was before we knew what the price was going to be. On the surface it seems like a tough ask, money-wise, but the MM alone extends the range a lot and being able to tweak individual voices is also handy for getting width and interest into your sounds. I've been using the band-pass filter a bit, too. It's an add-on to the original and it's quite interesting.
zerocrossing wrote: Fri Oct 24, 2025 4:56 pmYou can't really compare a two osc, single filter, limited modulation analog emulation with a 3 oscillator, 2 filter, modulation powerhouse like Dune 3.
He wasn't, he was talking about DUNE v1's GUI/layout, presumably with reference to it not having a front and back page like Legend and Obsession.
Dune's UI may be a tad clumsy (why is there an "LCD" screen on my LCD screen? :lol:) but it's mostly clear and intuitive to use.
I find it way too fiddly. I'd be more inclined to use a stripped down version, because I love the sound, but DUNE is one of those instruments I never think to use because I don't want to deal with the workflow.
NOVAkILL : Legion GO, AMD Z1x, 16GB RAM, Win11 | Audient EVO 8 | Lumi Keys | Studio Pro 8
Korg Odyssey, bx-oberhausen, Proxima, PolyMax, GR8, JP6K, Union, Atomika,
Invader 2, Flow Motion, Olga, TRK 01, Thorn, Spire, VG Iron

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I am really excited about this synth. I think it sounds fantastic, and I like how it is laid out. Its sound design possibilities are great, too. I don’t care how close it sounds to the original hardware; what matters to me is that it sounds great and clearly has that Prophet character/DNA, offering the right modulation possibilities to allow creative use. It actually reminds me at times of the Take 5, and to a lesser extent the Rev2 — not necessarily sonically (a bit, sometimes), but in terms of its functions.

Richard, I have a couple of suggestions that would further expand its sound design possibilities without overcomplicating it much (I actually just registered on the forum to write this):
- The first is the inclusion of a gated mode for the sequencer, like the gated sequencer of the Rev2. That is, similar to the current Silent mode, except the steps would advance when a note is triggered, with one step for each triggered note.
- Allowing the Spread parameter under Globals to be modulated. This would allow sounds that move between being completely centred and spread out in the stereo field, which is very interesting. I use this trick very often on the Take 5 and Teo-5.

It would also be interesting to include a random waveform for the LFOs (perhaps with variable slew, similar to how it is implemented on the Take 5 and Teo-5), but I guess that would be more complicated to implement.
Last edited by Papleras on Sat Oct 25, 2025 7:35 am, edited 4 times in total.

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Nice first post! :tu:

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Papleras wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 7:02 amIt would also be interesting to include a random waveform for the LFOs (perhaps with variable slew, similar to how it is implemented on the Take 5 and Teo-5), but I guess that would be more complicated to implement.
+ 1 :tu:

I've really enjoyed the time I've spent with this, it really does sound great to me and the interface is brilliant. The only other thing where I thought hmmm... that would be nice to have is a loop-able mod envelope... or to have loop-able envelopes in general.... but I guess that may stray too far from the original....?

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Amazing synth. It's simplicity is it's power. Congrats Richard and team.
Just playing around and making some no talking preset demo videos. The first one is for Texture presets. Enjoy!


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satYatunes wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 7:55 am Amazing synth. It's simplicity is it's power. Congrats Richard and team.
Just playing around and making some no talking preset demo videos. The first one is for Texture presets.
Will you be doing a light skin? :hyper:
How original

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BONES wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 3:04 amI find it way too fiddly. I'd be more inclined to use a stripped down version, because I love the sound, but DUNE is one of those instruments I never think to use because I don't want to deal with the workflow.
Totally agree. It's a synth I just cant seem to get on with although I like the sound. Actually had thoughts of moving it on (if possible- havnt checked) to fund Proxima!

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Uncle E wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 7:08 am Nice first post! :tu:
Thank you :)
grandmasterbird wrote: Sat Oct 25, 2025 7:55 am The only other thing where I thought hmmm... that would be nice to have is a loop-able mod envelope... or to have loop-able envelopes in general.... but I guess that may stray too far from the original....?
Oh yeah, I hadn't thought about this! Definitely +1 for loopable envelopes!

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