sonicLAB releases Protean Synthesizer

sonicLAB has announced the release of the Protean software synthesizer, an audiovisual instrument for sound designers and composers working with experimental music technology.

Protean - A Sonic Odyssey

Protean creates an immersive experience where particle interactions within a non-gravitational fluid simulation generate ever-evolving soundscapes. As particles flow, coalesce, and interact, they trigger sound synthesis events, establishing a direct correspondence between visual fluid choreography and sonic output.

Users can modulate both the physical parameters of the fluid simulation and the sound synthesis algorithms, crafting a truly interactive instrument.

Particles form groups as synth voices and groups form clusters which interact with other clusters in this dynamic system.

The name "Protean" derives from Proteus, the shape-shifting Greek sea deity, reflecting the instrument's constantly transforming nature.

Protean presents a dynamic sonic form featuring:

• Multiple fluid emitters each with its own assignable synth algorithms.
• Multiple synthesis algorithms including additive, FM and modal synthesis.
• Protean uses only sine waves to produce the sound, but organizing and rendering 100's of them in real-time.

• In Protean, modulation sources are derived from dynamic mappings calculated within the fluid simulation system. The application continuously monitors particle status.

• Furthermore, each synth voice is equipped with 5 envelope generators tailored to the specific algorithm in use.

• DSP FX per voice can be assigned as well the modulation sources derived from the fluid dynamic system, establishing a seamless correspondence between visual fluid choreography and sonic output.

• Custom MIDI CC assignment on each slider.

• comes with ProteanRemote VST3/AU plugin to control the Protean app inside the DAW.

• Parallel audio processing implementation on multi-core CPU.

• GPU compute shaders for fluid dynamics simulation and visualization.

• Designed and developed by Sinan Bokesoy. The preset creations of this instrument include Ryan Pryor, Laurent Mialon and Daito Manabe.

Pricing & Availability

Protean is available for OS X (Intel/Silicon compatible) and Windows platforms. At least OS X Monterey / Windows10 or higher is needed. Recommended CPU is a minimum Apple M1 Silicon or equivalent.

Protean is a standalone application and it comes with the Protean Remote controller VST3/AU plugin.

The bundle costs 139 Euros. There is a launch discount offer for 89 Euros valid until the end of May 2025. It can be purchased on sonicLAB/sonicPlanet webshop.

Existing sonicLAB / sonicPlanet clients will receive a voucher of 25 Euros value for their next purchase.

Authorisation needs and iLok account. Options are iLok USB dongle, iLok Cloud or directly the host computer.

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