Scanned Synth Pro

I have always had a weak spot for more exotic sorts of synthesis, and while these sometimes even come at the cost of having to learn complex programming languages, Scanned Synth Pro delivers a very complex technique in a straightforward and easy to use Vsti.

The interface is arranged quite logical, divided into different pages for synthesis, modulation, effects, filters and master (as well as an info-page and a link to humanoid's homepage.)
Waveforms, modulation sources and various other functions are selected via drop-down menus, most other parameters via big black knobs or sliders. Grey knobs are used to set the amount the "random" function affects the parameters. Right Clicking knobs, etc. brings up a context menu with midi-learn and other functions.

The synthesis engine is maybe the most complex part of this instrument, and it takes some time to figure out it's intricacies, but rewards you with a vast spectrum of timbres - which has just increased x-fold by the inclusion of 55 new waveforms in the latest update (1.1.1).
You can compare Scanned Synthesis to wavetable synthesis in a way, however here the wavetables are not stored waves, but created by a physical model involving a hammer waveform hitting a mass waveform and a center waveform, which is read out in real time in a complex scheme, with different algorithms.
This is not as easily understood as subtractive or even additive synthesis, but even if you never fully understand the full scheme behind it, some time spent programming sounds gets you familiarized with many aspects, and should get you to your intended results quite quickly - albeit always leaving room for surprises.
The newly included waveforms have telling names (Moog, OB Brass, FM, Rhodes, etc.) and can sound the like - or not at all, depending on how they are used, and in which combinations. (To go into full detail here would go over the top...)
Most of the parameters on the synthesis' page can be modulated, so you can create lively, varying spectra.

This section is probably where the "Randomize" button - located on the "master" page of the interface - comes in most handy, especially for those just starting out, as it provides you with a good ratio of usable sounds.

The synthesis engine's output can then be further sculpted with an array of effects such as phaser, chorus, delay (syncable) and reverb, and of course the two filters:
There is a polyphonic filter with pitch tracking function and frequency modulation, and then the master filter, both with frequency, gain and q-value. They can be switched on/off independently and both offer various types such as lowpass, highpass, bandbass, notch, peakEQ, lowshelf and highshelf.

Another vital feature is located on the filter page, namely the "psycho!" button. I do not know exactly what algorithmic magic lies beneath that, but switched on Scanned Synth Pro goes into a somewhat more rough behavior, and can give you both a warm analoguish saturation, or rather harsh, digital distortions and artefacts - depending on where you take it. The sound gets richer and more organic.

There are two trigger-able lfo's with rate/attack and phase, with the usual waves & random, as well as two envelopes on the modulation page.
The master page has controls for pitch (& modulation), portamento, polyphony (up to 12 voices) with stereo withs and retrigger function, the master envelope and the master volume, preceded by a gain knob, which can give you overdrive. Not to forget the before mentioned "Randomize" button.

As the presets demonstrate, Scanned Synth Pro is good at atmospheric, lively sounds. It can give you some interesting drones, evolving soundscapes and weird sound fx, which makes it well suited for soundtrack work, sound design or similar, but also many kinds of electronica.
Organic and lively pads are also provided a-plenty, while the lead presets are probably more interesting to people looking for somewhat experimental sounds, then analogue fetishists.
Basses come in all shapes and sizes, from squelchy, to growling deep.
The presets are rounded off with the inclusion of "Randomize Profile" presets for Bass, Lead, Pad and the like.


Scanned Synth Pro is quite a complex beast, offering an interesting approach to synthesis, while still easy to handle. Appart from the synthesis engine, it's structure with effects, filter and amp, should be familiar to anyone using (subtractive) synthesisers.
Playing around with a randomize button can often be an inspiration in a track, and the ratio of good and interesting results is more than reasonable.

It is clearly "synthetic" in sound and has it's own character, so not your choice for emulating "real" instruments.

The synth won't fullfill everybody's all synthesis needs, but is probably a good recommendation for "experimental synthesis geeks" looking for a good sound sculpting playfield, sound-designers and anybody looking for a creative addition to their arsenal.Read Review