Product Reviews by KVR Members

Once you get your core group of VSTi’s together it is time to look for something different. Just how many different VA synths do you need in software? When you are ready to expand your sonic options there are few choices. One of the available VSTi’s that is a bit different is PlasticZ. The phase-morph oscillators tied to FM give me a sound different than any other FM VSTi I own. Even when using a distortion patch the sound is clean enough to layer well and avoid muddying the mix.

This has to be the coolest looking VSTi on the market. It is deceptively simple and makes programming PlasticZ fun and efficient. When someone wants to see my setup, PlasticZ is one of the first synths I load onto the screen. Too bad more VSTi’s don’t have this combination of good looks and usable interface.

Robert

The distinctive Vaz sound my be this instruments biggest deterrent or greatest asset. It can be a bit difficult to control or fit into the mix, but when it works nothing else comes close. The only time I consider Vaz for a pad is when I want to emulate the old analog string machines. When doing so it is best to drop the included effects and use higher quality effects. A good reverb can do wonders for this VSTi. While pads are a weakness for this synth the bass, sound effect, and arpeggio sounds are excellent. This synth is my first call when I want to add an arpeggio. The sound is rich enough to stand out without pumping the volume and slight variances of the filter create a convincing analog sound.

The system of loading patches takes a bit of getting used to, but it is actually quite cool. You open the file menu like you would in other programs, but just clicking on a patch enables it for testing. The file window even has a play button for any programmed sequences. I wish Vaz Modular had this feature.

The price of this VSTi may seem a bit high. I bought it as a downgrade from the Vaz Modular. It does have many of the modern features; sequencer, easy cc assignments and MIDI learn, and effects. I suggest any listen to the selection of effects patches to get some idea of how deep this kit really is.

Ideal music setting - Trance.
Best use of this VSTi - Arps, bass, effects
Why you want it - It sounds different than other VSTi’s. This is an Arp in a world of Moogs. One of the best analog sounds available in the digital world.
Why you do not want it - It sounds different than other VSTi’s. This is an Arp in a world of Moogs. Effects are a bit thin and grainy. Not good for pads. A bit expensive.

Robert

Vaz Modular takes a different approach to building a patch than the other modular synthesizers. This package is focused on building modular synthesizer patches and nothing else. The process of building your synth is much easier than Reaktor or Tassman, but not quite as eloquent as the editor for Nord Modular. You insert different components onto the screen and arrange them to form the layout you want. Patching the components together is a little backward to me. You do not use patch chords. Instead you start with the component that you want to receive control, then choose a component that will be the source. Example: Click on the filter amount and select from a list of possible controllers; various ADSR’s, LFO’s, etc.. Several components can effect a single target, and a single component such as an ADSR can be directed to several destinations. Once you are comfortable with this method the flexibility is very nice.

With either the Vaz Modular, Vaz 2010, or Vaz Plus the sound is distinctively VAZ. I have owned some of the old Arp analog synthesizers and Vaz is the closest thing I have found to that sound and feel. It does not carefully emulate a single Arp with all the little peculiarities as does the Oddity. Instead it gives you that well known Arp sound. Gritty with lots of harmonics and the eg’s have a lot of snap.

Because of the strong, gritty, distinctive sound Vaz can be a bit difficult for some to use. It is too easy to create patches of pads that take over a mix. With care and control this synth can be a “must have” for trance sounds. I prefer to use it for art patterns and bass sounds. The arps can cut through a mix without needing a lot of volume. With a bit of control to vary filter settings it is very hard to distinguish the Vaz from a real analog sequencer. The sound effects that can be created by Vaz are unmatched by other VSTi’s.

This synth is very stable and quite decent for CPU usage. It comes with a manual that describes all of the modules but so much more could be done with the documentation. It is one thing to tell what a slew limiter does. But I think missed a good opportunity by not going deeper and telling you how and why you want to use a slew limiter. 255 different modules will give you a lot of flexibility, and fun. Version 2.5 also works as a VSTi or DXi, meaning you no longer need a loop back device to run it inside a sequencer.

I still remember when I was testing Vaz Modular after downloading the demo. A patch that had several arp’s going in the included sequencer actually made me say “Wow!” I knew I had to buy it, and this is the strong point. In my view nothing does arpeggios as well as Vaz. If you do trance or want to fake a real old style analog sequencer this is a must have.

By the way, the picture on this page is just the sequencer. Go to the web site to see the real Vaz Modular.

Robert

Of the three synths in the MHC collection this is the one I use most. It’s name reflects the purpose, those spacy sounds you hear in old since fiction movies, and spacey pads from early electronic music. Jean Michel (or Michael) Jarre could have made several albums with this synth alone during the 80’s.

Space Synthesizer has a few twist. Evolving waveform, individual right and left delays, sequencer that can control the filter, resonator, ensemble control. This is not just another analog wannabe with the standard subtractive oscillator/filter format. And it is not a synth that will cover bass, leads and percussion. This synth has a purpose and the purpose of this synth is spacey pads. Because it is so focused on one type of sound you get a unique but capable VSTi. A very nice addition to any collection because it is not really like any other synth. I must say the patch programming is also excellent. CPU usage is standard and this synth does not seem to suffer the occasional CPU spikes that the other MHC synths have.

So what is bad? There is not much bottom on this synth. This could be considered good for sitting in the mix, but don’t expect those low grumbling notes for songs that start with big pads. Also, the interface looks simple to use but the knobs are difficult to control. I occasionally suffer a problem when switching patches. Sometimes the sound process seems to go crazy and you get a very loud grumble or screech. This is not often, but when demoing patches I suggest keeping the amp turned down low, or maybe putting a limiter after this synth. Hopefully the developer will insert a bit of code that will mute current sound when the previous/next patch select buttons are activated.

Otherwise, this is a very nice synth and a very good buy. To anyone who plans to buy this synth, take a close look at the full package. It seems to be a much better deal when you grab all three synths and the effects collection but test the other synths first as they seem to have CPU problems that are not evident in this VSTi.

Robert

Your basic 3 oscillator subtractive synthesizer with course, flanger and delay. This synth is pretty fat and does well with analog pads. The processing function is a nice twist and this synth has more options than most in the same price range. Overall the synth is useful for pads, but not for bass or leads. To me it did not seem to be snappy enough to cover those duties.

In use I notice strange CPU problems with this synth. Not the common denrom problem that presents itself after you raise your hands from the keyboard. Rather sometimes when playing chords and moving around the CPU varies wildly from the normal efficient low end to spikes in the 80’s. Repeating the same chord pattern does not result in consistent CPU spikes.

Pros:
Good value.
Lots of sound options that set it apart from other subtractive synths in the same price range.
Good sound for thick pads.

Cons:
Strange CPU activity.
Difficult control of knobs when editing patches.
Not really tight enough for lead or bass.

If you plan to buy I suggest checking out the package that includes SpaceSynth, Voxynth, and the effects collection. I hope that the developer will one day update Fatsondo and Voxynth to address the CPU problems.

Robert

First of all I like the nostalgic look of Voxynth. The layout is simple and efficient and should make the synth easy to program. However, the knobs are not very easy to control and make fine tuning patches much more difficult than it should be. Overall the sound is decent. For the price the sound is excellent. As with other MHC synths this one comes with a stereo delay with individual controls for each channel. This is part of the signature sound for all MHC synths. Like Space Synth, this VSTi is missing bottom end. That is not necessarily a bad thing when you want a pad to sit in the mix, but it does limit the potential for those big opening pads at the beginning of a song.

Voxynth is a synth with a lot of potential but it has remained at version 1.0 for way too long. Sonically it is a perfect match for Space Synthesizer. When playing the two I can close my eyes and imagine myself floating through the galaxy. Unfortunately, bad denormal problems frequently sends me crashing out of control. Of the three MHC synthesizers Voxynth is the worst when it comes to CPU problems. Hopefully the developer will someday attack this issue. Until then I find myself wishing I had considered that other vox type VSTi.

Robert

For a long time I thought Pentagon was the most user friendly virtual synthesizer around. MIDI controller assignment that set the standard, lots of options, elegant coding and trouble free operation. Now Rene has released a new beast. Like a dragon this synthesizer sparks fear, awe, inspiration and curiosity. Z3ta+ has become the most recommended VSTi on the message boards.

I’m not going to list the features. What I recommend is that any prospective customer read the manual. After just a few pages you will realize that Rene is one of the most elegant and responsive coders in the business. The attention to detail is fantastic. Controller assignments, matrix modulation, flexible range specifications, user waveforms. It is all there in a very deep kit, waiting for someone to dive in and create THE sound they want.

So how is the sound? Very, very nice. As liquid and alive as the interface. Z3ta+ is my first call for synth leads. Whether monophonic or polyphonic you can program a special character to the sound that makes your notes respond to your touch.

Positives:
The sound
Modern interface.
Great patch and bank storage system.
The best LFO's.
All the little touches that make programming a dream.
Deep, deep, deep.
Trouble free, rock solid operation.
Responsive support.

Negatives.
Can be intimidating.
Higher than average CPU usage.

Bottom Line – This is a first call synth. It matches up very well with Pentagon I. Great for when you need those complex evolving pads, or just a deep organic sounding lead. Get the demo, scan the manual, be amazed at all the options, then buy the synth.

Robert

If you want organ sounds and you don’t have a real Hammond B3 this is the solution. It does a better emulation than the $2000 hardware alternatives and Sampled B3’s do not have the control you get with the B4. The interface is the best out there and lots of fun. Someone should make a draw bar controller just for this software. The ability to use the Leslie emulation as an effect for other tracks or instruments is a bonus. I don’t know anyone that dislikes this VSTi. At just under $150 street it is a great value, especially since you get VST, DXi, Windows and Mac versions all for one price.

Robert

This is one of the first software synthesizers I purchased and the reason I bought the DirectiXer VST-DX wrapper to use with Sonar. The interface looks great and it is one of the VSTi’s I pull up to impress people with the current state of music software. From every magazine review I read this is a very accurate emulation of the original hardware PPG2. I wish I had heard a real PPG2 before buying this soft synth. To be honest, I just do not like the sound. It may be accurate and many people may praise it but it is just not for me. Frequently I pull it up and try to find sound I like but I never use it in a song. With patch names like “Factory ’84 106” it is difficult to remember what those patches sound like from day to day. This is just one person’s opinion but listen before you buy.

Robert

Pro52 was the first software synthesizer I purchased after upgrading to Sonar. Native Instruments is a great company and one of the first to support DXi’s. I own most everything they have released. Pro52 is what it is, a software emulation of the SC-P5. As great as it was when it first came out this soft synth has lost much of it luster. The release of the Pro53 update moves this synth back into common usage. It sounds good and looks good, but the sound generation is very simple. The hard sync patches are wonderful, as are the basic pads.

This is one of the most CPU efficient VSTi's available. The great sound and low CPU make for a wonderful combination. It does not have the complex multistage eg's found in many newer synths, but it does not really need them. The pads sit well in the background, and the leads are sweet.

The one thing I don't really like about the Pro53 is the patch system. It had a huge amount of patches but there is no real organization. Any new owner needs to spend some time arranging the patches into logical banks. If will save you time in the long run.

Robert