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retro-GS02
Reviewed By tk421 [all]
September 22nd, 2004
Version reviewed: 1.0 on Windows
Retro-GS02 is a great sounding analogue style drum synth. It reminds me of a cross between ErsDrums and DrumSynth. I really like the range of sounds it produces. Although very "analogue" sounding, the presets with the final version show it is capable some nasty, harsh sounds.
Retro-GS02 uses the same smart GUI design used by Retro-GS01. Knobs change color when moved from their default postion. If that's not enough, it also has a handy number indicator in the center that counts up and down with the knob position. My only problems with the GUI are that most drum synths have lights that turn on when the kick or snare are played. Retro-GS02 would really benefit from this. A button to test each sound is also needed. It is also helpful when "snare" or "kick" show up it the piano roll. I don't know if Synth Edit creations are capable of this.
The only thing missing being able to route the different sounds to different mixer channels. But Retro-GS02 uses little cpu, so you can always use multiple instances if you need to use different effects on several sounds.Read Review
Retro-GS02 uses the same smart GUI design used by Retro-GS01. Knobs change color when moved from their default postion. If that's not enough, it also has a handy number indicator in the center that counts up and down with the knob position. My only problems with the GUI are that most drum synths have lights that turn on when the kick or snare are played. Retro-GS02 would really benefit from this. A button to test each sound is also needed. It is also helpful when "snare" or "kick" show up it the piano roll. I don't know if Synth Edit creations are capable of this.
The only thing missing being able to route the different sounds to different mixer channels. But Retro-GS02 uses little cpu, so you can always use multiple instances if you need to use different effects on several sounds.Read Review
retro-GS01
Reviewed By tk421 [all]
September 22nd, 2004
Version reviewed: 1.0.1 on Windows
I am not an expert in the C64 SID chip, but I love retro gaming sounds. I can't say if Retro-GS01 is close to the SID, but it is definately a unique sounding instrument.
The sounds are great. If you are a fan of QuadraSID and find it a bit difficult to program, try Retro-GS01. It is set up a bit more traditionally. You can make everything from fat harsh sounds to softer whistle-like sounds. And where some VSTs can sound thin and transparent, Retro-GS01 never seems to. I bet with the right effects or several instances of it running, you can get some pretty big sounds out of it. The presets provided with the demo show the wide range of sounds you can produce. However, the presets that are included with the full version are even more impressive.
The GUI is nice and inovative. Not only do the knobs have numbers in them to show the level they are at, they change color to show when they are in their original state. This is a nice touch that would be handy in other synths, visual coolness that serves a purpose. The colors are nice and bright, almost like candy. The only problem is the green is a bit bright compared to the reds and blues (could be my monitor).
Retro-GS01 is a wonderful sounding instrument that is easy to use. It is very stable and uses little CPU. Although it is based on the classic SID sound, it is capable of an even wider variety of sounds.Read Review
The sounds are great. If you are a fan of QuadraSID and find it a bit difficult to program, try Retro-GS01. It is set up a bit more traditionally. You can make everything from fat harsh sounds to softer whistle-like sounds. And where some VSTs can sound thin and transparent, Retro-GS01 never seems to. I bet with the right effects or several instances of it running, you can get some pretty big sounds out of it. The presets provided with the demo show the wide range of sounds you can produce. However, the presets that are included with the full version are even more impressive.
The GUI is nice and inovative. Not only do the knobs have numbers in them to show the level they are at, they change color to show when they are in their original state. This is a nice touch that would be handy in other synths, visual coolness that serves a purpose. The colors are nice and bright, almost like candy. The only problem is the green is a bit bright compared to the reds and blues (could be my monitor).
Retro-GS01 is a wonderful sounding instrument that is easy to use. It is very stable and uses little CPU. Although it is based on the classic SID sound, it is capable of an even wider variety of sounds.Read Review
This is a great freebie. Most of the presets sound like wind or string instruments. It is a very pleasant calm sounding synth, but you could probably get some more harsh sounds out of it too. More presets would be nice, but the ones provided are a good start. The interface is nice, clean and simple. If you know your way around, you'll figure it out in no time. Beginners should have a good time learning a bit about making sounds too.
I don't know if a good way to judge a new instrument is by how usable presets are that were created by using the randomization button are, but Padawan's are great. It came up with some nice wind sounds synths, to one that sounded like someone mumble-singing in the shower to someone making gun sounds with their mouth.
So if you are looking for nice, airy pads, download Padawna. This is another great, usefull product from Tweakbench.Read Review
I don't know if a good way to judge a new instrument is by how usable presets are that were created by using the randomization button are, but Padawan's are great. It came up with some nice wind sounds synths, to one that sounded like someone mumble-singing in the shower to someone making gun sounds with their mouth.
So if you are looking for nice, airy pads, download Padawna. This is another great, usefull product from Tweakbench.Read Review
