Hilda - A New iPad Synth

US A semimodular combination of west-coast and east-coast synthesis 10/05/23

Ruismaker (Bram Bos) has launched a new mobile (iPad) synth called Hilda and described as a semimodular combination of west-coast + east-coast synthesis designed for hands-on tweaking and experimentation. Here's the details from Bram...

The best of both coasts...

Hilda is a Complex Oscillator Synth, inspired by the most interesting aspects of both west-coast and east-coast synthesis techniques. You'll find a wave folder, lowpass gate, and audio-rate modulations, but also a 12-mode filter and traditional VCA circuit.

All parts of the instrument are carefully circuit-modelled to sound as analog (or digital, where applicable) as possible. It's laid out like semi modular synth, but without the patch cables and all the interesting connections are already normalised for you.

The eclectic mix of different synthesis components adds up to a unique sounding electronic instrument, which can be used as a playable synthesizer, a drone/noise box, a MIDI sequencer and an audio effect for external audio – or any combination of those three.

Features in a nutshell:

    Full Audio Unit compatibility (AUv3 instrument, audio effect and MIDI processor modes supported)

    Universal design (iPhone and iPad; iPad Air 2 or higher recommended)

    Built-in analog style 16 Step MIDI Sequencer with custom scale

    12 mode filter, based on the Oberheim Xpander design

    Drone mode lets you [partially] bypass the VCA/LPG and just go with the flow

    DIY Lo-Fi delay circuit emulation

    Live pads with effects that can be triggered via the UI (or via exposed AU Parameters)

    All synth settings exposed a AU Parameters (for automation and MIDI learning in your host of choice)

    MIDI Processor plugin mode disables synth to save CPU

    Carefully handcrafted by yours truly, to capture the essence of my love for tinkering and experimenting with sound