Software Synths that Became Hardware: Part 2

I really enjoy software instruments, but hardware still feels special to me, like I'm spending time in a meditative closed system that I can explore without distractions. Analogue hardware in particular, makes me feel like I'm a mad scientist in the best way possible.

Sometimes, the bits and bytes of software end up making their way into tangible hardware instruments, and you're in for an interesting time when that happens! We looked at a number of these instruments in part one, but here's 2 more interesting examples:

Steampipe

We'll be taking a good look at Erica Synth's Steampipe later this month. But comparing the instrument to it's OG software counterpart will make for an interesting preamble. Originating as a Native Instruments Reaktor ensemble (a home for many experimental synthesizers), the Steampipe has developed into something quite rare - a piece of physical modelling hardware with a luxurious, knob per function interface.

Steampipe makes use of a Karplus–Strong algorithm (good for strings, bells, tuned percussion etc) with feedback path. Various elements, high & low-pass filters, saturator, etc are placed inside the feedback loop and manipulated to create an exciting variety of wind sounds. This new hardware version adds an external input (to excite the algorithm with an audio source), mod-matrix, 5 LFOs and an epic reverb with "spin". Look out for our Sonic Lab review soon!

Plonk

Intellijel's Plonk doesn't ape any single soft-synth, but the duophonic module was created in partnership with Applied Acoustic Systems, god-tier developers of the physical modelling realm. I've always been a fan of AAS's String Studio - amazing Clavichord sounds plus an array of unique plucked or hammered timbres. Much of AAS's physical modelling DNA ended up in Plonk, with a highly-configurable mallet or noise exciter that travels through a choice of resonator - string, beam, marimba, drum-head, membrane or plate.

Drawn into the modular realm, the thought of controlling these parameters, brought out onto jacks, with a variety of modulators (slow/fast, smooth/chaotic, deliberate/random) is quite an enticing one.

Thanks for stopping by and see you next time!

Posted by MagicalSynthAdventure an expert in synthesis technology from last Century and Amiga enthusiast.

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