PolySWAM - Expressive Polyphonic Orchestral Instrument

 ILIO and Audio Modeling have announced that preorders are now open for PolySWAM, a fully polyphonic orchestral instrument for composition, production, and live performance. They tell us that PolySWAM is available to preorder for $279, a savings of $120 from the regular price of $399. The introductory offer will remain available until the instrument is released, currently expected in mid-September 2026. Here's the details direct from ILIO...

A New Approach to Expressive Polyphony

Audio Modeling's established SWAM instruments are deliberately monophonic, allowing each instrument to focus on the detailed behavior, phrasing, and expression of an individual player.

PolySWAM was created as a separate instrument designed specifically for polyphonic performance. Powered by the SWAM engine and proprietary voice-allocation technology, it combines responsive physical modeling with the ability to play chords, melodic passages, layered textures, and complete acoustic ensembles in real time.

The instrument was developed in collaboration with Emanuele Ruffinengo, a Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning producer, arranger, pianist, and music technology expert.

Choose a Preset and Play

PolySWAM provides ready-to-play presets covering intimate chamber ensembles, large symphonic layers, focused brass sections, funk big bands, and cinematic combinations.

Rather than loading multiple sample libraries, building a large orchestral template, or assigning articulation switches, musicians can select a preset and begin playing. PolySWAM responds to the way notes and chords are performed, producing legato, staccato, portamento, and dynamic transitions as part of the performance.

Intelligent voice allocation distributes notes among individual virtual players, allowing the phrasing and movement of an ensemble to develop directly from the musician's input.

For Composition, Production, and Live Performance

For composers, PolySWAM offers a direct way to begin an orchestral sketch with a responsive acoustic sound instead of using a piano or static pad as a placeholder. Melodies, harmonies, dynamics, and transitions can be developed together while the initial idea is still taking shape.

Producers and arrangers can add orchestral color without first preparing a large sample-based setup. Integrated articulations and ensemble presets reduce the time spent loading sounds, configuring layouts, and programming performance details.

For keyboard players and other MIDI performers, PolySWAM brings responsive chamber groups, orchestral layers, brass sections, and other acoustic combinations into a practical live rig.

Physical Modeling Without Sample Playback

PolySWAM does not trigger a collection of pre-recorded samples. It calculates instrumental behavior in real time, allowing the sound and articulation to respond continuously to timing, touch, note movement, and performance input.

Its voice-allocation system analyzes how the player moves between individual notes and chords, shaping transitions dynamically. This allows legato lines, short articulations, smooth portamentos, and more complex polyphonic gestures to be performed without continually changing articulations or navigating separate sample patches.

PolySWAM Preorder Details

Preorder price: $279

Regular price: $399

Savings: $120

Preorder period: August 13, 2026 through the official release date

Expected release: Mid-September 2026

Customers who purchase PolySWAM during the preorder period will receive a redemption code to register through their Audio Modeling account. PolySWAM will become available for download through the Audio Modeling Software Center when the instrument is officially released.

About Audio Modeling
Audio Modeling develops expressive virtual instruments built on physical modeling technology. Their SWAM instruments are designed to respond to real-time performance input, giving musicians detailed control over phrasing, dynamics, articulation, and tone.

Rather than relying on fixed recordings alone, Audio Modeling instruments model the behavior of acoustic instruments, allowing performers and composers to shape parts continuously as they play.

About ILIO
Founded in 1994, ILIO is a leading distributor of virtual instruments and audio processing software for the Pro Audio and MI industries in North America and around the world. They represent products used by hundreds of top-shelf recording artists, studio musicians, composers, and producers. Their product lines also include Spectrasonics, Vienna Symphonic Library, Synthogy, Overloud, Applied Acoustics Systems, Audio Modeling, moForte, Black BT, Hornberg Research, and Delta Sound Labs.

More information:

• PolySWAM

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