We spoke to Mr Wu a professor from Conservatory of Shanghai in Guangzhou where his students are making software instruments and processors. They are known as ToyLeader and we looked at Cosmic Isle Pad. He explained that the group focused on software synthesizer design, and that the project formed part of an education programme covering instruments, effects and complete product development.
He said the course was new, and described a set of student-built tools. Cosmic Isle Pad focuses on pad sounds and contains 10 instruments. Its main synth page uses FM synthesis with three FM sections: two operators for modulation and one carrier. Each section offers selectable waveforms, including sine, and includes automation-style ball controls for effects.
A second page adds a sequencer. Sounds created on the first page can be inserted into the sequence and played step by step. A modulation page gives control over different FM oscillators, while another section handles levels, EQ and effects.
He also showed a bass synthesizer, a vocal effect that adds air-style sound, and a control system that uses a joystick to move stereo material into a surround field.
More Info:
https://en.shcmusic.edu.cn/