Aurora FM

Aurora FM: FM synthesizer (VSTi, 32-/64-bit Windows)

Features:

• 4-part multi-timbral FM synthesizer with 6 operators, 39 algorithms, 65 waveform variations, 64 voices, deep modulation, effects (overdrive, chorus, delay, and reverb), and performance features. A whopping 602 parameters per part.

• High performance, 100% original C++ and assembly code with meticulously optimized execution paths for processors supporting SSE2, AVX, or AVX2+FMA instruction set extensions.

• Single-screen, everything-visible, non-skeuomorphic UI with controls designed for efficient mouse interaction and visual feedback; no hidden parameters, tabs, menu-diving, etc.

• Unique variable 2x3 or 3x2 operator layout elevates clarity and usability beyond other FM synthesizers.

• DPI-aware and custom scaling from 50-200%.

• ODDSound's MTS-ESP microtuning support.

• Not a DX7 emulation - Aurora FM translates Yamaha DX7/21/27/100/11 & TX81Z patches but is a superior, semi-modular, highly-usable modern instrument for musicians and synthesists.

• Inspired by modulation monsters like the Alesis Ion and Waldorf Q.

Details:

Architecture:

• 4-part multi-timbral
  • 4 complete synthesis engine instances, each with channel, key range, voice limit, mute, and level.
  • plus Parallel reverb effect, with per-part pre/post-fader send.
• Per-part 1x-4x oversampling.
• Full 32-bit floating-point signal path.
• Full-rate modulation.
• High-resolution, fast approximate sine generators, with about 85dB average / 75dB worst case SNR. No look-up tables.
• Execution paths for SSE2, AVX, or AVX2+FMA SIMD extensions.

Operators:

• 65 combined waveform variants, which include the 8 sine and sine-transform waveforms found in the TX81Z and DX11, and many others:

  • 13 base waveforms, 5 waveform variants, and polarity.

  • Waveform Depth, interpolates between sine at 0% and the selected waveform at 100%; Moddable.

• Independent per-operator feedback by self or any descendant modulated operator; Moddable.

• 3 frequency selection modes - Ratio, Fixed, and the unique Relative mode which facilitates setting intervals.

• Variable waveform sync phase (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, None).

• On/Off toggling with clear visual feedback.

• Variable 2x3 or 3x2 algorithm-dependent operator layout with visual separation of modulators and carriers provides unparalleled clarity and navigation.

Envelopes:

• 6 stages: Delay, Attack, Decay1, Decay2, Sustain, Release.

• 9 slopes: 3 Logarithmic, Linear, and 5 Exponential.

• Tempo-syncable.

• Loopable.

Modulation Generators:

• 2 x LFOs, 1 x S&H, 1 x Envelope.
• Tempo-syncable.
• 3 voicing modes: Mono Reset, Mono Run, Poly Reset
  • Monophonic mod sources are global and shared by all voices; Polyphonic mod sources are unique to each voice.
  • Reset/Run - Resets at each key-press / Free-running.
• Amplitude scaling by ModWheel and a selectable mod source.
• LFO1/2 selectable start phase (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°).

Modulation:

• Operator pitch and amplitude modulation by 5 simultaneous modulation sources, with 3 modulation polarity modes and 3 convenient modulation ranges.
• Additional operator amplitude scaling by Key and Velocity.
• Envelope rate scaling by Key, Velocity (On + Off), and selectable modulation source.

• 2 mod source slots for CC inputs (CTL1/CTL2).

• Mod Matrix
  • 11-entry, with Destination, Source, Amount, and Polarity.
  • Destinations: Pan, Unison Detune, Feedback 1-6, Waveform Depth 1-6, Part Level, Reverb Send, LFO1/LFO2/S&H Rate, OD, Chorus Rate, Chorus Depth, Chorus Mix, Delay Level, and Delay Feedback.
  • Sources: LFO1, LFO2, S&H, Env, ModWheel, CTL1, CTL2, AT C, AT P, Random On/Off/Both, Key Lin, Key Exp, Vel On/Off/Both, Uni #.

Performance:

• Polyphonic (64-voice), Poly Retrigger, Mono, and Mono Legato voice modes.

• Unison with 2-4 voices and variable detune.

• Portamento:

  • Normal and Legato modes.

  • Rate, Time, and Tempo Sync modes.

  • Time.

• Pitch bend range, +/- 24 semitone Transpose, variable A440 tuning (+/- 1 semitone in 0.1 Hz increments).

• Numerous alternate temperaments and non-traditional scales.

• MTS-ESP microtuning support.

Effects:

• Overdrive, 2 variations.

• Chorus, 4 variations, tempo-syncable (Off/Alg1-4, Rate Mode, Rate, Depth, Dry:Wet Mix).

• Delay, 4 variations, tempo-syncable (Mode, Time Mode, Time, Feedback, Level):

  • Stereo (2Ch), Mono (M), Stereo Ping-pong (P-P 2), Mono Ping-pong (P-P M).

• Reverb (Time, Tone, Level).

• Output bit-depth reduction, optional dithering.

Read more, listen to some samples, and grab the demo at http://www.audionebula.ca.