Fathom Synth

Bought from the start of this adventure, what can I say?

sound: good, in the mix, for ambient, for sperimentations.

quality of sound: very good, filters that can work right, and the endless possibility of the modularity...

price: perfect positioning and good management from Everett.

aspect: for me stimulating, pleasant for the eyes, very well conceived about the zone layout.

A synth that can say more, and developer is devoted to his creation.

only one thing: only four stars for the lack of vst3 format. For me Cubase user is a little disappointment; hope Everett will read this request.

Thanks for the synth, Everett.

Luciano.

Fathom Vector - Powerful, thick sound, and performant. Great GUI to manage all flexibility. Feels almost impossible to get a bad sound or of the Metamorphic oscillator.

i own Fathom Vector not that long, but is an in-depth synth, semi-modular, almost modular.., great workflow, and extensive capabilities to drastically (...) shape sounds.
i work from scratch, work with many different kinds of soft synths, but Fathom Vector stands out, like the others of course, but in its own way.
and that is why i like it. also that you can work with partials... the additive capabilities.....

still discovering the synth, but the in-depth control over sounds, means that you can create sounds for years, years! that all sound different, and still have a Fathom feel...

of course you can mimic other synths, but why should you do that? o well, it is personal of course...

i use a soft synth for its own capabilities, and Fathom Vector is one of the great synths, that does not copy other synths, so many synths that do the same thing...
Fathom Vector (or even Pro of course) is special synth. it can seem overwhelming, but the many menu's, are quite accessible.. and the workflow has a strict logic..
so, nothing overwhelming, only for details, you can go into that or that.

and not to mention, create your own modular.. or semi-modular. Fathom Vector fits the gap, as i mentioned somewhere else, it is kind of the missing link between a non-modular synth (...) and a soft modular, a missing link, that isn't... missing... of course.

it combines the best of both worlds. in a great way. a synth to explore, without limitations. and the sound, it sounds great.

Bought Fathom Synth a couple of years ago when it was on sale without knowing much about it at the time. In terms of sound quality that has paid dividends. It's potentially fairly user friendly for beginners if just starting with oscilators and filters etc. but it's real strength is when some of the sound designers can go really deep with modulation and complexity, and this is currently beyond my own limits. But that's fine, there are a number of great sounding presets, and more available to purchase from sound designers too. The developer is very involved and open with the community on KVR here, and while he has a definite vision for Fathom, he also takes customer/user feedback on board too.

My only real request would be if there were more beginner tutorials explaining what some of the more advanced modues do, but with examples of sounds, not just the manuals description in words. I expect that will come, but I don't think Fathom has a large team working on development, marketing etc. so Everett has been focusing on improving the synth itself first. Quality over marketing b.s.

Many of the included presets have a very clean, pure sound. I hope future updates can add a bit more variety, grunge and snarl to the range of presets to show off Fathoms full range even more.

Everetts videos (Mountain Climber in particular for me) show just how amazing Fathom can sound, but a few more tutorial videos might help to open it up to new users better too.

I've been looking for a plugin synth with a thick and organic character which is lacking in the current market. So glad to finally got this one! It's not surprising since the developer is a former Ensoniq's software development team. The synth got that 80-90's power synth character, with a warmth and depth, rarely found on plugins. Another great thing is that the developer is very communicative and updating the plugin consistently. They're working on some massive CPU improvements, which is going to make the synth even greater. I can't wait for the sampler module, with some layering of 8-bit samples it has a potential for becoming something like the Mirage Soundprocess OS. Or with 6 layers of 12/16-bit, reaching the TS territory. The effects reminds me a bit of the glorious DP4+. So excited with the future of the development. Thank you to the developer for creating such an amazing synth.

I sued the free version before, then i bought this year.It's cool, i dont like the modular synth, but this plugin is difference.Its eaasy to understand how it is work. Good sound and free creative.I love it. I hope the developers could reduce the use of CPU and develope more cool skins.

All I can say is this is way more value than what I paid for it. Loads of features, loads of very rich preset/samples and just a very high-quality synth in every way.

This synth is very cool. It has nice features for sound design issues. I would like developer to work towards decreasing the CPU usage, but in general I can completely recommend this synth. I like to support indie developers of vst's.

After decades of sound design using multiple synthesizers and synthesis techniques, I believe I've finally found the "Holy Grail" of synthetic design using Fathom. It has seemingly limitless prospects, combined with the cleanest upper register audio I have ever heard! Using multiple synthesis methods, with such an open modular system, will leave any serious sound designer in awe over the complex potential that awaits them. Fathom has found a permanency within my sound design arsenal like no other synth ever has, and I feel like I've barely scratched the sound design "possibility" surface, as it feels like an infinite palette of sound awaits my further exploration into the depths of this unique synthesizer.

So much potential for its value. Don't let the price tag scare you.

Designing patches couldn't be much more easier than this. Just select the module you want, and drag cables to connect input to output. Layout is so straightforward. Everything you need to know about the synth is written nicely and precisely within the PDF manual. I'm using at least 4 instances of Fathom for layering in each of my production because of its versatility.

Also, the developer is an awesome person, kind and attentive to questions. You will not regret picking this up.

If you still have doubts, try out the fully functioning freeware version (mono).

EDIT 7-31-21: Fathom is still going strong. I have the Pro AVX enabled version, now at 3.4, but not the full Vector version.

I still use it in linux setups after many Fathom updates, which says to me that the code is solid, and should be very stable in the win-mac environs it's designed for. The synth's performance keeps improving with each release, and there are new sounds now that will appeal to a wider range of synth users, while players and sound designers can take advantage of the CPU optimizations to extend creativity. This is a product with a long life now, and a bright future ahead.

(end-edit).

I like things that are simple and symmetrical. The Fathom modular interface has the feel of a guitar pickers pedalboard, like IK's Amplitube, left-to-right and linear, easy to understand the flow at a glance, and easy to modify. The parts surrounding the modules panel have the same kind of symmetry I like in BlueCat's Axiom effects suite, very rectangular and orderly, an easy reach for something that's complex, but not visually cluttered by things not in use. I love that you only see a module's parameters when you WANT to see them. And I was shocked to see that many of the effects modules are the equal or better than popular commercial plugins, each one just waiting for a session to fully explore them. And what are effects, without great sounds to grind, pound, and croon at? The Fathom sound is hard for me to compare and pinpoint, because I don't have a vast collection, or deep experience, but I'll say pop the top off your blender, throw in SynthMaster One, Hybrid 3, Bazille, Reaktor Pprism, and Ugo's nicely metalic Texture II and M-Theory, whirl them to a frenzy, and ...be happy... When I see pics and reviews of modular synths and gear, the Muse usually throws on her parka, and runs to the truck to listen to an old 8-track tape of the Moody Blues, with the heat cranked up. But with Fathom, it's been different, she whispers tempting suggestions, with deep breathing. and high expectations. And speaking of high, the price isn't. The author has a target price range in mind, that won't lock people out of having such a great instrument, and a clear vision for imppovements, and new capabilities. Which don't include fiascos and wobblers in the copy-protection column. Buy early, update often, and help Fathom reach it's potential. Cheers.

Fantastic playground, endless possibilities, good price, great documentation and a freeware Mono-Version.
I am really happy that I found that one.

I have been using Fathom since it was first offered. I was impressed by its quality then and I am even more impressed with its constant development and its very talented and hard-working developer. Unless I am a very poor judge of character, the creation shares the virtues of its creator. By all means, try the free version and see if you agree.

A fantastic synth at an absolute bargain price.

Developer is incredibly helpful, great documentation and frequent updates.

Highly recommend.

The depths of this synth are insane. From the eye candy GUI, to the 137 page E-book/PDF manual that this comes with it's clear that endless amount of thought went into this synth, and considering the constant updates it's clear they still are. Bravo. We don't need a million new synths. Just one, that's very good that get's updated consistently and made better.

Do not know how many soft synths I have. I lost count. Numerous and soon forgotten ones. Some stand out from the crowd. I still use the old Powercore Virus, the relatively new Serum and Omnisphere is my all time favorite. Then Fathom came along. The mono version was free, so even if the closet was already full I thought I should give it a try. Free is free right? What first struck me was the unfamiliar interface. Why did they design it like that? I fumbled around with it for some hours and it grew on me. By the end of the day I was in love. I have never really gone into the programming part of a synth. It seemed so cumbersome. I relied on others to make some presets. But now....one after another. It was more like playing an old video game. Moving all the parts around, connecting them to hear dramatic or subtle differences. Fun! Here you are the hero of the game, producing incredible sound with all the impressive features, FX, knobs and curves.

Well, a GUI is important but it does not make a synth. The SOUND makes a synth. And Fathom does not let you down here either. It is extremely seldom a free product sounds like this. It competes with the ocilators of my most expencive top notch synths. So both SOUND and GUI is GREAT, and did I say it was free??? Once again: The Mono version is free!!!! So free that I took 25USD out of my late granmothers wallet and bought the POLY version. 25USD!!!! For a top notch synth - incredible. I have played it forward and got more thanks than chistmas cards! (And I get a lot of christmas cards).

If you are still wondering if this is for you, try out the free (I said it agian) version. I promise - you won't be going to bed the first three nights.

I love this Synth. It has cool Features and i thank Everett from Seaweed Audio very much for his great Support to run the Plugin on my (older) Mac.

The Modular Concept is powerful to create fantastic new Sounds. I'am since my Childhood an great Fan of Jean-Michel Jarre so i like many innovative and flexible Synthesizers (old analog and newer).

I can only advice to try the Demo (Free Mono) Version.

Best Regards.

Michael.

It's my first review because I am really amazed by this system.
This one is excellent. The workflow once you read the manual is so logical and beautiful designed that it really stands out in the modular system crowd.
First I thought the modulation matrix is somewhat crowded but after reading I wondered why others don't do it that way. The possibilities are endless.
The automation system is so easy that I really did not get it. Click on rulers label and it's there. Wonderful.
OK, from my personal aesthetics' point of view the graphics' design is not my cup of tea and looks a little bit "toyish".
So no real concern. But the layout itself cannot be better.
The only thing I miss is an input for using it as FX chain.
The sound of the oscillators are stainless and building with the modules is absolutely intuitive. Left in, right out, that's it.
I'd exactly no bad issues with Fathom.
Great work.
I feel a little bit guilty for thievery getting this for 5$ on New Years Day so I wrote this serious review..

Very powerful and clean sounding OSCs. Nice per voice distortion and detuning options. Good modulation options.

This is a very deep synth with lots and lots of option, however, at the same time, it has quite a clean GUI that is easy to use.

The developer has excellent customer support with very regular updates.

Exceptional value for money.

Uncapped modulation options and hybrid functions housed in simplicity. Some exotic interactions between components of its modular architecture too. The oscillators hybridise with other oscillators for AM/FM synthesis, with the phaser (spelled 'Phasor' in Fathom) for unison-like voice generation, and the wavetable oscillator offers a giant pool of possible timbres. Multi-stage envelopes with modifiers that impose gating of variable width and position adds another dimension to articulation. The delay unit is so good it can serve in the reverbs' stead.

For balance, drawbacks of note is its demand on CPU, due to its sample-accurate signal processing. Of course, the sonic potential is compensation. There's some room for improvement to its ergonomics too, but as development continues i have faith these will become more efficient.

Fathom is substantial despite appearances. A deceptively priced softsynth for the sound.

A logical, powerful, creative and musical soundcrafter.

Beautifully made. Highly recommended.

Awesome VST plugin so far for a VERY very low asking price. The oscillators, filters, effects and modulation options are great already and we can expect more to come.

There is top notch friendly dev support, he is really quick at fixing bugs and adding features / user requests to the plugin.

A no brainer for sure!

I recently stumbled across one of the best finds I have made on KVR in a quite a while. The modular synth Fathom. Fathom is in it's early stages and is already more polished and capable than many fully-baked synths you'll find on KVR's marketplace.

Why give it an 8? Partly for what it is and partly for where it's going. Fathom is already developing a warm, enveloping character that is tremendously flexible. The intuitive visual module routing allows for biting leads, lush pads and everything in between. The UI reigns in all the flexibility well so the user isn't overwhelmed by the host of options.

The dev is very amiable and welcomes criticism. Those of us who have been here for only a few months have watched Fathom steadily grow and change as the dev responds to user input. The dev is no newb who just started with some synth coding library as a hobby. He worked at Ensoniq previously so he's been in the biz. He knows his DSP and it shows in the design. As a professional coder myself this dev's chops are impressive.

Certainly, Fathom doesn't tick every box at this point, but it covers a lot of ground even at this early stage of development. If development stopped right now it would still be a worthy, unique addition to your stable of plugins. I have no doubt Fathom will be deserving of 9+ reviews in the near future.

Do yourself a favor. Invest what you might spend on a lousy lunch and instead get a great sounding synth that will keep you experimenting into the wee hours of the night.

NOTE: I'm no shill. I paid for Fathom, no special discounts, I'm not related to the dev or anything of the sort.