ROAD TEST
IK Multimedia Syntronik Virtual Synthesizer
By Paul Lau
Syntronik from IK Multimedia is the holy grail of virtual synth plug-ins , and the company has recently updated its breakthrough offering with some great new features and expanded compatibility . I should say now that I may be slightly biased as at one time or another , I ’ ve owned a PPG Wave 2.3 as well as Roland , Yamaha , Prophet , and Moog synths like the 38 classic instruments sampled for this package . Let me tell you , this virtual instrument definitely brings back fond memories from over three decades of musical instrument history .
Introduction Now , since the age of software emulations of hardware instruments , there have always been the comparisons and arguments of how realistic the virtual sound or sample playback is compared to the original ; however , with advancements in the technology behind programming and sampling , I feel that , to a certain degree , the immortalization of these synthesizers via virtual playback has been accomplished and will continue to progress to an even higher sonic quality in the future .
With that , I am tremendously impressed with the work and time invested to capture over 70,000 accurate and high-quality samples to the tune of 50 GB of sounds . Call it something of a history lesson in some of the most popular , noteworthy , and unique synths ever created – and one that will bring a host of creative possibilities to your work .
Syntronik is made up of a compilation of over 2,000 preset sounds that have been derived from 38 classic synths . These synths have then been divided up into 17 instrument categories . For example , there ’ s the aforementioned PPG wave 2.3 with iconic models from Yamaha , Roland , Moog , Prophet , Sequential Circuits , and Oberheim , just to name a few .
In Use In regards to the advancements in technology that have made way for the current crop of detailed and realistic virtual instruments , Syntronik showcases IK Multimedia ’ s new DRIFT technology that emulates the realistic response and sound of analog oscillators by randomly changing the characteristics of the multisamples ( similar to the characteristics of the original ). This results in very real , natural , and smooth sounds that , in my experience , are remarkably authentic in relation to the physical keyboards being recreated .
The individual interfaces for each of the keyboard models being recreated in the software will look familiar if you ’ ve ever owned any of these beauties . What ’ s more , the controls are actually all the same as found on the original hardware versions , yet laid out differently in knob or slider formats .
There is a filter section that has the circuit-level filter models of four amazing keyboards , which are the modeled emulations of the Moog Ladder , Oberheim State Variable , Curtis CEM3320 , and Roland IR3109 resonant filters . Here , we can combine and mix oscillators with different filters to come up with some extraordinary sounds .
So when is too much , too much ? Or is that ever the case ? For me , Syntronik finds the perfect balance with true four-part edit-ability plus multistacking and multi-splitting capabilities . Syntronik allows you to stack up to four keyboard parts simultaneously for a really thick combo or a series of different sounds that are split on each keyboard using between one to four keyboards . The combinations are so open-ended that you ’ re really only limited by your MIDI channels and creativity .
The note and chord arpeggiator allows you to create and / or use the simplest patterns to set tempos and grooves based on virtually any style of music . The complexities of creating sequences whether you ’ re playing the notes or drawing them in makes it fast and easy to come up with some powerful melodies and bass lines that punch through and can enhance anything you ’ re working on !
IK Multimedia is also well-known for T-RackS , its flagship collection of mixing and mastering processors , and its AmpliTube guitar and bass tone studio , so when it came to including additional effects for Syntronik , the company has included 38 different effects from the T-RackS and AmpliTube worlds . The drag-and-drop chain of effects is fast , effective , and super easy to use , with up to five effects that can be used at the same time and inserted on every instrument . The selection of modulation , dynamics , EQ , filter , distortion , amp , reverb , and delay effects is vast and well worth the price of admission .
With so many options for creativity and customization , the program offers a browser that searches using key words or categories to help
you find specific features or effects . The user interface is also resizable , which is quite convenient . And if you are familiar with IK ’ s SampleTank workstation , it can turn Syntronik into an open-ended expandable instrument plug-in with tons of potential .
Syntronik sounds amazing , and remarkably true to its source material . It brings the user authentic sounds from classic synths while also providing editable tools that are super easy and inspiring to use . Whether you are a seasoned pro or just finding your legs with in-the-box composition and production , Syntronik brings a wide palette of sonic colours to explore and the potential to come up with never-before-heard sounds . This is a valuable tool that can really open up your creativity .
Paul Lau B . Sc . Musician / Producer / Film Composer
Managing Director of PowerMusic5Records , www . PowerMusic5 . com
Member of the Cool Christian Pop Band Scatter17 , www . Scatter17 . com
22 • CANADIAN MUSICIAN