Living Memory has introduced CellSynth — a tool for audio synthesis, sample manipulation, audio processing and automation sequencing — exclusively for the Mac.
Designed to serve both musical beginners and pros, all output can be recorded to disk for use in other software such as VST, Logic or Digital Performer. CellSynth uses “cells,” building blocks that can create sounds. You can use it to create familiar sounds such as that of traditional analogue synths following the methods used since the beginning of electronic sound synthesis, according to MacTech magazine (http://www.mactech.com). You can also add samples, either used traditionally, as you would in a sampler, or apply any of CellSynth’s DSP cells such as low-pass/band pass filters, comb filters, mixers, panners, phasors, delays, vocoder, reverbs and envelopes.
MIDI support allows real-time control over CellSynth from any MIDI controller. Or the built-in Automation Sequencer can be used to sequence controller events, allowing automated mixes and effects. CellSynth can also be synced to clock allowing it to be used as part of a larger MIDI setup.
The application lets you sample looping, modulation and multiple sample loops and provides synchronized playback of audio samples, with the ability to instantly tune loops to tempo. Unique sample modulation function. CellSynth purportedly has the features of a large modular analogue synthesiser, LFOs, oscillators, filters, envelopes (ADSR), noise generators, random (sample and hold) generators and mixing modules.
Audio samples, oscillators, envelopes, “sample and hold” generators and delays can be synchronized to internal or external (MIDI) beat clock. Harmonic additive oscillators can be used with up to 32 user specified harmonics. CellSynth’s self-contained automation sequencer allows you to compose songs and automate controllers entirely within the application. The program can be used “live” as a synth with simultaneous playback and real-time mixing of sample loops.
CellSynth is shareware and available as a download from the product Web site. It costs US$65 from now until Oct. 31; then the price goes up to $95. It’s for use on Power Macs running Mac OS 8.6 or better. It’s not been Carbonized yet for Mac OS X.