Mark of the Unicorn Inc. (MOTU) has released MX4, a “hybrid synthesis engine” that the developer describes as having been inspired by legendary subtractive synthesizers like the Prophet-5, PPG Wave and Moog Modular. MX4 supports MAS, RTAS and Audio Units-compatible software, including Digital Performer, Pro Tools, Logic Pro and others. What’s more, MX4 is shipping with capabilities not originally described when it was first announced last year.
MX4 includes built-in chorus and delay effects that allow users to program, save and recall patches with these effects as part of the patch. Six LFOs can independently modulate MX4’s parameters; waveshapes include sine, sawtooth, rectangle, sample & hold, sample & ramp and random walk. A “Free Running” setting allows the LFO to run independently of the notes being played. The MX4 can accept any external audio input through a mono or stereo sidechain bus. The new “unison multiplier” lets users multiply the number of notes played each time a key is struck. And parameter randomization options have also been incorporated — users can constrain what parameters are randomized. MX4 costs US$295.