CA Plugins Crumar DS-2 Synthesizer (Digitalni proizvod)

Crumar DS-2 Synthesizer

The Crumar DS-2 synthesizer is a remarkable virtual instrument plugin that captures the unique sonic capabilities of the original 1978 hardware synth. This collaboration with Crumar Instruments not only preserves the distinctive tone and multitimbral experience of the original but also enhances it, blending innovation with authenticity.

Originally, the Crumar DS-2 featured a monophonic synth engine alongside a 44-note fully polyphonic (paraphonic) companion section, creating a unique musical experience. The "DS" stands for "Digital Synthesizer," and it was an early hybrid synth equipped with two Digitally-Controlled Oscillators (DCOs) and analog LFOs, VCFs, VCA, and EGs. To prevent tuning issues common in traditional analog synthesizers, Crumar introduced a cutting-edge concept in the Synth section, resulting in oscillators that maintained stability, albeit with stair-stepped waveforms that produced a gritty tone and wild harmonics.

The Poly section was paraphonic, featuring a single filter with highpass and lowpass knobs and its own VCA. It generated unique 'sawtooth' waveforms by combining divide-down square waves with resistors and high-pass filtering. The cutoff, resonance, and modulation settings of the Synth section also influenced the paraphonic poly filter.

The DS-2's timbres stand out from the smooth sounds of most digital synthesizers and the warm tones of classic analog designs, offering a jagged, harmonically edgy quality that sets it apart.

This software revival of the "vintage digital" technology has been an exciting journey. The DS-2 has been significantly upgraded with innovative features for the 21st century. The monophonic Synth section now includes last/high settings, Unison, and Multi voice options, providing voice cycling, panning, and tuning capabilities. It also offers polyphonic functionality with 4-, 8-, or 16-voice options, while the Poly section supports full polyphony, accommodating up to 32 notes.

For added versatility, the DS-2 features a keyboard split mode alongside the layered mode, allowing users to assign adjustable ranges for both splits and layers across the Synth and Poly tone generators. The Synth section's OSC 2 now includes a stair-stepped Sine waveform option, and oscillator sync has been added for enhanced sound design possibilities.

A third LFO has been introduced, offering ramp, sine, square, and staircase waveforms. Each LFO now features discrete delay knobs, replacing the previous global delay knob, and includes sync, retrigger, and one-shot capabilities. Reverse wave options are also available for LFOs 1 and 2. The LFO Mixer now offers six assignable destinations with 33 options each, providing unparalleled modulation flexibility.

The envelopes have been enhanced with an initial delay stage and velocity sensitivity, now including looping functionality. The Poly section also features VCA release control, making it better suited for powerful string-synth sonics. Touch control has been added with four slots and simple click-to-assign functionality, supporting both channel and polyphonic aftertouch with compatible MIDI controllers.

The VCF has been upgraded to include both 12dB 2-pole and the original 24dB 4-pole options, along with polarity and key follow adjustments. Additional enhancements include an assignable bend range, a mod wheel, and a dynamic arpeggiator applicable to either or both sections.

For effects, the DS-2 provides three independent customizable effects chains: one for the Synth section, one for the Poly section, and a global layer. Each layer includes an individual effects modulator, with users able to choose from 20 studio-quality effects that can be arranged, saved, and recalled within their effects chains. Producers can also start immediately with over 300 professionally designed presets in 14 categories that take full advantage of these features.

Features

• LFOs enhanced with discrete delay knobs for each.
• Monophonic mode with last/high settings, Unison, and Multi voice options, plus polyphonic capabilities with 4, 8, or 16 voice options.
• Three independent customizable effects chains, one for each section plus a global layer.
• LFOs now include sync, retrigger, and one-shot capabilities, along with reverse wave options.
• The LFO Mixer features six assignable destinations with 33 options each.
• User-adjustable oversampling control.
• Standalone virtual instrument and plug-in versions included.
• Fully polyphonic Poly section accommodating up to 32 notes.
• Keyboard split mode for adjustable ranges across Synth and Poly tone generators.
• OSC 2 in the Synth section includes a stair-stepped Sine waveform option.
• Oscillator sync added.
• A third LFO offers Ramp, Sine, Square, and Staircase waveforms.
• 20 studio-quality effects available for customization.
• Envelopes with initial delay stage and looping functionality.
• VCA release control for the Poly section.
• Touch control with four slots for easy assignment.
• VCF options include both 12dB 2-pole and 24dB 4-pole filters.
• Assignable bend range and dedicated mod wheel.
• Dynamic arpeggiator with four pattern modes.
• Mini quick-access effects strip for each effect.
• Over 300 professionally designed presets in 14 categories.
• Complete MIDI control and DAW automation for all controls.