Atmosphere Dream Synth Module Now Shipping

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Virtual instrument developer Spectrasonics recently announced that its newly enhanced Atmosphere Dream Synth Module is now shipping.

Atmosphere is a brand new type of software plug-in instrument that integrates a massive library of more than one thousand unique sounds and layer elements with a powerful user interface for shaping new textures. Originally announced as a 3-gigabyte library, the final release has grown to 3.7-gigabytes. Atmosphere operates as a native plug-in instrument in hosts like Logic, Digital Performer, Cubase, Nuendo and Pro-Tools.

Atmosphere was designed from the ground up by synthesist Eric Persing, well known for his sound design of classic Roland synthesizers. Eric and his team of sound designers developed the Atmosphere core library using over one hundred sound design devices and every available synthesis method including Granular, Additive, Wavetable, Wavescanning, Graintable, Neural Processing, Vintage Analog, Virtual Analog, FM, Plug-In manipulations, and Acoustic sources as well. This custom core library gives Atmosphere its unprecedented variety of tonal textures, especially when compared to standard soft-synths.

Eric explains the enhancements since the introduction of the Atmosphere concept in January: "Our original design for Atmosphere was intended for producing evolving pads and rich ambient sounds. However, in the evolution of the development of Atmosphere, we are happy to announce that we have significantly expanded the range of the core library's sonic palette and added new functions and capabilities to the interface, which now allow for a vast array of synth sounds and sound design, including unique leads and percussive sounds as well. Atmosphere is now a much more powerful synthesizer, capable of many inspiring and fresh sounds across the complete range of electronic music." The core library of a thousand sounds is just the starting point for user exploration. Atmosphere's powerful layering functions allow users to create their own complex textures very quickly. All of the elements can immediately be layered together, and tweaked independently. Since each of the one thousand patches can be combined, there are over a million possible combinations.

Atmosphere features include:

• 3.7-gigabyte core library of over 1,000 multi-sampled pads, ambiences and synths by award-winning sound designer Eric Persing
• Powerful interface and synthesis capabilities, including dynamic layering of sounds for over 1,000,000 mix combinations
• Easy to use, built-in patch management system
• Fully programmable
• Total recall with your sequence
• Multimode resonant Filters for each layer, plus Master Filters
• Three envelopes per layer for Pitch, Filter and Amplitude
• Matrix-style modulation routing, four LFOs
• Powered by custom 32 bit UVI engine
• Cross-platform plug-in compatibility

MSRP: $399. MAS, RTAS and VST Mac/PC included. Directly compatible with Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer, Pro Tools, Nuendo and other VST hosts. Also works in Sonar with a VST wrapper.

System recommendations:

• 512 MB RAM, 3.9 GB free hard disc space
• MAC: OS 9 or higher, 500 mHz G3 or better CPU, MAS, RTAS or VST 2.0 host
• PC: Windows 98 or higher, 600 mHz Pentium III or better CPU, sound card, VST 2.0 host
• CPU load: MODERATE

For more information, visit their web site at www.spectrasonics.net.