Spectrasonics Shows Enhanced Atmosphere Dream Synth at AES

Oct 09, 2002

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Virtual instrument developer Spectrasonics featured its newly enhanced Atmosphere Dream Synth Module, the world's largest sample-based programmable synthesizer, at the AES Convention in Los Angeles.

Atmosphere is a brand new type of software plug-in instrument that integrates a massive, three gigabyte core library of more than one thousand unique sounds and layer elements, with a powerful user interface for shaping new textures. It 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 acclaimed 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 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! While the potential for creative manipulation is extensive, Atmosphere's power is balanced with an emphasis on ease of use.

Over 3 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

Cross platform plug-in compatibility

Directly compatible with Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer, Pro Tools, Nuendo and other VST hosts. Also works in Sonar with a VST wrapper.

399 MAS, RTAS and VST Mac/PC included.

Shipping is scheduled for Novermber 15.