In this post I would like to talk about a rack extension for Reason. As you may remember from my previous post, rack extensions are the plug-in format for Reason, offering additional instruments, effects, signal processing and audio/control-voltage utilities.
Today I would like to talk about one of my favorite Rack Extension instruments:
So, first of all... what the heck is a "spectral synthesizer"?
Parsec uses a concept called additive synthesis to create complex waveforms. This is a form of synthesis where sounds are created by adding many sine waves at varying phases, amplitudes and periods. This creates richly harmonic (or inharmonic depending on your taste) content above the fundamental. This differs from most synthesizers which use subtractive synthesis, which uses filters to subtract harmonic content produced from wave forms that may already be rich in harmonic content. Additive synthesis offers a much more precise method for producing a specific sound or creating complex timbres.
Parsec's Components
(1) Patch Selector
Allows you to browse, load and save patches for the instrument. Parsec comes loaded with patches ranging from basses, leads and pads, to "textures" and percussive sounds. There are patches available for purchase from Propellerhead and 3rd-Party developers.
(2) Global Output Parameters
This section includes the overall output control and the "spread" knob which adjusts the width of the stereo field
(3) Sound Engine A/(5) Sound Engine B
The sound engine is the core of Parsec's additive synthesis. This section includes two separate sound generators, each with their own modulation and tuning parameters, filter, and two modifiers each.
(4) MIDI Note LED
Indicates note gate activity.
(6) Modulation sources and built-in Effects
The modulation section includes two individual LFO's, two modulation envelopes (one with delay, hold and loop selection) and an amplitude envelope. This section also includes built in delay and reverb as well as a "balance" knob which mixes the two sound engine signals together.
(7) Global performance controls
This section includes voice range selection (monophonic to 24 voices), modulation wheel and a pitch bend wheel.
(8) Modulation Bus Matrix
The modulation bus matrix works similar to the one in Thor, with selectable modulation sources, destinations, corresponding amounts and scaling sources.
(9) Global "play" controls
The final section controls global parameters like keyboard mode (polyphonic vs. monophonic retrig/legato) and Portamento settings.
The Rear
The rear of the unit has several connections available for signal routing. Control Voltage routing inputs include sequencing controls: Gate, CV (note/pitch), Pitch bend and Mod Wheel. You can also modulate amplitude level, LFO 2's rate and the balance knob directly or input a control voltage signal into CV inputs 1 and 2 which can be routed to any parameter using the modulation bus matrix on the front. Each engine's modulation controls can also be modulated with control voltage signals.
You may also notice an audio input about the stereo output connection. This allows you to alter any audio signal with Parsec's additive synthesis engines for an incredible range of unique sounds.
I hope you enjoyed this post. Tune in next week when I will go more in depth about the sound engine sections and how Parsec uses additive synthesis to create sound.
The more you write about Reason the more I want to try it out! For some reason I felt as if being able to patch things together for different signal routing would be limiting. I just like things to work quickly and easily, but for some reason this post got me excited about digging in and trying it out. I can't say I'm too familiar with using additive synths, but I feel this post is a great starting off point on learning how (especially if I were to be using Parsec). I really liked the graphic break down and explanation of the components of the plugin, and I would love to see more of that in the future. Not being familiar with hardly any of the Reason Racks, this layout makes it much easier to follow along.
ReplyDeleteAustin,
DeleteDo give it a try. Reason transcends VST's with it's modular functionality, once you start patching you'll never want to back to being limited again.
Austin,
ReplyDeleteDo try it, get the demo version, reason transcends VST's with it's functionality, once you start patching, you'll never want to be limited again.