Octopus 1.2.1 review

Octopus is a Dual-Matrix synthesizer containing one Matrix for Oscillator/Filter frequency modulation synthesis and another Matrix for general modulation.

License: Demo OS: Mac OS X File size: 14416K Developer: LinPlug Virtual Instruments Buy Now Price: $149.00 Updated: 06 Oct 2006

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Octopus is a Dual-Matrix synthesizer containing one Matrix for Oscillator/Filter frequency modulation synthesis and another Matrix for general modulation. The key component for building a sound is the instrument’s 8 oscillators, Sampler, 2 filters and 32 envelopes.

These components are all it needs to create anything from classic “old school” FM timbres to complex sounds far beyond those possible with conventional FM synthesis. Editing the Octopus is a breeze, because all controls are located on a single panel which is always on view, so you can see at a glance any synth parameter.

One of the Octopuses key features is its use of envelopes as a primary modulation source.

Oscillators are the Octopus’ primary sound source. They are used to create additive waveforms made up of 32 harmonics.

Here are some key features of "Octopus":
Hybrid Frequency Modulation and Sampling synthesis
opends vast new soundscapes with 10 modulation sources and 8 modulation destinations
350 excellent presets in a wide range of styles made by Nico Herz, Pro-Sounds, Summa, and Tim Conrardy.
full cross-modulation, adjustable feedback for every oscillator
8 additive oscillators using sample-based or user defined waveforms
Two independent multimode filters, are available as FM sources
Up to 32 envelopes with multiple, syncable segments, freerun, loop and adjustable slopes
Graphical envelope editor with sophisticated editing functions
Envelopes can be used to modulate a wide range of parameters including amplitude, mix, panning, pitch, frequency, phase, cutoff and resonance of filters
Stereo effects section with 4 effects (Parametric EQ, Chorus, Delay and Reverb)
Two step sequencers each with up to 32 steps each
12 voice polyphonic.

Limitations:
The only restriction that applies to demo versions is that they emit a noise about once every minute.

What's New:
FM bug fixed on PowerPC systems
Improved DC offset handling
Filter bypass working now
Lo-Fi waves bug fixed.

Requirements:
A VST2.0 or AU capable host software,
a screen resolution of 1024x768 or higher,
100 Mb free space on your harddrive
1 GHz CPU,
512 Mb RAM.