Struggling to make your synths sound more dynamic and compelling? Dive into chaotic synthesis to generate aggressive and unique tones. Here’s how to transform your tracks with the power of unpredictability and the Generate polysynth by Newfangled Audio.
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The Allure of Chaos
In synthesis, regular oscillators are like reliable old-timers, steady and predictable, cranking out waves—sine, square, triangle, sawtooth—keeping the beat and melody true. Chaos oscillators, on the other hand, are wildcards! They generate sounds that shift unpredictably, adding a layer of complex, evolving textures. They’re the musical equivalent of a fireworks display—unpredictable, full of surprises, and always keeping you on your toes. While regular oscillators lay the foundation, chaos oscillators bring raw, untamed energy that can turn a routine sound into something unforgettable.
The Generative Engine
Generative systems are the backbone of chaotic synthesis, producing constantly evolving sequences of sound through mathematical wizardry. Techniques like strange attractors, cellular automata, and Markov chains fuel these processes, pushing the boundaries of traditional sound design.
Newfangled Audio’s Generate synth exemplifies this with its chaotic generators, each adding a distinct flavor. Whether you crave lush pads, jittery basses, or wild leads, Generate delivers. Let’s break down some standout features.
One of Generate‘s most compelling features is its CHAOS AMOUNT knob. This control blends the keyed sine wave oscillator with the chaotic generator, creating a spectrum of sounds that range from subtle to intensely bright and harmonically rich.
The CHAOS SHAPE knob adds another layer of unpredictability, altering the shape of the chaotic generator. Small tweaks can lead to significant changes, transforming your sound into a complex and evolving auditory experience.
The ANIMATE knob detunes the chaotic generator from the keyed oscillator, adding motion and a unique effect to the sound. This makes your creations dynamic and full of life.
“Blues Howls” is a chilling preset by Laurie Spiegel, famed for The Hunger Games and Voyager Spacecraft. It features the chaotic Turbine oscillator, driven mad by two slow-moving sine LFOs. Like planets in a cosmic dance, they align, unleashing eerie howls. Enhanced by a 259 wavefolder, resonant LPG, and delay, it’s pure magic!
Advanced Modulation
One of the most powerful aspects of Generate is its advanced modulation capabilities. In chaotic synthesis, modulation takes on a new level of importance, as it can drastically influence the unpredictability and complexity of the sound. Generate allows for modulation of every parameter, including the modulation sources themselves, creating intricate and evolving soundscapes.
Real-Time Chaos Control
Chaotic synthesis isn’t just a studio trick; it’s a powerful tool for live performances and improvisation. With Generate, musicians can manipulate chaotic systems in real-time, shaping evolving sounds to create unique musical experiences.
Crafted by legendary Chris Carter of Throbbing Gristle and Chris & Cosey, this preset uses the Double Pendulum oscillator with heavy modulation to create a throbbing bass. An 1/8th note pulse from the sequencer modulates FREQ, DRIVE, FOLDS, and SYMMETRY knobs, while envelope and LFO add a subtle swell. Finished with EQ, chorus, and dotted 1/8th note delay, it delivers a rich, pulsating timbre.
Generate’s intuitive interface makes on-the-fly control a breeze. Adjust parameters or use MIDI controllers to influence the sound in real-time, turning live performances into dynamic and unpredictable adventures.
Expression through Chaos
Chaotic synthesis is a powerful tool for artistic expression. It allows you to break free from traditional structures and embrace unpredictability—Leading to innovative and thought-provoking musical works.
Artists across various genres have already harnessed chaotic synthesis with Generate. From film scores to electronic music, Generate’s unique sound has found its way into countless projects. Its ability to produce sounds that are both intricate and raw makes it an invaluable tool for any musician looking to push the envelope. Here’s where MPE comes into play:
Generate excels at creating giant textural pads for cinematic vibes, but “Just A Drifter” offers a playable patch based on the Discharge generator. Its chaos adds a soft noise modulation to a sine wave, giving pads a dusty, intriguing texture. The Fractal wavefolder and Low Pass Gate are modulated by key pressure, making it perfect for aftertouch or MPE playing.
MPE, or MIDI Polyphonic Expression, is a method of using MIDI that allows for more detailed control of individual notes in a performance. Generate Synth is fully capable of utilizing MPE, which significantly enhances sound design capabilities.
The core of Generate are its eight chaotic generators which add life to the oscillators. The Magma generator is smooth and warm, with a vintage tone perfect for playable sounds and basses. Turn up the CHAOS SHAPE for glitchy effects. This patch boosts Magma’s sub-oscillators and runs through an animated wavefolder for a punchy bass arpeggio.
With MPE, each note can have its own pitch bend, vibrato, and other expressive controls. This means you can play a chord and manipulate each note differently, creating rich and complex soundscapes. For example, you could have one note smoothly transitioning into chaos while another remains steady, adding a new dimension to your compositions.
Chaotic musical synthesis challenges the norms of order and predictability in music production. By embracing chaos, you open up a realm of endless sonic exploration, where complex systems give rise to intriguing and unpredictable musical landscapes.
Ready to dive into the chaos? Discover how Generate can transform your sound… your music will never be the same again!
