Synth

An instrument module for synthesizing and designing sound.

It all begins with basic waveforms, which can be dynamically shaped using a Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) to add movement and texture. We can layer waveforms on top of one another using algorithms to allow modulation and create complex and evolving sounds like pads, pianos, drones, generative scapes, and more.

We can shape the sound further with envelope controls, which allow us to adjust ADSR parameters of each waveform. Every instrument module has a complete ADSR envelope via keyboard commands (see envelope visualisation on Sampler). This lets us sculpt and evolve sound over time, making it sharp, soft, or anything in between.

Synth Module InterfaceSynth Module Interface

Zyphr is solely loop based. Loop length can be adjusted by interacting with the stretch bar, from a minimum of four bars to a maximum of thirty-two bars. The default position of the scroll bar is at the fourth octave (the middle octave in an 88 keys piano). When using the scroll bar, an indicator shows us which octatve we are located.

The Selector allows us to toggle between keyboard and MIDI editor views. The synth comes with plugins such as arpeggiator, b-meter, notes, reducer, and a handful of sound presets. Zyphr’s core interface uses more white space around it to favour less graphics rendering and to benefit performance of the program.