Applied Acoustics Systems has announced the release of an all-new version of its Chromaphone creative percussion synthesizer.

Chromaphone is a synthesizer which uses acoustic resonators to create drums, percussion, mallet, string, and other unique instruments. Drum skins, bars, marimbas, plates, strings, and tubes are combined into pairs and played by a configurable mallet and a flexible noise source. A proprietary coupling technology which models precisely how vibrating objects interact and influence each other captures key acoustic behaviours of musical instruments resulting in a library of truly expressive instruments in a vast range of sonic colors.

Chromaphone 2 ships with a new streamlined interface, a new equalizer and compressor module, a new multi-effect processor, a new drum skin model, and more. The factory library has been redesigned and includes signature presets by renowned artist and producer Richard Devine and Sean Divine.

“There is nothing quite like Chromaphone with its mix of acoustic modeling and synth-like features. Its sonic palette is very impressive and it reproduces the feel and responsiveness of real-life acoustic instruments,” said Philippe Derogis, CTO of Applied Acoustics Systems, “With this new version, Chromaphone now benefits from a a full multi-effect modules and an arpeggiator which greatly expands its scope but most importantly we have reviewed every module in order to endow Chromaphone with a sharper response and make it even more expressive.“

Chromaphone 2 for Windows and Mac (VST/AU/RTAS/AAX) will be available before the end of the first quarter of 2016 at a suggested retail price of $199 USD.

In the meantime, Chromaphone 1 is at the special price of $149 USD (a $50 USD discount) and each purchase includes a free upgrade to Chromaphone 2.

More information: Applied Acoustics Systems / Chromaphone