MoMinstruments has announced an update to its playful software synthesizer synthesizer for iOS with multiple oscillator modes. Version 1.1 of Elastic OSC allows users to import DX7 banks into the 3 OP6 engines.
Each OP6 preset / DX7 bank consists of 32 DX7 sounds, which can be switched through using the Harmonics slider.
In 1983 Yamaha released the DX7 keyboard synthesizer. It is one of the most iconic and successful synthesizers of all time, introducing the powerful yet challenging FM synthesis to a broad audience. Many people simply relied on the shipped presets, since programming was difficult. The DX7 became famous for its electric pianos, bells, and gritty brass and bass sounds – as you can hear in this video from jami.m.
But DX/FM sounds also shaped many early Techno and House tracks, as well as gnarly IDM tracks by Autechre and others. FM can get pretty wild and weird, demonstrated in this early video by legendary synth YouTuber Jexus. On the other hand, it can also sound relaxed, as in the wonderful ambient album „The Art of DX7“ by Smackos & Dim Garden (feat. Legowelt), released earlier this year.
The update includes classic DX7 presets, AI-generated presets by theintrovert, and DX7 presets by YouTuber Jexus and sound designer SOI. Users can also create new sounds with a DX7 Bank Generator.
Elastic OSC does not allow users to deeply change the DX7 sounds, but it offers you quick access to:
- Modulator(s) level via HARMONICS parameter.
- Envelope and modulation stretching via MORPH parameter.
- Switch through the 32 presets each OP6/DX7 engine is containing via HARMO parameter.
Combine that easy synth access with the Elastic OSC filter and the build in effects, it gives you a quick and fun way to explore the world of DX7 / FM sounds.
Changes in Elastic OSC v1.1
- Added DX7 Bank and Wavetable Import: import DX7 banks from one of the many online sources, create new ones via the Generator link, or edit your bank on the Plaits Sound Editor website.
- Added dozens of new presets from sound designer SOI and a new Artist Category for SOI sounds.
- Added Preset Compare feature: instantly switch between the current and original preset version.
- Improved preset saving: the current preset name now appears in the text field above the SAVE button, making it easier to edit.
- Bugfix: fixed audio hum/engine issue that sometimes occurred when opening the app.
- Bugfix: incorrect layout on iPad Pro with 13-inch screen.
- Improvement: knobs respond more sensitively now.
- Improvement: harmonics slider now has 32 steps for OP6 engines (reflecting DX7 preset switches) instead of linear values.
- Bugfix: improved DX7 envelope behavior – the app now more accurately reflects the envelopes of DX7 presets. Some of your OP6 presets might sound a bit different, but they are now much closer to the original hardware sound.
Elastic OSC for iOS/AUv3 is available to purchase for $9.99 USD at the App Store. The update is free for existing users.
More information: MoMinstruments
