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I’m happy to introduce music technology writer Adam Douglas, whose articles you may have come across over at Attack Magazine, Gearnews and Music Radar. In our latest review, Adam takes a look at the newly released Multiphonics CV-3 synthesizer by Applied Acoustics Systems.
AAS’s Multiphonics CV-3 goes polyphonic and gains physical modeling modules, elevating the modular synthesizer plugin to lofty new heights.
Polyphony has always been anathema for modular synths. Modular is about exploring modulations and unusual timbres and experimentation, the argument goes. If you want polyphony, just get a normal synthesizer. Modular polyphony also traditionally been prohibitively expensive; if you want multiple voices, you need multiples of oscillator, filter and VCA modules.
Things are starting to change though, with manufacturers like Doepfer and Tip Top now releasing polyphonic modules. Plugin developer AAS has caught the bug too, making the latest version of its software modular synth, Multiphonics, polyphonic as well.
What is Multiphonics CV-3?
AAS Multiphonics CV-3 is the third iteration of the long-running developer’s modular synthesizer and effects software. The first version, CV-1, appeared in 2021 and has grown in features and capabilities since.
You get all the modules that you need to build up modular systems, from oscillators, filters and VCAs to effects, utilities and more.
If you’re unfamiliar with Applied Acoustics Systems, the Montreal, Canada-based company is probably best-known for its physical modeling software. Virtual analog, the basic synthesis format for Multiphonics from the start, may seem an odd choice for the company until you realize that VA was actually born from physical modeling experiments in the 1990s.
What’s New in Multiphonics CV-3?
As I mentioned in the introduction, the big new feature in Multiphonics CV-3 is polyphony. Rather than include polyphonic modules alongside monophonic ones as in the hardware world, CV-3 simplifies things with a single button to switch between monophonic and polyphonic. It’s just that easy.
Polyphonic aftertouch was the next obvious choice, and CV-3 delivers with MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression). Osmose users will be happy to know that there are even Osmose-specific presets available.
The other big new addition is physical modeling. The crown jewel in AAS’s catalog is Chromaphone, its two-voice physical modeling instrument, and that tech makes the jump to Multiphonics CV-3 in the form of a variety of oscillators, filters and effects based on it. These include the Objeq Oscillator with six different acoustic object types; Tube Oscillator, a physical model of a cylindrical tube; and Tube Tilter, which uses that same shape as a filter. There’s also the Objeq Filter, which is based on the filter in AAS’ Objeq Delay. All of these sound fantastic as you’d expect from a company with a focus on PM. Of course, the fact that you can modulate all the various parameters (this is modular, after all) makes things very flexible and unique.
Other new modules for version three include a 3-op FM oscillator, Stack VCO for super saw-type unison sounds, a comb filter, Reverberator reverb effect, and new oscilloscope visualizer. Lastly, along with the voice mode module for turning on polyphony, the Top Line section of permanent modules has a new effects unit, with adjustable distortion, chorus, delay and reverb on the master bus.
Multiphonics CV-3 in Use
I should say at this point that I’m not the biggest modular user. I have a few Eurorack modules in my studio but they’re mostly to add functionality to other hardware instruments in my studio. Really, I’m more of a sound quality guy. I will choose the synthesizer that sounds the best to me even if that means I get less modulation options. Not that I’m rich, but given the choice I would take an Oberheim Four Voice over a Matrix-12, for example, just because I like the raw sound of the SEM better.
Because of the amazing sound quality, this makes Multiphonics CV-3 pretty much the perfect modular software synthesizer for me. I love having all of the oscillator types available to play with, and the combination of physical modeling, virtual analog and FM together is heavenly. I had long had my eye on Chromaphone but having it inside this environment is even better—it’s incredibly flexible being able to modulate all of the parameters with CV.
I’ve been talking about Multiphonics as a synth but your purchase also includes a version that loads into your DAW as an effect. This effects version is more than just an afterthought, with tons of effects-specific presets that run the gamut from the expected modular weirdness through to unexpected (and very useful) ones like dynamics.
As for building patches yourself, there’s always a leaning curve with modular. That being said, AAS makes it easy with plenty of in-app links to the online manual for module explanations. A few templates for getting started would be helpful, as would more step-by-step tutorials, but you can always reverse engineer some basic patches to pick up tips.
Who Is Multiphonics CV-3 for?
Identifying the target audience for Multiphonics CV-3 is not so easy. If you’re after a software modular experience that closely replicates a hardware one, your best bet is probably VCV Rack. With its recreations of well-known Eurorack modules, it’s the closest I can think of to hardware.
CV-3 also isn’t the only polyphonic modular software game in town. u-he’s Bazille sounds great and offers polyphony, as does the free ModulAir from Full Bucket Music. However, neither of these have physical modeling and they’re also a bit more limited than Multiphonics.
To determine if Multiphonics CV-3 is for you, ask yourself if the idea of creating a custom polyphonic synthesizer with physical modeling, virtual analog and FM oscillators appeals to you. If so, you should probably download the demo now and check it out.
The Final Word
AAS’ Multiphonics CV-3 is a fun and gorgeous-sounding modular synthesizer environment that excels at polyphonic patches. The inclusion of physical modeling modules based on the company’s flagship Chromaphone elevates Multiphonics to something pretty extraordinary. Die-hard modular fans may find it a little superfluous to competitors like VCV Rack but if you’re after something a little different to the usual bleeps and bloops—something a little more musical—this may be just what you’re looking for. It’s certainly scratched an itch I didn’t know I had.
Multiphonics CV-3 is available for Windows and Mac in standalone and AU, VST2, VST3 and AAX plugin formats. It normally costs $199 but is now on sale for $149.
If Adam’s review has you interested in giving Multiphonics CV-3 a try, you can download a fully-function 15-day trial version from the Applied Acoustics Systems website.
Adam Douglas is a music technology writer based in Japan. When he’s not writing for outlets like Attack Magazine, Gearnews and Music Radar, he can usually be found in his studio making ambient music or else out searching for the perfect bowl of ramen.
