Madrona Labs Sumu Synth Turns Samples Into Dynamic Soundscapes

It’s a spectral synth plug-in with additive resynthesis, FM, and spatialization

If you’re the kind of person who likes to bring otherworldly sounds into this world, here’s a synth for you. Check out some of the demos (you can skip around and get a feel for the sounds). It’s definitely wild!

Here’s the company release:

Refined by an extensive Early Access program with months of feedback and testing, Sumu is now available to all! Using an additive synthesis engine, FM, and fine-grained spatialization, Sumu delivers an easy-to-use semi-modular instrument that turns static samples into dynamic soundscapes.

Each Sumu voice is made up of 64 independent pairs of oscillators with FM, noise, low-passable gate, and motile position in sonic space. Add unheard-of animation and control to your own sample libraries using the included conversion app “Vutu”.Sumu is the latest addition to the innovative Madrona Labs music plugin line that includes Aalto, Aaltoverb, Kaivo, and Virta. Hear Sumu patch examples and learn how Sumu and Vutu work at our YouTube.

SUMU INCLUDES

● MODULES

– PARTIALS: Analyzed samples are displayed as a 3D map of 64 partials with pitch, level, and noise envelopes to make it easier to use the power of additive synthesis.

– ENVELOPES: Use one ADSR envelope per partial with individual triggering and global shaping to affect volume or timbre. Shape them as a group and a 64-channel trigger input for new creative possibilities.

– PULSES: The Pulses module provides two modulation sources for every partial which always trigger in sync with its own timbral, rhythmic, and dynamic options. They can create modulations focused on certain frequency ranges or for triggering ENVELOPES at different times.

 – PATCHER: Like using a modular synth you can connect 13 signals from module outputs to inputs of other modules. Multiple inputs can be fed from a single output and vice-versa. MUCH easier than a ton of menus.

 – SCOPE: This module displays a graph to help you keep track of all your multi-channel signals.

 – OSCILLATORS: One carrier-modulator pair (plus noise) form the audible heart of each partial.

All the juicy parameters thereof can be controlled individually per partial under the influence of beefy 64-channel control signals from the modules above.

 – GATES: Sculpt your patch using 64 VCAs or LPGs depending on “lowpass” mode.

 – SPACE: Position 64 partials across the sound field with continuous spatialized motion based on the vector field selected. Partials are independently Doppler shifted for rich evolving sounds.

 – RES: A nonlinear, 24 dB/octave ladder filter Inspired by the classic Moog design. It adds powerful tone-shaping and a little bit of distortion to give Sumu an analog glow.

● “Vutu” the free companion app allows you to make Sumu partial files by analyzing your own samples and setting up parameters to let you resynthesize them in Sumu.

● Get over 100 Presets including partials and patches to make creating your own sounds easier.

● Easily integrate with your controllers using MPE, MIDI learn, and a dedicated LFO for most parameters.

● Explore alternate tunings with a library of over 100 scales

● Sumu comes in VST3 and AU plugin formats. Sumu and Vutu run on both Mac and Windows. Sumu is available directly from Madrona Labs

Price: $129 USD (limited time introductory price)

More info: To get a trial, purchase, signup for our newsletter, or more information please visit http://www.madronalabs.com.