Blofeld vs ANALOGyX1

The versatile Waldorf synthesizer classic Blofeld now also available for iPad including auv3 for hosts like Logic, Garageband, Cubasis, AUM and others. With the Blofeld app you can also control your hardware and it is compatible with existing Blofeld soundsets. The sound generation of the Blofeld plugin delivers the typical fat and rich Waldorf sound character that so many Waldorf users worldwide love when they are playing their Blofeld, Q, Q+, Microwave, Microwave II/XT or even the flagship, the Wave. The secret of its sound is a powerful wavetable engine that enables these intense and expressive sounds. This unique synthesis system is based on the revolutionary PPG synthesizers of the early 80s. When you hear the Blofeld for the first time, you’ll immediately remember those edgy, assertive or bell-like timbres that have been an integral part of countless worldwide hits since the PPG era.

ANALOGyX1 Mini Mono Synth (AUv3) ANALOGyX1 is a virtual instrument plugin that can run standalone, or in any AU compatible host such as Logic Pro or GarageBand. Please note that the standalone version does not include a built-in keyboard - you need to connect a suitable MIDI device to play the synth. Overview ANALOGyX1 (analog-ee ex one) is a compact virtual dual oscillator (plus sub and noise) monophonic synthesiser with a retro vibe. The synth might be "mini" in terms of features, but it's capable of producing some fairly complex sounds normally associated with plugins with dozens of parameters. That's because there's actually quite a lot going on "under the hood". ANALOGyX1 is a follow-up to the popular poly synth, ANALOGyXS, and if you don't have that one already, I do think X1 and XS play nice together! Keeping with an approach introduced with the XS synth, many of the parameters you see on the UI can be considered "macro" controls and actually change more than just one thing in the synth engine. Some of them are also very interactive and I hope this encourages hands-on experimentation! And of course, the Randomize feature can often produce some happy accidents - in fact, many of the factory presets are "refined" versions of the results from simply tapping the Randomize button! I also wanted to add a few quirks that hopefully make ANALOGyX1 a bit more than "yet another mono synth". For example, it's possible to pan the two main oscillators, while keeping the sub oscillator centred. The sub oscillator also has its own dedicated filter that's been tuned to retain bass response. ANALOGyX1 also has quite a unique performance-oriented trick up its sleeve that might make it especially interesting to fans of electronic music pioneers from the late 70's. More specifically, a signature sound and playing technique often associated with synth supremo Billy Currie, particularly prevalent on his work with Ultravox and Gary Numan / Tubeway Army. This cool sound is a combination of oscillator sync, along with very skilful control of the oscillator tuning and pitch-bend / modulation wheels. In ANALOGyX1, I've added an "Auto Sync" mode which attempts to reproduce this effect without having to manipulate additional controls - you simply play the notes, and ANALOGyX1 does the knob twiddling behind the scenes for you! Now, I'm not saying this feature will turn you into Billy Currie, but I hope you agree that ANALOGyX1 at least captures a little bit of the magic of that sound. For more info and support please visit: www.waverley-instruments.com/robjackson