Key To Sound - Nexsyn

Nexsyn is a hybrid instrument that combines sample playback and synthesis technology. Nexsyn is designed for the musician, sound designer, and producer who wishes for a powerful synthesizer with high quality output, advanced modulation, and precise sample based key-map playback.

Whether you’re in the studio or on stage Nexsyn is the only way to get to NetNotes – the revolutionary way to audition, share, and acquire presets.

Nexsyn is capable of laoding sample based keymap files (XWM) and comes stock with a 4GB sample library (thanks Big Fish Audio!). By loading an XWM file as an oscillator, Nexsyn can modulate it as you would find with a subtractive synth. There are no limitations to the modulation possibilities. This makes combining a Vox Continental, a Hammond B3, and a pulse wave into a unique sounding organ patch as shown above. Any sample based keymap file can be modulated as an oscillator, or played without modulation for prestine representation of the instrument.

The Preset Browser window presents a virtual keyboard to trigger presets and also shows you the FX modules used on the preset. This makes it easy to listen to a preset with and without effects. The Notes section also shows you a description of the preset. You can quickly audition sample based presets quickly to see if they work in the mix. This view is where NetNotes is accessed.

The modules found in the edit window are completely collapsable, so there are literally hundreds of configurations possible depending on how you work. Nexsyn has a true stereo signal path that emulates the physics of stereophonic imaging. This is achieved by two independant oscillators (as a stereo oscillator), stereo only filter modes, and the ability to modulate left and right sides independantly. The signal wouldn't be true stereo of you couldn't modulate the right and left side independantly. This signal path not only applies to the entire audio engine. You can modulete the left and right side of the XWM files as you can an oscillator in Nexsyn. Think of the sonic possibilities.

Nexsyn gives you three filter modules each capable of holding one of sixteen filter types. When in stereo mode, the cut off points for the left and right side can be modulated with the "Spread" parameter.

The Modulation Matrix is quick to program. The matrix can route 6 sources to 12 destinations. There are 12 possible sources such as Mod Wheel, After touch, Velocity, etc. and 61 possible destinations to modulate such as Osc 1 Pitch Left, or Filter 2 Cutoff, or LFO amount.

The two FX sections offer eight stereo effects to add character to your sound. Each section has an independant output. FX 1 has a re-direct output to FX2 and both can sync to your host.

The LFO sections (as viewed above) all feature five unique destinations for LFO modulation. These destinations are hardwired into the LFO and can also have inverse modulation amounts. There are twelve waveforms to choose from and there's also a built in envelope generator for each LFO.

Nexsyn has three envelope sections with six segments. In Expert view, the slope can be adjusted individually for the Attack, Decay, and Release. The envelope tracking indluces key and velocity to amplitude and time. The envelopes are triggered by MIDI note on/off or by each other.

To view Nexsyn's specs, click here (.pdf).

The Oscillators::

Three oscillators modules each capable of holding one of the seven different oscillator types in mono or stereo. Dig a little deeper and you'll find that Oscillator modutes two and three give access to the 4GB stock sample based library (provided by Big Fish Audio). Of course you can still plug in a classic waveform oscillator, but with access to sample based libraries, you'll find yourself exploring other modulation possibilities.

The Filters ::

Nexsyn gives you three filter sections each capable of holding one of sixteen filter types. The filters can be set to traditional mono or even better, stereo mode. When in stereo mode the cut off points for the left and right side can be modulated with the "spread" parameter, opening the doors to a filter modulation frenzy! It's even better once you really get inside.

The LFO's ::

Nexsyn can load three Low Frequency Oscillator sections each with five destinations. The LFO's can be set to Reset (Local), Global, and "Envelope Mode" (Single Shot). The LFO you choose can be one of twelve waveforms, featuring it's own built in envelope. Some of these LFO waveforms can even be tweaked individually and of course the LFO's sync to host Midi Clock.

The Envelopes ::

The Nexsyn has three envelope sections with six segments: Pre-delay, Attack, Hold, Decay, Sustain, and Release. In Expert Mode, the slope can be adjusted individually for the Attack, Decay, and the Release. The Envelope tracking includes key and velocity to amplitude and time. The envelopes are triggered by Midi Note on/off or by each other. And yes, they can be re-triggered as well.

The Modulation Matrix ::

Accessible and quick to program, this is where your sound design goes to the next level! The Matrix gives you twelve modulation destinations, fed by six sources. The drop down menus make setting up the matrix quick, so your creativity is not hindered.

The Effects ::

The Two Effects sections offer eight stereo effects to add character to your sound. Each section has an independent output. Section one has a re-direct output to the other Effect Section.

The Arpeggiator ::

The Arpeggiator section is simple and quick to use, but gets as deep as you want to go. The Sixteen step loop duration can control Chord play, Slide, and Stacatto values of your presets and when used with percussive instruments, the Arpeggiator can create complex poly-rhythms and cadences. The limits are set only by your creativity.

Nexsyn has this unique way of browsing presets. It can access online directories while you're using the instrument. This method of uploading, auditioning, and acquiring of presets is called NetNotes.

With NetNotes you can:

Upload Nexsyn presets to your private or public folders online. These folders can be accessible by other sound designers who can audition and download your presets.

Audition presets made by others to see if they fit in the mix. You don't have to leave your session to find the right sound. Nexsyn can audition presets while in the session. You can audition the presets posted by other users, but you can't save or edit them until you acquire them. The FX used in the preset can be turned on and off, or changed to another effect. This means you can audition the preset "dry".

Access localized directories of presets for synthesis labs or multi-room facilities. You can set up private NetNotes directories which can be accessed from different locations. Professors can distribute synthesis lessons to all the students; producers can work in different rooms; and laptops and desktops can share presets effortlessly.

Start off with 1000 NetNotes!

NetNotes is modeled after a non-monetary value "token" system. You make NetNotes when people download your presets and you spend NetNotes when you buy presets from other users. It's that simple. You decide how much your presets are worth by setting the NetNotes price.

The Nexsyn preset browser window connects you to your online NetNotes account (internet connection required of course) where you can upload, audition and acquire presets instantly and in real time.