Propellerhead Reason Specifications download pdf (Page 122)

MALSTRÖM SYNTHESIZER

120

Introduction

The Malström is a polyphonic synthesizer with a great number of different rout-

ing possibilities. It is based on the concept of what we call “Graintable Synthe-

sis” (see below), and is ideally suited for producing swirling, sharp, distorted,

abstract special effect types of synthesizer sounds. In fact, you could go so far

as to say that the Malström can produce sounds quite unlike anything you’ve

ever heard from a synthesizer.

For a complete run-down of the principles behind it and thorough explanations

of the controls, read on...

Features

The following are the basic features of the Malström:

D Two Oscillators, based on Graintable Synthesis.

See page 121 for details.

D Two Modulators, featuring tempo sync and one-shot options.

See page 123.

D Two Filters and one Shaper.

A number of different filter modes in combination with several routing op-

tions and a Waveshaper makes it possible to create truly astounding filter ef-

fects.

D Three Envelope generators.

There is one amplitude envelope for each oscillator and a common envelope

for both filters. See page 122 and page 126 for details.

D Polyphony of up to 16 voices.

D Velocity and Modulation control.

See page 131.

D A number of CV/Gate Modulation possibilities.

See page 133.

D A variety of Audio Input/Output options.

You can for instance connect external audio sources for input to the

Malström, and you can also control its output. See page 132 for more de-

tails.

Theory of operation

There are a number of different synthesis methods for generating sound. There

is e.g. Subtractive Synthesis (which is used in Reason’s other synth - the Sub-

tractor), FM Synthesis and Physical Modelling Synthesis to mention but a few.

To give you a clear understanding of the inner workings of the Malström, it might

be in order with a brief explanation of what we call Graintable Synthesis.

What we refer to as Graintable Synthesis is actually a combination of two syn-

thesis methods; Granular Synthesis and Wavetable Synthesis.

• In granular synthesis, sound is generated by a number of short, contiguous

segments (grains) of sound, each typically between 5 to 100 milliseconds

long. The sound is varied by changing the properties of each grain and/or

the order in which they are spliced together. Grains can be produced either

by a mathematical formula or by a sampled sound. This is a very dynamic

synthesis method with a lot of variation possibilities, although somewhat

hard to master and control.

• Wavetable synthesis on the other hand, is basically the playback of a sam-

pled waveform. An oscillator in a wavetable synth plays back a single period

of a waveform, and some wavetable synths also allow the possibility of

sweeping through a set of periodic waveforms. This is a very straightforward

synthesis method that is easily controlled, but somewhat limited in variation

possibilities.

The Malström combines these two into a synthesis method that provides a very

flexible way of synthesizing sounds with incredible flux and mutability.

It works like this:

• The oscillators in the Malström play back sampled sounds that are subject to

some very complex processing and cut up into a number of grains. From

here on, these sounds will be referred to as Graintables

• This results in a set of periodic waveforms (a graintable) that, when spliced

together, play back the original sampled sound.

• This can then be treated just like a wavetable. I.e. It is possible to sweep

through it. Move through it at any speed without affecting pitch. Play any

section of it repeatedly. Use it to pick static waveforms. Jump between posi-

tions. Etc. etc.

• It is also possible to perform a number of other tricks, all of which are de-

scribed further on in this chapter.

Loading and Saving Patches

Loading and saving patches is done in the same way as with any other Reason

device. This is described in the chapter “Working with Patches” in the Getting

Started book.

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Propellerhead Reason Specifications Page 122

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