Copyright © 2011-2012 M-RGT
VST plugin technology by Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
m-rgt
psyGEN is the latest instrument in the M-RGT suite of experimental synthesizers. Using granular synthesis as a basis it adds extensive Modulation and FX capabilities to take any type of .wav file source and turn it into a multi-layered composition of great complexity.
With the built-in 16 track sequencer, long evolving ambient/drone sounds can be created and cross-faded with other sounds to create dense tapestries of sound. Also, the sequencer allows for more rhythmic based compositions or patches as well. It is possible to create an entire composition with just one track incorporating many variations.
psyGEN can be used as a standalone synthesizer with a plug-in like SaviHost or similar program or can be installed as a VSTi with a Host DAW.
The following examples were done exclusively with psyGEN and no additional effects or instruments were used (except in some cases Stylus RMX percussion). They all use many of the 500 patches that come with psyGEN with little or no modification. The final example was done with all of the M-RGT instruments (psyGEN, psyBOX and Ambitron)in one track.
Everything was recorded with Sonar 7.0 64/bit using JBridge . Only one instance of psyGEN was employed with multiple tracks built up in Sonar.
The tracks demonstrate the range of possibilities from abstract ambient sound scapes, otherworldly FX, and more traditional synth sounds. psyGEN has an extensive range of sound creation that would fit just about any modern genre of experimental music.
As in the example, psyGEN works well with the other M-RGT instruments psyBOX and Ambitron. Source sample files can be shared between them as well. And as an interesting experiment, wav files created from any of those instruments can serve as source sample for any of the others for some very unusual sound creation and effects.
Patch examples:
The following examples demonstrate many of the patches that are provided with psyGEN without any additional effects added or any other instruments employed. As you can hear it is possible and quite easy to create mini-compositions by dovetailing and cross-fading patches.
The MP3 files on this page demonstrate the sounds that psyGEN can create. Please download and check demo version before purchasing the full version. to ensure compatibility with your music creation environment.
Ran Kirlian:
I find it especially useful for deep pads, complex sound worlds and dark drones, which are my main sonic field for ambient/dark ambient genres. I find it also interesting to build great extraterrestrial grooves, weird FX sounds, atmosphere recreations and bass sequences.
Its sonic power, the ease to create new and awesome sounds and its usability due to a clean interface. Also audio quality is impressive even while some of the samples are mono.
The sequencer is really useful, allowing to create very complex textures, rhythms and letting large evolving sounds take its time. .
It's hard to imagine what the limit of this tool is: it's sonic possibilities are endless to me.
Felix Petrescu ( of Makunouchi Bento ):
I was fascinated by granular synthesis and software since i've started making music (15 years ago). Granular synthesis looks to me like the sound universe zoomed in: tiny atoms of aural information that could be used to build everything. So - because I love metaphors - I say that psyGEN it's a granular dragon with 16 heads and user is the knight who tames it.
Darren Fisher:
Very useful in my style of music which is ambient soundscapes.
Or I could describe it as a huge granular lab with 16 scientists and all equipment they need. You can draw your ideas from its clean interface with ease. Or you can simply blend and shake the grains until something different and interesting emerges: from strange sand-like percussive sounds to intricate cinematic soundscapes. And you can do it all inside psyGEN. No need for external sequencing or modulation ! It could sound overwhelming - the almost unlimited granular concept could scare even a sound designer - but there are plenty of good examples to start with, so, take it easy. Go build some audio sandcastles !
Scott G./AbstractCats:
Ambient and Granular meet! Super easy to use and learn and affordable!
There is no reason, you could not use psyGEN, for an entire album.
Turn guitars into pads, vocals into bits of space dust and create endless sounds!
Yet another, great addition to M-RGT family of ambient/granular tools, no ambient /experimental/ glitch producer should be without!
Alan Tubbs:
I'm really liking psyGEN and the ability to layer evolving sounds.
Luftrum:
Amazing! PsyGEN is simply a must have for all drone and ambient artists. Import any audio and the sky is your limit. I created a complete ambient track using three self made presets, a couple of my own samples and half an hour noodling and tweaking. That sequencer really makes the whole difference and makes psyGEN the perfect self-containing-ambient-box. Without doubt, my favourite tool when it comes to out of this world drones and soundscapes..
