HY-Plugins has released HY-Poly Free, a freeware polyphonic synthesizer in VST, VST3, and AU plugin formats for digital audio workstations on PC and Mac. A paid version of the instrument called HY-Poly ($60) is also available, offering additional features and advanced functionality.
HY-Poly Free is a polyphonic subtractive synthesizer with an intuitive modulation workflow. The synthesizer features dual oscillators with vibrato and sync, a sub-oscillator, a noise generator, dual multi-mode filters (low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass), four envelopes, dual LFOs, S&H, three sequencers, and a trio of effects (delay, chorus, and a utility effect). The main oscillators can morph freely between the saw and pulse waveshapes, with adjustable pulse width.
See also: Free Synthesizer VST PluginsThe base features are enough to make HY-Poly Free a decent virtual analog synth, but the plugin’s main advantage is the way it implements modulation. Almost every sound engine parameter can be modulated using one of HY-Poly’s own generators or an external source. Making a new modulation routing is as easy as clicking the “+” symbol underneath the parameter and selecting the modulation source. Once the two are connected, the user can set the modulation intensity, which is also displayed as an overlay, relative to the parameter’s current position. Some of the parameters, such as the filter cutoff knob, can have up to three modulation sources working simultaneously.
The paid version of HY-Poly adds a multitude of features no top of the functionality available in the free edition of the plugin. The oscillator section is expanded with additional modes, including an optional third oscillator and a modulation oscillator which supports frequency modulation, ring modulation, and feedback FM. The MIDI FX section is unlocked, adding numerous goodies like an insanely flexible arpeggiator, a MIDI harmonize, note echo, velocity tools, and more. The audio FX section is also expanded, with over twenty additional effects (the full list of available effects is also visible in the free version but they are locked). Other workflow enhancements are also added, such as macro controls for tweaking multiple parameters simultaneously. Check the product page on ADSR for the full feature set.
At the time of testing, the free version of HY-Poly contained 17 presets, but this number could increase in a future update. The users can store their own presets via HY-Poly Free’s patch manager. The plugin also features undo/redo functionality and a freely resizable interface. The GUI can be scaled via drag-and-drop or by selecting a desired percentage of the original size.
HY-Poly Free is available for free download via HY-Plugins. The downloaded ZIP archive contains both the EXE installer and the individual plugin files for users who prefer manual installation. The instrument supports both 32-bit and 64-bit plugin hosts on PC and Mac. The paid version of the software with additional features is available at HY-Plugins, as well as KVR and ADSR. It is currently on sale for $40 (normally priced at $60) until July 2, 2020.
More info: HY-Poly Free (38.3 MB download size, ZIP archive, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/VST3/AU plugin format for Windows & macOS)
More articles:
- 99Sounds Releases FREE “World Sounds” Library By Marcel Gnauk
- Free Robot SFX And Sound Design Tutorial By A Sound Effect
- Music Production Courses – Improve Your Music Skills For FREE!
- Best Free Music Production Software
Last Updated on June 12, 2020 by Tomislav Zlatic.
