Developer OVM Plugin has released Diatonica, a free mono sequencer synth for Windows.
Despite teasing the addition of a Windows machine to my setup for some time, I remain macOS exclusive, and that’s fine for the most part, although it often feels like the numbers in this camp are dwindling.
Every once in a while, a VST makes me stare out of the only windows I can access into the middle distance, contemplating my choice of operating system. Today, that VST is Diatonica.
Diatonica is a mono synth with a sixteen-step sequencer, two oscillators, and a sub-oscillator.
The interface has a lot going on, but it is nicely designed and easy to use.
The step-sequencer window displays the note/pitch of each step with mute, gate, and slide functions per step.
The main sequencer settings allow you to set the number of divisions per beat and the number of steps and alter the feel by changing the direction or adjusting the swing (8th and 16th note).
You can also switch between long and short slides, set your key signature, and even harmonize your pattern. The harmony function even works with non-diatonic notes.
Each oscillator (sine, triangle, ramp, square, pulse 1/2, white/pink noise, and super saw) has separate modifiers. The free synth includes a multimode filter with envelope and LFO, plus a separate filter for the sub-oscillator.
Diatonica has all the expected functions of a decent sequencer, like plenty of randomised options. It also has a few non-mandatory additions, like a selection of built-in effects, including Auto-Pan, Overdrive, Chorus/Phaser, Delay, and Reverb.
Hearing Diatonica made me want to remake the Pump Panel Reconstruction Mix of New Order’s Confusion, a song more commonly known as the rave theme from Blade.
As a hybrid vampire cruising the underworld of New York City, I’d have to guess that Blade’s favourite compressor is I Heart NY by Baby Audio. The popular plugin is available for just $5 to celebrate Baby Audio’s fifth birthday (Congratulations!).
The offer ends today (28th August), but it’s still active right now (at the time of writing), so act fast if you want to grab a bargain.
Diatonica is available in 64-bit VST2 and VST3 formats for Windows. Installation instructions are available on the download page.
Download: Diatonica (FREE – Windows only)
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