Zap is a freeware audio-controlled synthesizer developed by Sinevibes and released as an Audio Unit plugin for 32-bit and 64-bit host applications running on Mac OS X 10.6 or later.
I’m running a Windows based DAW so I couldn’t really test Zap prior to writing this article, however the plugin certainly looks like a nifty little tool based on the demo video and the description available on the developer’s website. Zap’s concept is a bit unusual, but anyone who’s used an envelope follower before will be familiar with it.
The plugin analyzes the volume of the audio signal on the input and uses that data to control the frequency of a simple monophonic oscillator which can be heard on the plugin’s output (the sound produced by the oscillator can also be mixed with the audio signal on the input using the dry/wet knob). The synthesis engine features three different oscillator modes (pure, ring-modulated and phase-modulated sine wave), a global frequency setting and a simple envelope depth control to adjust the impact of the incoming audio signal’s envelope on the oscillator’s pitch. The envelope follower’s response to the incoming audio signal can be controlled using four different parameters (time, sensitivity, resolution and curve). The plugin also features a live waveform view of the audio signal on the output.
Zap seems like a fun little audio processor which probably works best in combination with percussive loops and drum grooves. It can be used to add sub bass lines or subtle movement to drum loops, but you can also use it to completely glitch out the incoming audio signal if you want. The demo video embedded below will give you a good idea of what you can expect from this freeware effect.
Truth be told, Zap yet another one of those not so rare anymore Mac-only freebies which really make me wish I had access to a Mac based DAW. Hopefully, AU plugin developers like Sinevibes and Goodhertz will make some Windows compatible VST plugins in the future, too!
Video Demo
Check out the Zap demo video:
Download
Zap is available for free download via Sinevibes (269 KB download size, DMG file, 32-bit & 64-bit AU plugin format for Mac OS X).
6 Comments
cync
onIt is so sad that sinevibes only create plugins for mac.. I really love the design and concepts of their vsts but I am unable to use them..
Tomislav Zlatic
onYep, the thing is their plugins are optimized specifically for use on Mac OS, so they’ve said numerous times already that they probably won’t be making any Windows plugins in near future.
I am sad because SineVibes doesn’t make toys for Windows :(
Tomislav Zlatic
onSame here!
Robert
onWhat I really like is the look of the Sinevibes plugins where you can see mac influence. However, is there any free alternative on windows systems?
Melo
onMeh, yet another sinevibes product locked to a user environment.