Publisher: Hollow Sun
Website: hollowsun.com/hs2/sli/ang/index.htm
Format: KONTAKT
Quality: 24 bit 44.1 kHz mono
Description: Noise generator.
Kontakt 4.2.4
Additional Information
FEATURES
* 44.1 kHz/24-bit samples
* Advanced Retro Synthesis Engine
* True analogue white, pink and low frequency noise
* Each sample 2 minutes long and seamlessly looped
* Multimode filter: 2/4/6-pole LP, 2/4-pole BP, 1/2-pole HP
*Phase shifter filter
* 2 LFOs, one with simultaneous multiwaves
* Various distortion effects
* Delay and convolution reverb
* ‘Serendipity’ function randomly creates new sounds
* 40 presets
ADVANCED NOISE GENERATOR
Sometimes, you just can’t have enough noise. For special effects, sound design, atmos, drum and percussion sounds, sweeps, etc., noise is such an invaluable tool.
Sadly, these days, noise is something of an afterthought on many synths with just one paltry selection and with today’s software based synths generating it digitally, it’s just not the same as true analogue noise, it’s pseudo-random noise based on mathematical algorithms.
True analogue noise is created using a zener diode which is biased into breakdown to produce truly random noise. Another method is to use a transistor wired so that its emitter-base junction is reverse biased which does much the same as a zener diode.
It seems daft but analogue noise does have an appreciably ‘weightier’ quality to it than virtual analogue noise, even though they may ‘look’ essentially the same on a ‘scope or in a wave editor.
The Advanced Noise Generator provides all this and more…
White, pink and low frequency noise are available …
… and each of the samples is over two minutes long meaning each noise color lives and breathes true analogue before seamlessly looping into an almost equally long loop. These then pass to a multimode filter offering 2, 4 and 6-pole lowpass, 2 and 4-pole bandpass, 1 and 2-pole highpass and a phase shifter. These are modulated by two LFOs, one offering a simple sine wave, the other offering simultaneous triangle, sawtooth, variable width square and random waveforms for complex, non-cyclical filter sweeps. The modwheel can also be used to modulate the selected filter type’s cutoff frequency. There are also separate LFOs for amplitude modulation and pan modulation. Together, these provide all sorts of possibilities for radom, abstract noise soundscapes that are ideal for soundtrack work … and that’s before they pass to the various distortion units and the delay and convolution reverb.
Furthermore, the Advanced Noise Generator has a life of its own with the ‘Serendipity’ button – click on the Hollow Sun logo to have the thing generate its own sound at random. In fairness, the results might be unpredictable and chaotic but they’re a good starting point for inspiration to tweak and refine to your needs. In fact, some of the 40 presets started off using the ‘Serendipity’ button – some used ‘as is’, others modified into something interesting and useful.
The Advanced Noise Generator takes over where most synths fail. Back in the pre-synth days of early electronica, they used dedicated noise generators like the one below for their esoteric sound effects…
These would be processed through equalisers, rudimentary filters, tape delays, etc.. Many of the early sci-fi films’ and TV programs’ (yes – including Dr Who!) sound effects were created this way and often, some early electronic music studios built their own simple circuits.
The ANG offers much the same and more with its wide array of filter, modulation and distortion options. It’s suitable for almost any modern musical genre with its noise sweeps, SFX and the various distortion units let the ANG venture into the realms of IDM..
Granted, the ANG might not be the first port of call for your #1 hit parade topper but this is truly a sound designer’s wet dream of noise making possibilities.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Kontakt 4.2.4 full version
Windows® XP (SP2, 32bit) / Vista® (32/64 Bit), Windows 7® (32/64 Bit), Pentium® or Athlon XP 1.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM
Mac OS® X 10.5 or higher, Intel® Core™ Duo 1.8 GHz, 2 GB RAM
