Tracktion is a company that produces various virtual instruments, sound packs, and DAW 'Wareform'. Recently, they have released virtual instruments developed by Peter V (aka Dawesome) called Dawesome MYTH.
Dawesome MYTH follows the traditional synthesizer's operational structure while incorporating a unique sound engine called IRIS. It maintains an impression of being both innovative and faithful to the traditional synthesizer's operational principles.
This review was conducted with an NFR (Not for resale) license provided by Tracktion through Plugin Boutique. As a thank you, if you purchase a product through this link, I will receive a small reward along with a small contribution to Plugin Boutique. (Currently on sale -59$ until May 5th)
Contents
Three Synthesizer Components
A synthesizer is composed of three main parts: VCO, VCF, and VCA. Simply put, these are the oscillator for sound generation, the filter for sound modification, and the amplifier for volume control. Additionally, features like arpeggiators, LFOs, modulation, and spatial FX can be added.
Even if one is not familiar with synthesizers, understanding the oscillator and filter, which largely shape the sound, enables basic sound manipulation. Starting with loading presets and focusing on these two components is a good way to start learning about synthesizers.
Staying True to Basic Synthesis
Dawesome MYTH is neatly divided into six sections: ARP, OSC 1/2, FILTER, FX1/2. Manipulating OSC and FILTER alone can yield results faithful to the basic operation of a synthesizer.
IRIS Engine
However, the most significant feature of Dawesome MYTH is the two large circular designs at the top, known as the IRIS, a distinctive synthesizing engine.
IRIS operates like separate oscillators, allowing sound creation even if OSC1 and OSC2 are not in use. Also, OSC can be used without IRIS.
When users load audio files into IRIS, it utilizes machine learning to analyze the sound and generates new sounds based on that analysis. Simply drag and drop audio files from the browser or Finder.
Experimenting with IRIS reveals the creation of unique and unexpected sounds. OSC can produce traditional synthesizer sounds, while blending IRIS sounds adds a different atmosphere.
Additionally, there are 17 'Transformers' at the bottom of IRIS. Dragging these knobs produces various transformations, offering a multitude of possibilities.
Extensive Presets
Although OSC and IRIS combined offer immense sound possibilities, it might be somewhat complex for beginners. Fortunately, Dawesome MYTH contains a vast array of presets, making it challenging to use them all.
The presets, stored with somewhat abstract names, stimulate the user's curiosity. However, it can be inconvenient when trying to quickly find a specific sound.
Clicking on "BROWSE" at the bottom conveniently categorizes all presets by instrument type, tone, and character, making it easy to find desired sounds.
'Freeze' Functionality Combined with Presets
Even with diverse presets, finding the perfect sound can be challenging. Therefore, we should tweak agin OSC, FILTER, and FX necessarily.
Alternatively, if you find FX values you like in a preset and want to apply them to another preset, pressing the FREEZE button will lock those settings, making it very convenient.
Furthermore, clicking on the dice icon next to the FREEZE button allows for randomization of settings. Freezing desired settings while randomly changing others can facilitate finding the desired sound.
Tradition and Innovation
I feel that traditional synthesizers are becoming more like relics for enthusiasts or decorative 'analog' displays.
This is because they are often challenging to operate, requiring prerequisite knowledge, and vintage hardware varies in nomenclature and knob positions, making it even more complicated.
As mentioned by the developer of Dawesome MYTH, there is a 'Joy of playing with hardware.' The allure of synthesizers lies in the unique and individual sounds produced when we turn a knob ourselves.
In this sense, Dawesome MYTH grants users the freedom and authority of sound making while focusing on the fun. Its extensive presets and user-friendly interface allow users to concentrate on the 'joy.'
This article was published in partnership with Monthly Mixing.
