Patent-Pending Engine Features Spectral Control and Transparent Modulation
Sound Radix has released Radical1, an additive synthesizer currently available as a Preview Release. The plugin generates sound from controllable harmonics using a patent-pending engine capable of producing tens of thousands of oscillators with reduced CPU usage.
Additive Architecture
Radical1 uses three primary synthesis methods: Morphing Fluid Oscillators for transitional timbres, Direct Spectrum Drawing for manual harmonic sculpting, and Spectral Sample Resynthesis for converting recordings into additive structures. The engine maintains clean frequency response to Nyquist without aliasing or oversampling requirements.
The synthesizer features spectral shaping tools, harmonic modifiers, and a real-time spectral display. Processing operates polyphonically with per-voice modulation and sample-accurate envelopes.
Visual Workflow
The interface displays all layers, modules, blocks, and modulation paths in their active signal flow. Modulation connections appear in real-time with no hidden routing. Starred parameters provide quick access to frequently adjusted controls while keeping additional options organized.
Users can create unlimited layers and modulation sources within a scalable, high-resolution interface. The plugin includes a MIDI Effects Rack, Time-Domain Audio FX Rack, and Spectral Block FX with modular signal routing.
Formula Blocks and MPE
Radical1 includes Formula Blocks for writing custom DSP code within the plugin. This feature provides direct access to modulation streams, harmonic structures, and spectral processing domains.
The synthesizer supports MPE for expressive control.
Preview Release Details
The Preview Release is available now for macOS (Apple Silicon and Intel) running 10.14 or higher. Windows version is scheduled for early 2026. Supported formats include AAX, AU, and VST3. Authorization requires a free iLok account and iLok License Manager without hardware dongle requirement.
Early-access purchasers receive the full version automatically when released, including factory presets. A free trial is available.
Radical1 is priced at $199 ($129 early-access price).
More information is available on the Sound Radix website.
