ujam is a plugin manufacturer that faithfully follows the requirements of today's producers for "easy and fast" solutions. In particular, ujam continues to release the usynth series, which is made with a user-friendly interface at an affordable price.
Usually, virtual instruments that pursue user convenience often have compromised quality or encourage the purchase of more expensive grade products. Let's take a look at how the newly released usynth series TURBO-XT performs.
What is a Rompler?
According to the description, TURBO-XT recreates the rompler sounds of the 90s, symbolized by the Korg M1, Roland JV series, and E-Mu Proteus. So what exactly is a rompler sound?
First, a rompler is a combination of ROM (Read Only Memory) and sampler. In other words, it plays back specific sounds that have been sampled for use as an instrument, rather than being a synthesizer that uses oscillators for sound synthesis.
However, there is a difference between samplers and romplers. The original meaning of a sampler is that users can record sounds directly for use as samples or add sample disks themselves. Romplers, on the other hand, can only use sound libraries stored in read-only memory (ROM).
But in the modern sense, software and hardware called "samplers" are mostly used to load built-in sound samples, so in a way, the functional difference between romplers and samplers has become blurred.
Therefore, the meaning of the word "rompler" in plugins can be seen as a virtual instrument that allows users to easily use stored samples, like reFX Nexus or Kontakt, and also refers to the unique vintage sound sensibility that past rompler hardware possessed.
User-Friendly Interface
TRUBO-XT has inherited both the sound characteristics and functional characteristics of "romplers". I was able to grasp all the intended features of the product just by cycling through the presets. (In fact, this is a common feature of the Usynth series.)
However, if it were simply a collection of presets, it would be just one of many common plugins. And it wouldn't be much different from loading Korg M1 or E-Mu sound samples available on the internet into a sampler.
TURBO-XT has four elements that can transform and process the overall sound:
Sequencer
The sequencer works as a kind of arpeggiator or harmonizer. It can generate specific chord patterns and can also give the effect of moving sound like a slight modulation effect.
You can make detailed settings with parameters such as Rate, Note Length, Swing, Octave, Pattern Length, etc., but it's not very intuitive. This sequencer part also has "presets" stored so you can load and use various settings right away.
Also, the C1~B1 keys have pattern functions that can be used in the sequencer. Pressing C, D, E, F, G, A will play 6 different patterns respectively, C# is mute, D# is loop, F#, G#, A# can accelerate the pattern. Pressing B stops the pattern.
Synthesizer
As explained earlier, romplers like TURBO-XT use stored sound libraries as samples, unlike wavetable synthesizers or analog synthesizers. This "synthesizer" area serves to select the basic sound library in TURBO-XT. The term "Synthesizer" seems to be used for uniformity with other Usynth products.
Here too, you can choose from various presets to load sounds. In detail, you adjust two large knob parameters and three small parameters.
The two large knobs at the top consist of Dark/Bright, which makes the tone darker or brighter, and Fast/Slow, which adjusts the time response speed. The three parameters at the bottom change roles depending on the preset. For example, in the "Feedback Hero" preset, they change to Sync It, Amplify, Chorus, and in the "90s House Organ" preset, they change to Organ Color, Percussion Balance, Chorus Detune.
Finisher
Here you can apply final texture or special effects to the overall sound. There are presets that simply change the overall tone slightly with EQ, while others apply strong distortion to distort the entire sound. There are also presets with unique delay and reverb effects applied.
Spatial FX
So-called "vintage sounds" often disappoint due to their lighter and flatter sound than expected. For modern use, they often need some spatial FX to sound better.
TURBO-XR also includes delay and reverb modules at the bottom that can easily add spatial effects with 1-2 knobs.
Random Function
Because it uses a limited sound library, it might feel somewhat monotonous. TURBO-XT has a function that randomly changes the attributes that can alter the sound.
However, if you randomly change everything, you might get an interesting sound but it could deviate greatly from your intended sound. In TURBO-XT, you can selectively perform the random function using the dice icons above Sequencer, Synthesizer, and Finisher.
You can also limit the range of randomization from extreme changes to subtle adjustments.
Audio Sample
Pros and Cons of TURBO-XT
In fact, an evaluation of TURBO-XT will be an evaluation of the ujam Usynth series. This is because all Usynth series have the same interface.
The sound library built into TURBO-XT fits well with various genres and seems to express the vintage feel of hardware well. However, as mentioned earlier, an evaluation based solely on sound quality may not differentiate it from other sample sources or software.
In such cases, many plugin manufacturers employ the strategy of adding "visual appeal" by including graphics similar to actual hardware in the appearance or design of the plugin.
However, ujam's Usynth series seems to reject the strategy of competing with GUI by maintaining the same interface across all products. Above all, it prioritizes user convenience.
The Usynth series can be loaded through the integrated platform plugin called "Usynth". While TURBO-XT is a product that stands well on its own as a rompler emulator, when used together with other Usynth products, it will provide users with the opportunity to conveniently select various sounds at an affordable price.
