Update Video: https://youtu.be/UsEfFfrxfUw
Elastic OSC is a synthesizer app based on the DSP code of the Mutable Instruments Plaits hardware oscillator module, one of the most beloved (and cloned) oscillator modules in the Eurorack modular scene! Like the original, Elastic OSC comes with a wide variety of possible sounds, from analog-style, FM, and additive sounds to physical modeling, percussive, and even drum sounds.
Elastic OSC can be used in both monophonic and 8-voice polyphonic modes. You can play the app using the (on-screen) keyboard or an external keyboard or sequencer inside your DAW of choice.
The app focuses on ease of use, featuring two XY pads for intuitive sound manipulation of the OSC engine and the effects. Despite the simplicity of the cleaned-up interface, the sound possibilities are vast – thanks to 24 different oscillator models and the ability to automate parameter changes, as it is possible in all Elastic apps released so far.
A versatile Arpeggiator makes it easy to start with simple ideas or can already create entire sonic worlds.
Elastic OSC includes an integrated help system (tap “?”) to provide explanations for nearly every GUI element, the underlying DSP model, and most of the app’s functionality.
CDM: "Elastic OSC becomes a must on iOS. It’s fun to use as an instrument in your iPad DAW of choice."
SYNTH ANATOMY: "Takes the Mutable Instruments (Plaits) algorithms on a wild trip. A nearly perfect app."
ROBERT LIPPOK: "Elastic OSC is incredibly fun to work with from the very first minute. The GUI is really well thought out and has 24 integrated synthesis models, as well as the ability to load DX7 sound banks. Omg, so good."
--- FEATURES ---
SYNTHESIZER
– 24 different Sound Engines from MI Plaits DSP code
– 4 main parameters per synth engine (Frequency, Harmonics, Morph, Harmo)
– Recordable Modulations/Automations for almost all Parameters with a length of 1, 2 or 4 beats.
– ADSR Envelope for Amplifier
– LPG Envelope for Modulations of Timbre, FM, Harmonics
– Adjustable Velocity effect on Volume and/or LPG Modulation
– DX7 Bank and Wavetable Import
ARPEGGIATOR
With different Arp Modes, Rates, Octave Ranges and Skip Notes functionality
MASTER FX
– 5 effects (5 different Overdrive/Distortions, Hi-Low-Filter, Chorus/Flanger, Delay, Reverb)
– Automations for all effects parameters
– Master Gain and switchable Limiter effect
SYNTH ENGINES
- Virtual Analog
- Waveshaping
- 2 OP FM
- Granular Formant
- Additive
- Wavetable
- Chords
- Speech
- Granular Cloud
- Filtered Noise
- Particle Noise
- String Model
- Modal Resonator
- Bass Drum
- Snare Drum
- Hi-Hat
- Virt. Analog VCF
- Phase Distortion
- 6 OP FM 1
- 6 OP FM 2
- 6 OP FM 3
- Wave Terrain
- String Machine
- Chiptune
——————
LFOs
LFO 1 is for free, while three additional LFOs can be unlocked via In-App Purchase.
LFO MODULATION TARGETS
• Frequency Amount
• Timbre Amount
• Morph Amount
• Harmonics Amount
• Filter Amount
• Pan Amount
LFO MIX
The MIX view enables you to blend multiple LFOs and define how strongly each active LFO influences a target parameter.
The closer a target is placed to an LFO corner, the stronger its influence.
All active LFOs always sum up to 100% (e.g. LFO1 50%, LFO2 30%, LFO3 20%).
This is a must-have synth for any musician or sound designer looking to expand their sonic range. Great sounds and endless possibilities.
Developer Response
AU and VST3 versions of the app are planned to get released before summer :)
Great Synth , needs a dedicated user manual!
MartyCutler
Elastic OSC is a unique synth with intriguing sonic possibilities. I was intrigued enough to purchase the desktop app for MacOS as well as the IOS version for my iPad and iPhone, after playing with a dozen or so presets. The developers tout the instrument’s simplicity, but that is part of the genius of the software: you can poke around, jiggle the X/Y pads; change synth-engine types (there are 24 of them under the hood) slide the Morph or harmonics slider; draw animated mixes between LFOs (four of them), and too many other parameters to list. An onboard recorder will record and automate your moves. You can overdub automation and scrub your last pass if you need a do-over. Simple to use, but deeply complex under the hood. This is a wonderfully rewarding synth. There’s one big flaw, though: there is no user manual! As easy as it is to get satisfying results, without a manual you are basically flying blind – maybe in this case, let’s say flying nearsighted. The only link to documentation is a link to Mutable Instruments’ Plaits synthesizer – which offers similar features, albeit with patch cords and hardware; the two synths are not identical. The onboard Help button carries a decent amount of detail, but little about application. For instance, clicking on Help for an oscillator type will list parameters, but little about accessing them for modulation. You can use a powerful 6-op FM synthesizer, but there doesn’t appear to be any way to choose and edit the algorithms. Most importantly, the online help could never replace the organized information of a well written manual.I truly love what this synthesizer can do; I highly recommend it. As I mentioned, you can achieve great results by simply poking around the visible parameters. There are hundreds of great presets to get you started, and it’s easy to tweak or even radically change a patch enough to save and call it your own. But if you want to dig in deeper (I do!), without a manual, you had best be a kinesthetic learner.
Developer Response
Thank you so much for your great and detailed review :) Manual will come in the next update!
Great New Synthesizer
wwcane
Great new synth, but I am no expert. I love new possibilities, and this has many. Great sequencer and arp with many different options. iPhone use is too small. Do use iPad.
Super Fantastic! HIGHLY Enjoyable Synth!
FoundingSoundings
Elastic OSC is one of my favs. It is intuitive. Very customizable. So, so enjoyable to play. ty!
- Completely redesigned Presets section, including tags, artist names, synthesis engines, search, and sorting options
- New presets by Andrea Cichecki
- Added Mono and Stereo Portamento modes with two styles: Legato and Always
- Added new Mod Wheel assignment options:
a) Mod Wheel controls the Wet amount of recorded automations (previous behavior)
b) Mod Wheel controls the Wet amount of LFO modulations
c) Mod Wheel controls the Wet amount of both recorded automations and LFO modulations
- Improvement: Import multiple presets at once instead of one by one
- Improvement: No clicks & artefacts when switching presets
- Improvement: Presets Loudness has been aligned
Version 2.1
The developer, Oliver Greschke (DE), indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More