Firebird is a virtual synth created by Tone2, an independent brand from Germany, which offers not only synths but also effects plugins and sounds. With a synthesis method called Harmonic Content Morphing (HCM), which alters the oscillators’ harmonics over time, Firebird allows the user to produce unique and dynamic sounds. This synth was initially released in 2013 and currently is a free product.
The synth has all the typical sections: oscillators, filters, amplitude, LFO, arpeggiator and effects. However, Firebird’s innovation is to set parameters such as loopmode and loopspeed in the oscillators, as morph controls, to create movement.
Firebird comes with two oscillators, and it’s possible to choose between 84 waveforms, from simple ones, such as sine and saw waves, to complex multi waves, like trumpets, pads, organs, and so on. The Modify parameter will alter the sound by adding harmonics, adding LP filters or rotating the wave spectrum in time. Loopmode works as an amplitude pattern in which the waveform will be modified. Loopspeed is similar to the rate control of an LFO. The oscillators sector will also have controls for Tune, Finetune, Volume, Fat (which will multiply the available oscillators) Â and Analog.
The Filter section comes with the four main types (LP, HP, BP and Notch), with many variations. There are also controls for cutoff, resonance, drive and keytrack. Below it there’s a filter envelope, with ADSR knobs, as well as velocity and send controls.
The LFO section will allow the user to modify several parameters of Firebird. Type will set the shape of the LFO. It’s possible to choose between basic waveforms to more complex patterns. There are also controls for LFO speed, destination and a Send knob.
The Amplitude sector has an envelope generator with ADSR controls and a velocity knob.
Firebird also comes with a basic arpeggiator section. There are several arp types, such as Up/Down/Gate, as well as rhythm patterns. The Effects section has 18 effect types with independent controls.
Finally, there’s a global Volume control and a Random button, which will randomize all the synth’s parameters. In the Setup section, it’s possible to apply settings to pitchwheel depth, modwheel, glide mode and time, number of voices, patch banks, and even set the synth’s skin.
Clicking on Output, Midi In/Out or even the badges may take the user to Tone2 website, where it’s possible to download more sounds.
Features:
– Harmonic Content Morphing (HCM) synthesis method;
– 84 oscillator types containing 18,000 morphable waveforms;
– 38 filter types;
– True stereo mode, 4x unison mode and up to 8 oscillators per voice;
– 21 arpeggiator types;
– 13 effect types;
– Several skin choices.
Visit Tone2 website and download Firebird for free: www.tone2.com
