Glitchmachines, the company renowned for its forward-thinking sound design tools, has unveiled Skein, an experimental FM synthesizer plugin designed for adventurous sound designers and electronic music producers. With its unconventional approach to FM synthesis, Skein offers an expansive playground for creating glitchy, noisy, and highly modulated sounds.
Core Features
Four Operators with Unique Controls
At the heart of Skein’s engine are four operator modules. Each operator includes controls for ratio, fine-tuning, skew (which bends the waveform for more complex tones), noise generation, detune, and amplitude. These operators are connected via an FM matrix that allows users to create their own algorithms or use one of the eight customizable factory presets.
Flexible Modulation System
Skein’s standout feature is its deep modulation capabilities. Every parameter in the synth can be modulated using a variety of sources:
- 4 LFOs: Each offers 15 wave shapes and integrated oscilloscopes for real-time visualization.
- 4 Mod Sequencers: These support up to 32 steps with utilities for precise sequencing.
- 4 Multi-Mode Envelopes: Configurable in Decay, Release, Loop, or Percussive modes.
- 4 Randomizers: Add unpredictability to your patches.
- Velocity and key tracking are also available as modulation sources.
The modulation system is easily accessible via dedicated selectors under each parameter. Clicking a selector opens a pop-up panel for intuitive routing.
Multi-FX Processing Chain
Skein includes a robust quad effects chain with reconfigurable routing. The available effects include:
- Distortion
- Bit Crusher
- Chorus
- Phaser
- Delay
- Reverb
- Buffer/Glitch effects
Each effect slot features local randomizers, making it easy to introduce variation within your patches.
Dual Multi-Mode Filters
Two versatile filters can operate in serial or parallel modes and offer low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch options. These filters provide additional tonal shaping capabilities.
Enhanced Workflow Tools
Skein is designed with usability in mind. Its modulation sequencers include utilities like vertical grid resolution adjustments and quick editing functions to streamline the creative process. The inclusion of visual tools like oscilloscopes ensures that even complex modulation chains remain comprehensible.
Preset Library
The plugin ships with 160 factory presets across four banks, showcasing its diverse sonic potential. Users can also create and save their own presets for future projects. Here below you can check out an audio demo:
System Requirements and Pricing
Glitchmachines Skein is available now for $89 and runs as a 64-bit VST3 or AU plugin on macOS (Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows systems. It requires macOS 10.15 or later or a compatible Windows OS.
If you’re into experimental FM synthesis, Skein might be exactly your cup of tea. Last but not least, as with other Glitchmachines plugins, the easy-to-use interface and solid performance are extra bonus points to consider.
