Future Audio Workshop talk about Circle2
Circle2 is the product of a collaboration between Future Audio Workshop and Maynooth University. The result is a four oscillator synth boasting a whole new synthesis method called Vector Phase Shaping (VPS), a unique approach to wavetable synthesis, virtual analog waveforms and a dedicated noise generator.
There are also pre and post filter effects, a feedback circuit, optional single and dual filters that can be run in series or parallel, a master effects section, up to four LFOs, envelopes and sequencers and even an arpeggiator.
Despite being packed with features, Circle2 manages to keep things simple. One of itâs greatest strengths is itâs easy to use, colour coded drag-and-drop interface.
Hugh, from Future Audio Workshop, is one of Circle2âs developers and has been good enough to answer some question for us:
PT: Congratulations on a great release. Firstly, what exactly is VPS?
FAW: Thanks! Vector Phaseshaping Synthesis is a cutting-edge synthesis technique that was recently introduced by researchers at The Aalto University School of Electrical Engineerings and The National University of Ireland (Maynooth). The method has been further developed for its implementation in Circle2 via an academic collaboration with FAW.
PT:Â What kinds of sounds do you feel that VPS is best suited for?
FAW:Â The horizontal and vertical parameters produce very interesting harmonic movement when modulated, so Iâve personally been using the VPS mostly for wet, moving pads, as well as morphing Reese style basses.
PT:Â How can users import their own waveshapes in to the oscillator?
FAW:Â Custom wavetables can be generated and imported into Circle2 using the Circle Wavetable Generator. Download it here: http://www.futureaudioworkshop.com/circle/downloads/
PT:Â What kinds of sounds do you feel that wavetable oscillator is best suited for?
FAW:Â Whereas the analog oscillator is best suited for replicating the signature sounds of yesteryear, The wavetable oscillator really comes into its own when crafting harmonically rich, interesting, digital tones.
PT:Â Do you have any tips for users looking to make their own waveshapes?
FAW:Â The Circle Wavetable Generator creates wave shapes from source audio, so I would recommend really experimenting with your source material when making custom waveshapes. The resultant harmonics can be so varied that itâs worth experimenting with a range of sources.
PT:Â The interface is very well thought out. When creating a synth, it can be very easy to get carried away and this can lead to complexity. How do you go about striking a balance between adding in the advanced features that you want but keeping the interface simple?
FAW:Â A great deal of time was spent designing the Circle2 interface with intuitiveness in mind, in order to enable the user to stay in flow. The aim has always been to keep interface as clear as possible, so if the addition of a non essential feature will compromise this, we wonât implement it. Feature creep is a problem for a lot of audio software â itâs something we consciously aim to avoid.
PT:Â One of my favourite features is that the oscillators can also be used as modulation sources. The fact that theyâre polyphonic lead me to some very expressive and wonky sounds. Are there any other areas of Circle2 that you can particularly recommend for experimentation?
FAW: Circle2 can do some really cool, unexpected stuff. I recommend playing a held arpeggio, and inserting a delay effect with a mix slider setting of 100%. Then try modulating the delay time with an LFO, you can end up with some absolutely mind bending results:
http://www.producertech.me/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/DelayExample.mp3
PT: Berlin is very much a global music hub â particularly for techno. How does whatâs going on around you inspire the products you develop?
FAW:Â We couldnât be in a better place, the blend of technical and creative minds here is second to none. Being surrounded by so many motivated and likeminded individuals really energises us to keep pushing things forward, and of course itâs fantastic to have access to so many great clubs where we can hear Circle2 in action.
For more information on Circle2, head over to futureaudioworkshop.com. It is available to purchase for $129 from the Future Audio Workshop webstore.
Future Audio Workshop talk about Circle2 was originally published on producertech.me
