Imagine
by Expressive E · Synth · Physical modeling hybrid synth
Not rated yet
Imagine is a physical modeling synth from Expressive E, made with Applied Acoustics Systems, that layers modeled acoustic instrument sounds into hybrid tones.
Two of its 324 instrument layers combine per sound, shaped by MSEGs, four macros and an effects section; it costs $149.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Sound Design, Acoustic Instruments. Genres: Ambient & Cinematic, Electronic & EDM, Pop.
Keywords: macro controls, physical modelling, hybrid, cinematic, tube, arpeggiator, sound design, textures, creative, evolving, inspired by, mallets, pads, plucks, preset-driven, sample-based, sequencer, steep learning curve, strings, tempo-synced.
What it does
Imagine is a physical modeling synth from Expressive E, made with Applied Acoustics Systems (AAS). It blends two modeled layers inspired by real instruments into acoustic-synth hybrids, built from struck, blown or sequenced skins, strings, bars and tubes.
- Two-layer engine: each sound combines two layers drawn from 400+ modeled instrument layers, with 324 instrument presets such as "Popping Tubes" and "Broken Zither".
- Exciters: three ways to set a model vibrating: Mallet, Noise or Sequencer, across ten material pairings like Skin and String or Bar and Tube.
- MSEG modulation: tempo-synced, loopable multi-stage envelopes with a drawing tool and 200 MSEG presets.
- Macros and Expression: four macros you can assign to any combination of parameters, plus an Expression control for real-time timbre changes from MIDI or the DAW.
- Arpeggiator: 150 arpeggiator presets.
- Effects: stereo delay, reverb, vibrato/frequency shifter, tilt EQ, compressor-limiter and an Expressive FX module with 11 modulation effects.
It ships with 440 factory presets, and two expansion packs (Dusk and Nightdream) are sold separately.
Source: Expressive E product page
When to use it
Imagine is the pick for organic, acoustic-sounding hybrids that a sampler or analog-style synth can't easily make. Compared with Pigments 7 or Phase Plant, it has a much narrower engine and fewer routing options, but its modeled skins, bars and tubes give it a woody, struck character those synths lack. Next to AAS's own Chromaphone 3, which Sound On Sound names as the deeper alternative, Imagine is quicker to use, with fewer sound design parameters and more of its controls hidden behind macros. It is also heavier on CPU than most synths and limited to eight voices per instance, so it suits parts and textures more than big chords.
- Best for: plucked and struck hybrids, acoustic-leaning percussion, evolving pads and cinematic textures.
- Genres: ambient, cinematic, Afrobeat and other percussive styles, electronic and pop.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a realistic single acoustic instrument, wide polyphony or a classic subtractive synth; Chromaphone 3 goes deeper on modeling and Diva suits analog sounds.
What producers say
Reviewers found it a fresh, creative instrument, with CPU load and polyphony as the main drawbacks.
- Sound On Sound called it "a genuinely creative, controllable modeller" with "little overlap with sampled or analogue territory", but reported 40–50% CPU use and an eight-note polyphony limit.
- MusicRadar praised the instrument layers, macros and effects and said it "performs beautifully", but warned of a learning curve.
- Criticisms: Sound On Sound also missed a way to turn off velocity on noise instruments, a retrigger option and per-voice filters.
Where to buy
- Expressive E: $149
- Plugin Boutique: $149
Tutorials and reviews
- Imagine by Expressive E in 5 minutes!
- Imagine by Expressive E - A Patch Exploration with Mike Pensini
- Exploring Expressive E IMAGINE
- Expressive E Imagine Macros by Jim Aikin
- Expressive E Imagine - Gearspace @ Superbooth 2021
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