MPowerSynth

Name: MPowerSynth
Price: 99 USD
Author: MeldaProduction

by MeldaProduction · Synth · Subtractive synth with modular effects

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MPowerSynth is a synthesizer from MeldaProduction with advanced oscillators, distorting filters, a modular effects engine and over 1,500 presets.

Smart randomization helps generate new patches quickly. It costs $111.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Bass, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Pop, Ambient & Cinematic, Hip-Hop & Trap.

Keywords: modular, randomize, subtractive, macro controls, sound design, arpeggiator, basses, clean, leads, pads, polyphonic, preset-driven, cinematic, modulation matrix, monophonic, oversampling.

What it does

MPowerSynth is MeldaProduction's polyphonic subtractive synth, which the developer calls "the modulation heaven." It pairs clean, alias-free oscillators and a large filter collection with a modular effects grid and a big preset library driven by macros.

Oscillators: three oscillators with multiple waveforms and harmonic generation, plus the option to load samples as a sound source (per MusicTech's review).
Filters: two filter sections with more than 100 filter types, from classic low-, high- and band-pass and shelves to formant, comb, diffuser and polymorph filters, each with input distortion and output saturation.
Modulation: eight assignable modulators built from LFOs, envelopes and random generators, with custom LFO and envelope shapes, sync and MIDI reset.
Modular FX: more than 35 effects (chorus, phaser, filters, distortion, dynamics and more) plus building blocks such as a crossover, feedback and mixer, wired up in a grid matrix.
Arpeggiator: a polyphonic arpeggiator with up, down and random modes, shuffle, note length and multi-octave range, and per-step velocity, octave, length and probability.
Presets and macros: more than 1,500 presets, each with at least 4 macro controls pre-assigned to standard MIDI controllers such as the mod wheel or expression pedal.
Sound and extras: randomization at several levels, glide shape, velocity curves, harmony voices, an output limiter, MIDI learn and up to 16x oversampling.

A free trial is available. It can be upgraded to MeldaProduction's modular MSoundFactory.

Source: MeldaProduction product page

When to use it

MPowerSynth is a good pick for a deep subtractive synth with a full effects rack built in, at a modest price. Compared with Serum 2 and Vital, it has no wavetable editing, but it offers far more filter types and a modular effects grid inside the synth. Compared with Diva, it aims for clean, precise oscillators rather than modelled analog circuits, and it is lighter on the wallet. Against Phase Plant it keeps a fixed layout, with modularity limited to the effects section. It suits users who already know the Melda interface and want plenty of ready sounds with macros to tweak.

Best for: leads, basses and pads from the presets, and sound design with the randomizer, filters and effects grid.
Genres: electronic, trance, pop, hip-hop and cinematic work.
Look elsewhere if: you want wavetable editing (Serum 2, Vital), analog warmth (Diva), modular routing between voices (MSoundFactory or Phase Plant), or a light CPU load on complex patches.
Tip: start from a preset and work its macros or the per-section presets and randomizer before building a patch from scratch.

What producers say

Reviewers praised the sound, the oscillators and the preset library; the plain look and CPU use on big patches were the main reservations.

Computer Music (via MusicRadar, 2015) called it "sonically superlative and worth every penny" and named the oscillators its greatest asset, with strong leads, basses and pads among the presets.
MusicTech (Hollin Jones, 2015) called it "a serious synth that rewards some investment of effort" and praised the clear layout and multi-level randomization.
Criticisms: Computer Music found the interface "pretty uninspiring" and noted that CPU use climbs quickly on complex patches.

Where to buy

Tutorials and reviews

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