MSoundFactory

Name: MSoundFactory
Price: 145.5 USD
Author: MeldaProduction

by MeldaProduction · Synth · Modular synth and sampler instrument

Not rated yet

MSoundFactory is a modular instrument from MeldaProduction that combines subtractive, FM, wavetable, additive and physical-modelling synthesis with a sampler.

It has per-voice modulation, MPE and a modular effects engine. It was $168 when checked, down from $336.

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

Keywords: sample-based, modular, physical modelling, additive, basses, FM, MPE support, wavetable, drum machine, analog-sounding, cinematic, electric piano, grand piano, modulation matrix, organ, pads, preset-driven, sound design, strings, subtractive.

What it does

MSoundFactory is MeldaProduction's modular instrument: you can play its ready-made instruments or build your own from generator, sampler and effect modules. The developer says it "may well be the most powerful instrument out there."

Per-voice generator: unlimited oscillators, filters and samplers per voice, wired together in a modular layout.
Synthesis types: oscillators and wavetables, matrix-based FM, additive synthesis, physical modelling for strings, and drum generators including MDrummer modules.
Sampler: unlimited regions with alternating hits, looping and crossfading with modulation ranges, a sample cutter, layer and start generators, a tonal/noise converter and a loop generator.
Effects: per-voice effects such as distortion, reverb, delay, EQ and modulation, plus a global modular effects engine.
Modulation: a dual engine with global and per-voice modulators, and a 4x4 modulation matrix on each parameter.
Unison and drift: unison inside each module rather than limited by voices, and automatic analogue drift for a less static sound.
Performance: full MPE support and multi-core processing.
Content: hundreds of presets and add-on instruments such as an 808 bass, grand piano, electric piano, organ and various synths.

MSoundFactoryLE plays all the instruments but can't edit them, and the free MSoundFactoryPlayer plays a limited set of sounds. Updates are free for life. A free trial is available.

Source: MeldaProduction product page

When to use it

MSoundFactory is the better pick if you want one environment that is synth, sampler and drum machine at once, and you are willing to learn it. Compared with Phase Plant, it adds a full sampler, physical modelling and per-voice effects, but its interface is much harder to read. It is deeper than Pigments 7 or Vital, yet neither of those takes as long to learn, and both have more polished presets. Unlike Omnisphere 3, it is built around building your own instruments rather than a huge curated library.

Best for: building custom instruments, layered sampler-synth patches, and using its ready-made keys, basses, pads and drums.
Genres: electronic, cinematic, pop and hip-hop.
Look elsewhere if: you want a synth you can learn quickly; Vital or Serum 2 are far easier, and MSoundFactoryLE is enough if you only want to play the instruments.
Tip: KVR users say to set aside real time for the learning curve; the LE edition is a gentler start.

What producers say

KVR users rate it highly for power and value; the main complaints are its complexity and, for one user, cold presets and crashes.

KVR users rate it 4.67 out of 5 from 9 reviews, calling it "a beast" once learned and praising its sound quality, CPU efficiency and value.
Value: several reviewers called it a bargain, one writing "what is offered for this price is just outrageous."
Criticisms: a complex interface and steep learning curve, underdeveloped and poorly organised presets, and one 2-out-of-5 review (version 15, Mac) reporting crashes and a "very digital, very cold" sound.

KVR user reviews

Where to buy

Best Service: $145.50
Plugin Boutique: $164.50 (regular $329)
MeldaProduction: $168 (regular $336)
AudioDeluxe: $299

Tutorials and reviews

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