RIPPLER
by reFX · Synth · Modal physical modeling synth
Not rated yet
RIPPLER is a physical modeling synth from reFX that combines modal synthesis with subtractive features, two layers and 12 acoustic resonator models.
It supports MPE and micro-tuning and can process audio input. It is on sale for $99 (regular $129) with a 14-day trial.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Sound Design, Acoustic Instruments. Genres: Ambient & Cinematic, Electronic & EDM, Pop.
Keywords: physical modelling, MPE support, mallets, subtractive, modulation matrix, plucks, tube, arpeggiator, BBD, cinematic, hybrid, metallic, modular, pads, preset-driven, sidechain input, sound design, granular, textures, warm.
What it does
RIPPLER is reFX's physical modeling instrument. It joins modal synthesis, with "bi-directional energy coupling" between resonators, to a subtractive engine, so struck, plucked and bowed acoustic tones can be shaped with familiar synth controls.
- Two layers: each layer has its own modal and subtractive parts, and the resonators can be routed in parallel or in series, passing energy back and forth.
- 12 resonator models: String, Drumhead, Beam, Djembe, Squared, Vibraphone, Bell, Marimba, Membrane, Open Tube, Plate and Closed Tube.
- Subtractive side: two oscillators and two filters per layer, with parallel or serial filter routing.
- Custom exciters: you can import your own samples as impulses to excite the resonators, and a sidechain input lets external audio drive them too.
- Modulation: every parameter can be modulated by envelopes and LFOs; Mod Mapping turns linear modulation into exponential, S-shaped or stepped curves.
- Effects: a modular chain with 13 effects on the master bus and 12 per layer, including tape, BBD delay and a granular processor.
- Expression and tuning: full MPE (per-note pitch bend, pressure and slide), aftertouch, and micro-tuning with MTS compatibility.
It ships with 441 factory presets and 10 arpeggiator presets. A 14-day free trial is available.
When to use it
RIPPLER is the better pick when you want playable acoustic-style mallets, bells and plucks that you can push into synth territory. Compared with AAS Chromaphone 3, which Synth Anatomy sees as its closest relative, it has four more resonator types, a subtractive engine, custom impulse import and more envelopes and LFOs, but it is not truly bi-timbral: its two layers can't be split or stacked as separate sounds. Compared with Kilohearts Resonator, it is a full instrument rather than an effect. It is far more specialised than Serum 2 or Pigments 7, which cover wavetable and sample work that RIPPLER doesn't attempt, and it has MPE built in for expressive playing.
- Best for: mallets, bells, plucked and struck tones, metallic pads and hybrid acoustic-synthetic textures, played with an MPE controller if you have one.
- Genres: cinematic, ambient, electronic, experimental and pop.
- Look elsewhere if: you want classic analog or wavetable sounds (Serum 2, Diva or VANGUARD 2 fit better), or need two separate sounds split across the keyboard (Chromaphone 3).
- Tip: try serial routing so one resonator feeds the next, and load your own short samples as exciters to widen the range a lot.
What producers say
Early reviews are warm, praising the sound, modulation and MPE, with gripes mostly about missing refinements.
- Synth Anatomy called it a "great-sounding object-modal Synthesizer" and a spiritual successor to Chromaphone 3, praising the extra resonators, impulse import, deeper modulation and the interface.
- Rekkerd praised the "genuinely reactive timbre", the MPE response, the drag-and-drop modulation and efficient CPU use, and called it worth the trial and purchase.
- Criticisms: Synth Anatomy noted it isn't truly bi-timbral, the arpeggiator can't be set to one layer, and there is no way to save resonator settings or import MIDI patterns.
Where to buy
- reFX: $99 (regular $129)
Tutorials and reviews
- reFX Rippler Walkthrough - New Physical Modeling Synth!
- Rippler Tutorial 1: Quick-Start and Overview
- Rippler: Review of the new physical modeling synth from reFX
- This Plugin is a Physical Modelling POWERHOUSE - Rippler by ReFX
- Rippler Tutorial 2: How to Use the Sound Generators, Resonators and Filters
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