Radical1
by Sound Radix · Synth · Additive synthesizer
Not rated yet
Radical1 is an additive synthesizer whose engine can run tens of thousands of oscillators at low CPU cost, with morphing oscillators, spectrum drawing and sample resynthesis.
It is in early access at $129 (regular $199), and a free monophonic edition, Radical1 Solo, uses the same engine.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Sound Design, Bass. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic, Pop, Hip-Hop & Trap.
Keywords: additive, MPE support, beta, CPU-light, leads, monophonic, sequencer, arpeggiator, basses, cinematic, clean, colored, evolving, glassy, metallic, modulation matrix, pads, polyphonic, smooth, sound design, spectral, textures, transparent.
What it does
Radical1 is Sound Radix's additive synthesizer, built on a patent-pending engine that runs "tens of thousands of oscillators in real time" with low CPU use. The developer's aim is a colourful, transparent additive workflow where what you see is what you hear.
- Fluid Oscillators: morphing oscillators that reshape their harmonic structure for smooth timbral transitions.
- Spectrum drawing and resynthesis: draw harmonics by hand, or resynthesize a recording's spectrum into an editable additive structure, with a real-time spectral display.
- Clean engine: no aliasing up to Nyquist without oversampling, polyphonic per-voice processing and ultra-fast, sample-accurate envelopes for sharp transients.
- Modulation and layers: unlimited layers and modulation sources, with every layer, module, block and modulation path shown visually rather than hidden.
- Effects racks: a time-domain audio FX rack (filters, dynamics, spatial tools), Spectral Block FX that work on the harmonics, and a MIDI effects rack for arpeggiation, sequencing and note shaping.
- Expression: MPE-ready, with default pressure mapping for both MPE and polyphonic aftertouch.
- Radical1 Solo: a free monophonic edition with the same engine, oscillators, modulation, filters and effects, aimed at basses, leads and sequences; Solo patches carry over if you upgrade.
Version 0.9.7 (September 2026) is an early-access release with continuous updates; buying now includes the full version when it ships. Early access is priced below the full price, and free trial downloads are available.
Source: Sound Radix product page
When to use it
Radical1 is for players who want a dedicated, modern additive engine with resynthesis and very deep layering. Compared with Native Instruments Razor, the closest in approach, it adds sample resynthesis, hand-drawn spectra, unlimited layers and MPE. Unlike Pigments 7 and Phase Plant, which mix several synthesis types, it stays with one engine and goes further into individual partials. Databroth found it deeper than Loom II, but its additive tone can sound cold until you layer and process it, so it is less of an instant-gratification synth than Serum 2.
- Best for: evolving pads, glassy and metallic tones, resynthesized textures and expressive MPE leads.
- Genres: electronic, ambient, cinematic and modern pop.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a finished, stable release today (it is still in early access), warm analog-style tones (Diva), or a hybrid all-rounder (Pigments 7 or Phase Plant).
- Tip: stack several layers and use the Noisify module to add warmth and character to otherwise sterile additive tones.
What producers say
Early reviewers rate the engine as unusually deep, with reservations about the interface and some missing tools.
- Databroth called it "one of the deepest additive engines I've seen", praising the 32-plus layers, the formula oscillator and modulation for custom equations, the drawable spectrum and additive sampler, and the Noisify module.
- Criticisms: Databroth found the interface unpolished, the individual modules underpowered, and missed MSEGs, effect routing beyond a serial chain and more distortion types; good results took a lot of layering.
Where to buy
- Sound Radix: $129 (regular $199)
Tutorials and reviews
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