DUST
by SoundMorph · Synth · Binaural granular synth
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DUST is a SoundMorph granular synth in which eight particle emitters move through a physics simulation, with binaural spatialisation of the grains.
It can also process incoming audio as an effect, has convolution reverb and deep modulation, and costs $99.
Best for: Sound Design, Keys & Synths. Genres: Ambient & Cinematic, Electronic & EDM.
Keywords: granular, sound design, sequencer, film & game audio, cinematic, deep, eerie, evolving, experimental, futuristic, resizable UI, steep learning curve, textures.
What it does
DUST is a binaural granular synthesizer and effect. Grains come from eight particle emitters whose movement follows a physics simulation, and the result is placed around the listener binaurally; SoundMorph describes the aim as "living sound fields" in which grains move, collide and orbit.
- Eight emitters: colour-coded emitters that you aim by hand or with X, Y and Angle parameters.
- Trigger modes: continuous, from a step sequencer of up to 64 steps, across a MIDI note range, or as sequenced patterns while a note is held.
- Physics and flow fields: built-in flow-field equations such as spirals and inward flow, or your own custom equations, plus effectors that act as virtual magnets with adjustable attraction, repulsion and fall-off.
- Binaural space: stereo and front-to-back binaural positioning of the particles, followed by a convolution reverb that loads your own impulse responses.
- Modulation: up to four sources per parameter from LFOs, step sequencers, MIDI and particle properties, such as filter cutoff by distance from the centre.
- Synth or effect: play it from MIDI with samples you drag in, or use the FX version to process audio on a track.
- Presets: over 60 factory sounds by Richard Devine, Ivo Ivanov, Robert Clouth and Yan David.
The current release adds a redesigned, resizable interface and a "copy to all emitters" button. A demo is available that adds periodic white noise and disables preset saving.
Source: SoundMorph product page
When to use it
DUST is the better pick for evolving, moving textures built from your own samples. Compared with the granular engines in Arturia Pigments 7 or Kilohearts Phase Plant, it gives grain movement a whole instrument, with physics, flow fields and binaural placement those synths do not have. Unlike Omnisphere 3 or Serum 2, it is not built for playing basses, leads or melodies, and reviewers found its results less predictable. It is also a dedicated tool rather than a full workstation synth: its output is stereo only.
- Best for: atmospheres, sound beds for film and games, spatial sound design, and adding motion to existing sounds as an insert effect.
- Genres: ambient, cinematic, sci-fi and horror scoring, and experimental electronic music.
- Look elsewhere if: you want an all-round synth for basses and leads (Serum 2, Pigments 7), or need multichannel output.
- Tip: right-click a dial to assign an LFO, MIDI, sequencer or particle-property modulation; moving parameters give livelier results than static settings (Computer Music).
What producers say
Reviewers call it a brilliant, unusual sound-design tool, with a learning curve and unpredictable results.
- Sound On Sound (Paul White, 2020) called it "quite brilliant" for evolving textures and sci-fi or horror beds, but not suited to melodies and hard to control at first.
- Computer Music (2021) praised "an astounding level of control" and the presets and samples, and found it useful beyond pure sound design.
- Criticisms: stereo output only and "conceptually bewildering" at first (Computer Music); an unconventional interface with a steep learning curve (Sound On Sound).
Where to buy
- SoundMorph: $99
- Plugin Boutique: $149
- Audio Plugin Deals: $149
Tutorials and reviews
- SoundMorph - DUST Plugin - Tutorial
- DUST Granular Synthesizer by SoundMorph (No Talking)
- Exploring DUST: The Particle-Based Granular Synth
- Soundmorph Dust 1st play
- Playing around with Soundmorph's Dust.
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