RipplerX
by Tilr · Synth · Physical modeling synth
Not rated yet
RipplerX is a free, open-source physical modeling synth with two coupled resonators and mallet and noise exciters.
The developer compares its sounds to AAS Chromaphone and Ableton Collision. It is free.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Drums, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic.
Keywords: physical modelling, mallets, free, open source, sidechain input, tube, additive, cinematic, drag-and-drop routing, plucks, sound design.
What it does
RipplerX is a free, open-source physical modeling synth from Tilr. A mallet or noise burst excites one or two modeled acoustic objects; the developer describes it as a port of his Rippler2 JSFX and a "research project into physically modelled drums", drawing on AAS Chromaphone and a modal synth by Saike.
- Two resonators: run on their own or coupled in serial or parallel.
- Nine models: String, Beam, Squared, Membrane, Drumhead, Plate, Marimba, Open tube and Closed tube.
- Partials: up to 64 per resonator, shaped by Inharmonicity, Tone, Ratio and Material controls.
- Exciters: noise and mallet generators.
- Audio input: since version 1.4.0, external audio through the sidechain can excite the resonators, though some DAWs, such as FL Studio, do not support this.
- Microtuning: MTS-ESP support, for example with MTS-ESP Mini.
It is free and open source (GPL-3.0), from the developer's GitHub releases.
When to use it
RipplerX is the free way to get mallets, bells, drums and struck-object sounds from real physical models rather than samples or wavetables. Compared with Chromaphone 3, which inspired it, it has a similar resonator-and-exciter design but no built-in effects or large preset library, and it costs nothing. Unlike Vital or Serum 2, it does not work with oscillators and wavetables, so it is a better fit for tuned percussion than for basses and leads. It can also resonate incoming audio, which turns it into an effect for drums or vocals in hosts that allow sidechain input.
- Best for: mallets, bells, plucks, tuned and untuned percussion, and resonating audio input.
- Genres: electronic, ambient, experimental and cinematic.
- Look elsewhere if: you want a large preset library and effects; Chromaphone 3 is more complete.
What producers say
The few KVR users who reviewed it rate it highly.
- KVR users rate it 5 out of 5 from 2 reviews.
- Praise: one reviewer called it "simply one of the best" and fun to play, another "a very thoughtful physical modeling synth".
- Usage note: a reviewer said that once you have saved detailed patches you are "basically set for life".
Where to buy
- GitHub: Free
Tutorials and reviews
- RipplerX: Juicy & Free Modal Synth VSTi
- Tiagolr Ripplerx Sound Demo: Open-Source Free Physical Modeling Synthesizer Plugin A La Chromaphone
- Free Synth - RipplerX by Tilr (No Talking)
- RipplerX - FREE AAS Chromaphone inspired SYNTH VST/Plugin by Tilr #RipplerX #Tilr
- 【New Free VST!】Amazing! Chromaphone Alternative Physical Modeling Synth VST Plugin!? RipplerX, Tilr
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