Hyperion

Name: Hyperion
Price: 129 USD
Author: Tracktion

by Tracktion · Synth · Multi-layer modular synth

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Hyperion is a multi-layer digital modular synth from Tracktion, inspired by 1980s synth music from artists such as Vangelis and Jean-Michel Jarre.

It stacks up to 16 MPE-capable layers mixing VA, FM, wave-sequencing, physical modeling and sample playback, for $129.

Best for: Keys & Synths, Sound Design. Genres: Ambient & Cinematic, Electronic & EDM.

Keywords: modular, MPE support, physical modelling, sequencer, 80s, FM, inspired by, plucks, sample-based, virtual analog, cinematic, heavy, lush, macro controls, multisampled, pads, preset-driven, sidechain input, sound design, subtractive, surgical, tempo-synced, textures, tube, woodwinds.

What it does

Hyperion is Tracktion's layered digital modular synth, designed by Paul Carter (Wavesequencer). It aims to be "deeply capable yet instantly approachable", with many synthesis types in one patchable engine and an 80s palette inspired by Vangelis, Jean-Michel Jarre and Brian Eno.

Layers: up to 16 layers of MPE-capable patches, each with its own effects, internal MIDI routing between layers, and macros that reach across all of them.
Oscillators and FM: digital and VA oscillators (mono or stereo) with unison, wave-shaping, hard sync and bit-crush, plus 4-operator FM with 12 algorithms.
Wave-sequencing and vector: wave sequences of up to 32 steps that crossfade under modulation, wave-sequenced FM, and 4-source vector mixers for voices and effect buses.
Physical models and samples: a plucked string model with damping and distortion, a flute oscillator, single-cycle waveform looping and multi-sample playback from sfz and sf2 files.
Per-voice processing: low, high, band and notch filters with slope, stereo offset and saturation, plus distortion, tube resonator, ring modulator, bit-crusher, granulator and vowel filter.
Bus effects: three reverb sizes, full and dual-band compressors with sidechain, chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, stereo echo, granulator, 3-band EQ, pitch shifter and distortion.
Modulation: unlimited nodes per layer and up to 16 sources per target, looping envelopes, synced LFOs, step sequences, logic and math nodes, and XY pads. It can also send MIDI notes and CCs to external gear.

Four expansion packs of 103–117 presets are sold separately. A 30-day unlimited trial is available. Theia is a cheaper, simplified player for its sounds.

Source: Tracktion product page

When to use it

Hyperion is the pick for layered, 80s-flavoured digital sounds built from many synthesis types at once. Compared with Pigments 7, it covers more methods, such as wave-sequencing, vector mixing and physical models, but its workflow is slower and more patch-based. Against Phase Plant, it adds MPE in every layer and up to 16 layers, but it cannot import wavetables. A KVR user found complex patches easier to build than in Reaktor, though Hyperion does not let you design whole new instruments the way Reaktor does.

Best for: lush layered pads, vector and wave-sequenced textures, plucked and breathy physical-model tones, and MPE performance.
Genres: ambient, cinematic, synthwave and electronic.
Look elsewhere if: you need wavetable import or a fast modern workflow (Serum 2, Phase Plant), or you want to build your own instruments from scratch (Reaktor).

What producers say

Hyperion has few user reviews so far; the one KVR rating is positive about the sound and patching, with reservations about speed and scope.

KVR users rate it 4 out of 5 from 1 review, which found the GUI easy and "more complex patches are easier to build" than in rivals, and praised the developer's contact with users.
Criticisms: the same reviewer said sound design is slower than in standard synths, wavetables cannot be imported, the user base is small, and the price felt high given the presets.

KVR user reviews

Where to buy

Tracktion: $129
Plugin Boutique: $129

Tutorials and reviews

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