Pendulate

Pendulate is a free virtual synthesizer plugin that offers a unique and innovative approach to sound design. Based on the physics of a double pendulum, Pendulate creates chaotic, yet musically interesting sounds that stand out from traditional synthesizers1.

Key Features:

• Double Pendulum Oscillator: The core of Pendulate is its double pendulum oscillator, which generates complex, evolving sounds that can range from subtle sine waves to chaotic, unpredictable textures.

• Wavefolder: Inspired by the Buchla 259 Complex Waveform Generator, the wavefolder adds MIX and CUTOFF functions, allowing for further manipulation of the oscillator's output.

• Low Pass Gate: Based on the Buchla 292 gate, this module adds controls for POLES and RESONANCE, enhancing the overall sound shaping capabilities.

• Modulation Interface: Pendulate features an intuitive modulation interface that allows users to easily patch any combination of sources to any destination, creating a wide range of dynamic sounds.

• MPE Support: Multi-Touch Polyphony (MPE) support allows for expressive control from innovative new controllers.

• 136 Presets: The plugin comes with a variety of presets, including artist presets from Matt Lange and Matthew Wang, providing a great starting point for experimentation.

• Customization: Users can customize the synth's appearance with three unique color schemes and benefit from a new preset librarian that adds categories, tags, descriptions, and search functionality.

Pros:

• Unique Sound: The double pendulum oscillator creates sounds that are truly unique and unlike anything heard before.

• Versatility: With its range of features and modulation options, Pendulate can be used in various genres, from experimental electronic music to ambient soundscapes.

• User-Friendly: Despite its complexity, the intuitive modulation interface makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced users.

• Free: As a free plugin, it offers incredible value for its features and sound quality.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: Mastering all the features and modulation options may take some time for new users.

• Performance: Some users have reported occasional instability, especially when used with certain DAWs.

Conclusion:

Pendulate by Newfangled Audio is a powerful and innovative synthesizer that offers a unique approach to sound design. Its double pendulum oscillator, wavefolder, and low pass gate provide a wide range of sonic possibilities, making it a valuable tool for any producer looking to explore new and creative sounds. While it may have a learning curve and occasional performance issues, its unique sound and versatility make it well worth the effort.