QMidiArp ~ MIDI Arpeggiator & Phrase Generator


QMidiArp is a MIDI arpeggiator, phrase generator and controller LFO for ALSA and JACK. It can run multiple synchronized arpeggiators, LFOs and step sequencers. The modules are also available as LV2 plugins with Qt user interface. QMidiArp has been growing since June 2009 on top of Matthias Nagorni’s original arp idea.

Features:

  • Programmable arpeggio patterns, LFO waveforms and sequences
  • Modular setup of arpeggiators, MIDI LFOs and step sequencers
  • MIDI-controllable (MIDI-Learn)
  • Synchronization with MIDI Clock or JACK Transport possible
  • Optional triggering by keyboard or continuous play mode for all modules
  • Patterns can be stored and switched by MIDI control while running
  • JACK MIDI or ALSA MIDI backends
  • Modules available as LV2 Plugins

qmidiarp.sourceforge.net
sourceforge.net/projects/qmidiarp
github.com/emuse/qmidiarp
man.archlinux.org/man/qmidiarp.1.en
www.freshports.org/audio/qmidiarp

qmidiarp

Video:

Packages:

packages.debian.org/trixie/qmidiarp
packages.fedoraproject.org/pkgs/qmidiarp

References:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthesizer#Arpeggiators
www.linuxjournal.com/content/linux-arpeggiators-part-1
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Linux_Sound_Architecture
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-frequency_oscillation
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JACK_Audio_Connection_Kit

Drops ~ Single Sample Player


Drops is a single audio file sample player plugin in lv2 and vst format for linux.

Load an audio file, play it, loop it, pitch shift it, and make it into something entirely new.

github.com/clearly-broken-software/drops

ALT-Synthdrum ~ Monophonic Drum Synthesizer


Yet another simple monophonic drum synth. Yes, inspired by 1970’s drum synths.

Features:

  • Punchy pseudo attack sound. (“ATTACK” dial is for volume, not attack rate)
  • Dynamic LFO and SWEEP generator.
  • Rectangle wave is made of simulated RC circuits. Also has additional saw wave for VCO and LFO.

h1data.github.io/m4l
maxforlive.com/library/device/5278/alt-synthdrum
www.ableton.com/trial
maxforlive.com/library

Charlatan ~ Virtual Analog Synthesizer Plugin


Charlatan is a polyphonic, subtractive virtual analog (VA) synthesizer VSTi plugin with focus on sound quality and easy usability. It comes with a flexible, yet not overwhelming feature set which encourages artists to start tweaking instead of just relying on presets. In spite of it’s simplicity, Charlatan’s architecture is flexible enough to create both classic sounds and rather experimental noises. While making no compromise about sound quality, the sound engine has been highly optimized for efficient CPU usage making Charlatan well suited as a “bread and butter” synth even in projects with a large number of plugin instances. Best of all, it’s freeware! Enjoy!

Key Features:

  • 2 oscillators with shape modulation
  • Oscillator hard synchronization and ring modulation
  • Unison mode with up to seven voices and stereo spread
  • Stereo noise generator
  • 2 ADSR envelope generators
  • LFO with host tempo synchronization
  • 3 filter types modeled after classic analog hardware: 4-pole (24 db/oct) and 2-pole (12 db/oct) lowpass, bandpass
  • 3 voice modes: Monophonic, Monophonic Legato and 8-voice Polyphonic
  • Ultra-low CPU usage

www.blaukraut.info

hypercyclic ~ LFO-driven, MIDI-mangling Arpeggiator


What is hypercyclic?

  • an LFO-driven MIDI arpeggiator, gate effect and step sequencer
  • for mangling sustained MIDI input chords
  • the output of which can then drive other MIDI instruments
  • acts either as a VST or Audio Unit plugin for your DAW, or as a standalone application
  • the original hypercyclic won 2nd place in the KVRAudio.com Developer Challenge ‘07
  • the sweet spot for hypercyclic is the narrow border between chaos and regularity. Or, in other words, how to induce a certain pleasant randomness and syncopation, yet forcing everything to align again on the bar or beat boundaries

How do you use it?

  • the main use for hypercyclic is to generate midi that can be recorded and/or sent to other plugins. However it also features a simple built-in synth for testing purposes
  • you can use two tempo-synced LFOs to modulate various parameters for creating interesting rhythmic effects and chord variations
  • a unique feature is the possibility to modulate the sequencer step size itself, which is useful for creating glitchy stuttering effects
  • another thing you can use is a groove function for playing slightly off the beat. The groove parameters can also be modulated over time by the LFOs, adding to the rhythmic variation
hypercyclic

www.mucoder.net/en/hypercyclic