Python Pro Announced for Scope Fusion Platform
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(Click for a close-up) |
February 3, 2003
Drawing on his 30 years of experience in the synthesizer industry, John Bowen of Zarg Music has been known for his important
contributions to various analog creations (Prophet 5, Wavestation) and software synths for the Creamware platform (Orion, Red
Dwarf, Dark Star, Ambient, Pro One & Prophet Plus). John also works at discovering emerging synth
designers (such as 'wavelength'), and helping them get started in the business. Now Zarg Music is introducing a new synth for the
Pulsar/Scope platform called the Python Pro, done in collaboration with new designer Paul van der Valk, of XD7 Systems.
"Paul had entered an earlier version of the Python in the Creamware Modular contest and received 2nd place", says John. "But when I
listened to what he had done, I felt he should have won 1st! I was very impressed by the intelligence behind the design - clearly here was
something that was more than just another 'virtual analog' style synth".
Paul likes to call it 'resonant FM synthesis'. Incorporating 2 FM style oscillators, a variable filtered noise source, 2 'Tube' (comb)
filters, and 2 external inputs, a wide variety of new yet familiar sounds can be obtained. From physical model-like plucked string and struck metal sounds, to
breathy flutes, to strange percussive clangorous objects - the Python Pro provides new sonic territory for exploration. With 3 envelopes (one
of which is multi segment with looping), 3 LFOs, a comprehensive modulation section, and stereo delay and chorus, this synth has real depth.
Paul has provided a number of excellent audio examples on his Python Pro Info page: home.wanadoo.nl/~falcon/python/index.html
Says John, "The Plucked and Multitracked examples are deep and full, but I find the External Signal Processing examples to be perhaps the
most interesting". These use external sources (such as tapping a mic or a hi-hat loop) as impulse material to trigger the tube filters, allowing
for very realistic and expressive timbres.
For the curious, a Demo version for Creamware SFP users is available from the Zarg Music web site, as well as the Owner's Manual:
www.johnbowen.com/nss-folder/devices
Available now, the price is $199. For more information, visit their web site at www.zargmusic.com. |
