Baby Audio - Atoms

Atoms is Baby Audio's physical modelling synth plugin, for organic, evolving and otherworldly textures in ambient, cinematic and experimental music. Instead of oscillators and filters, it simulates a physical object and makes it vibrate.

How it works

Under the hood is a network of virtual masses connected by springs, set vibrating by a simulated bowing action. Changing the properties of that network changes the sound, from string-like and woody to metallic and alien. Six main parameters (including Chaos, Order, Force and Overtones) can each be animated with motion options, so patches keep shifting like a living thing. Four profiles change the structure of the network itself. Apart from the Space reverb, the effects are built into the physical model rather than added afterwards, which keeps them sounding natural.

The sound

Alive in a way sample libraries rarely are. Long notes breathe and drift on their own. The randomiser is well tuned, and Recycle generates variations on whatever you've just found.

Verdict

Not a bread-and-butter synth, but for textures you won't get anywhere else, it's a real find.

Features

• Physical modelling mass-spring simulation with bowed excitation
• Chaos, Order, Force, Overtones and other main controls
• Motion options for animating parameters
• Four profiles
• Resonant low-pass filter and drive
• Effects built into the model, plus Space reverb
• Randomiser with range limits and locks, plus Recycle
• Visualiser
• 250+ presets

System requirements

• Version: 1.2
• Mac: macOS 10.11 or later, native on Apple Silicon. VST2, VST3, AU, AAX (64-bit)
• Windows: Windows 10 or newer. VST2, VST3, AAX (64-bit)
• Plugin and standalone application

SOUND7 is an authorised Baby Audio reseller. Digital delivery: licence activation code sent by email.

Demo