Four filter types are offered within both filters, but unlike most multi-mode filters, CrX4's modes offer intermediate positions (rather than notched positions fixed to a specific filter choice), so it's possible to morph from one filter type to the next. The filters themselves lie in the upper middle section of the interface, and there are several options here with some notable exceptions from the norm. Up to four generators make up a single sound, with power buttons for each letting you decide how many to include in a single program.įor each generator, you'll find dials for assigning them to one or a blend of the twin filters. Instantly, both can create surprising and wonderful audio manipulations in real time. The time sampler allows you to load a sample and manipulate it via CrX4's extensive modulation options, while the loop sampler provides start, end and loop points. If you choose one of the sampler options ('time' or 'loop'), you can pick from LinPlug's own library of samples as well as your own recordings at up to 96kHz and 24-bit resolution. You can toggle each generator between an oscillator, time sampler, wavetable, loop sampler and noise generator, with the controls changing to provide an appropriate parameter set. If this instrument was purely a synthesizer, this section would be called 'oscillator,' but CrX4 is capable of significantly more than modeled analog waveforms.

Things start to deviate from the norm quickly when you test the generator section in the top-left corner. With the CrX4, the new version of the CronoX concept, LinPlug has not only condensed its capabilities into a single page but expanded them further.īroadly speaking, the CrX4 resembles plenty of other plug-ins initially. The synth took some getting used to, though, not least because its assorted options were spread over multiple pages.

Factor in its generous modulation options and wonderful atmospheres, and textures were as readily available as leads, basses and pads. The fact that it could use samples or modeled waveforms as sonic generators meant you could mold it into almost any kind of instrument you needed it to be. LinPlug's CronoX3 synthesizer fell into the latter category. Though they're known to fewer producers, they're capable of hugely worthwhile jobs.

While some software synths gather front-page headlines, others sit quietly in the background.

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