Camel Audio Alchemy 1.5 review

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Hey what’s good fam, back with another review for ya

Today I’m checking out the latest update from Camel Audio, for their flagship synthesizer Alchemy

Let’s check it out!

So what is Alchemy all about?

Alchemy is a sample manipulation/virtual analog synthesizer with tons of control and tweakability.

So yes it does the “normal” VA synth stuff, but it also does crazy granular and other sample manipulation synthesizing.

It comes with a HUGE library, and it can also be remotely controlled from your iOS device with the Alchemy mobile app.

Pretty much if you have any type of idea in your head in terms of sound, I’m sure you can create it with Alchemy.

But let’s get a little deeper into this beast of an instrument

Quick Specs

  • content: 5.5GB+ library, 1000 presets
  • format: VST, AU. RTAS
  • price: $199 ($250 after Oct 15, 2012)

How does it sound?

You may think Alchemy is only good for a specific type of sound, but you’d be totally wrong.

Many look to this synth for it’s ambient/evolving capabilities, which are vast….and sound amazing.

But don’t think that it can’t do raw and powerful synth leads, as well as some fine acoustic and natural sounding instruments.

The overall sound of this plugin is very rich and deep in both tone and texture.

It can be as simple or as complex as you wish and it does both as well as anything in between without breaking a sweat.

I really love the fullness of the synth engine, the sounds that come out of it just sound very dynamic.

I definitely am in love with many of the soundscapes and pads, and plan to checkout some of the libraries dedicated to these types of instruments.

But I find that even the simplest classic synth bass has some dynamic punch and detail. Bottom line is that the sound engine and all of it’s options work together to deliver a very lovable sound character.

So what’s the bottom line?

This is a power house synthesizer, for al ong time I’ve used the free player but many people always claimed how awesome the full version was.

For me, just being able to go into the oscillator section and play around is something I can spend hours doing, it’s so quick and intuitive.

I give Alchemy 1.5 a rating of 4.5 out of 5 subs. It’s a super powerful synthesizer with deep editing capabilities yet remains super easy to navigate and control.

The integration with the iOS application really takes to the next level, I just love reaching out and tweaking the parameters with my hands, and in a way that’s much different than a general midi controller.

They did a great job on making it easy to link up with the plugin no matter what host it’s in.

Overall this is a great instrument and the fact that they are constantly supporting it with new content, libraries, and the mobile application makes it one you should definitely demo for yourself.

I look forward to showcasing some of the various libraries for you in the future…you know I’m partial to the ambient/pad type sounds but I’ll try to mix it up….maybe ๐Ÿ˜‰

Head over and check it out:ย http://www.camelaudio.com/Alchemy.php

Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think

14 Comments

  1. is it easy to mess with manipulating your own samples? what kind of stuff can you do to them? can it time stretch them? this ones on my list (for the sample part), but pretty far down – after omnisphere – – im hoping the future omnisphere adds the “use your own samples” thing…

    also are you able to automate maschine recording via the app? like use your hand on the ipad while your recording the keys?

    Reply
  2. Hey man, I hope you are good

    A great review of what looks like a great product.

    I have a โ€˜liteโ€™ version of Alchemy from a computer music magazine. I co – sign your comments on just how diverse it is.

    As well as the โ€˜raveyโ€™ sounds and the โ€˜creamyโ€™ / Vangelis synths, thereโ€™s lots of really nice sounds that people might not expect: guitars, brass, drums, etc.

    Itโ€™s an inspirational synth, if I ever have ‘creative blockโ€™, I fire Alchemy up and mess with simple phrases: before I know it, ‘creative block’ gone.

    Your review really shows off this version. I’m sold on it.

    Have a good weekend fam,

    Lee TNBM

    Reply

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