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 😉
Head over and check it out: http://www.camelaudio.com/Alchemy.php
Leave me a comment below and let me know what you think
Oh man! I just might it looks too tempting!
Yeah man, it’s really nice
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?
Man you can stretch, run through granualar synth, anything you can do to the synth waves you can do to your samples, and it loads full sfz multisamples as an oscillator, not just single waves. You can’t automate from the iPad, that would be the same as automating from an external controller which Maschine doesn’t record yet. But the x/y remix are mapped to knobs in Maschine and you can automate it that way.
very cool – thanks!
anytime bro!
Hey man, I hope you are good
A great review of what looks like a great product.
I have a ‘lite’ version of Alchemy from a computer music magazine. I co – sign your comments on just how diverse it is.
As well as the ‘ravey’ sounds and the ‘creamy’ / Vangelis synths, there’s lots of really nice sounds that people might not expect: guitars, brass, drums, etc.
It’s an inspirational synth, if I ever have ‘creative block’, 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
Thanks man, I finally saw what all the fuss was a bout, just makes things so quick to manipulate and fun to program. I love using the iPad with it too lol.
True, I didn’t even get around to mentioning how easy it is to manipulate the sounds and whatnot.
Yeah, using it with the iPad looks like a lot of fun too
Have a good weekend mate,
Lee
Yeah man, thanks again for the comment!
Sounds great!
Thanks for watching!
Is this product a download or box buy only?
It’s a download product