Product Review - Future Audio Workshop Circle : July 2009
In this article:
information 149 Euros.Future Audio Workshop +353 93 32698. $199.Future Audio Workshop +353 93 32698. November 2009
| Product Review - Future Audio Workshop CircleArticle Preview :: Software Synth [Mac/PC]Published in SOS July 2009 Reviews : Software: Instruments Future Audio Workshop’s debut soft synth offers versatile modulation possibilities, via an interface designed to be highly intuitive.
With so many software synths out there, it must be a challenge for manufacturers to come up with fresh ideas that will tempt musicians to part with their hard-earned cash. Most self-respecting DAWs already include some sort of proprietary virtual analogue synth amongst their plug-ins, and these are often very capable and well specified, like the Z3ta+ synth that comes bundled with Sonar. We are, it seems, positively spoilt for choice — so what sort of features might tempt musicians to spend money on yet another virtual analogue plug-in synth? How about ease of use, flexibility, a highly visual approach to creating sounds and educational value for starters? Irish company Future Audio Workshop address all these points with their first software synth offering, Circle. First Circle
FAW seek to impress from the outset with Circle’s opulent packaging — I was almost expecting the box to contain some deliciously evil Belgian chocolates! Even the owner’s manual is printed on high-quality, semi-glossy paper. Once installed, Circle initially runs in demo mode for 20 minutes, after which time it goes out of tune. Saving is also disabled. Activation for permanent use is by the familiar on-line challenge/response method; an activation file to unlock the program is returned by email. Circle runs on Windows XP and Vista (32-bit) and Mac OS 10.3 or higher, in stand-alone, Audio Units, VST and RTAS versions. Graphically, Circle is rather striking. The overall mood is black, punctuated with bright colours that leap out of the user interface. The main screen contains the various synthesis modules, laid out in three vertical columns. Each column deals with the fundamental components of analogue synthesis. The left-hand column contains six sound sources: four waveform oscillators, a noise source and feedback. The central column comprises five modifier modules. The first and last of these are fixed as source mixer and VCA level but the middle three modules offer interchangeable options, of which more later. The right-hand column hosts five modulator modules, all of which offer three interchangeable modulator types. Note that the first four oscillators and the noise module (but not feedback) can also be used as modulators in their own right, in addition to those in the modulator column. Like A Circle In A Circle ...
Published in SOS July 2009 
| Sunday 8th November 2009 November 2009
Click image for Contents
SOS News Headlines
WIN Great Prizes in SOS Competitions!
 Gear Reviews Technique
Classic Tracks
Secrets of the Mix Engineers
Ableton LIVE techniques
Apple LOGIC techniques
Cakewalk SONAR techniques
Digidesign PRO TOOLS techniques
MOTU DIGITAL PERFORMER techniques
Propellerhead REASON techniques
Steinberg CUBASE techniques
Sound Advice
People Microphones Mastering | |||||||
