Traveler is the first software instrument to be released by KeySolutions Sounds, and it’s an ambitious one! Said to combine the “unmistakable gravity and depth of classic hardware instruments with the flexibility to forge entirely new sonic territory”, the new arrival pairs an intuitive interface with a powerful synth engine that’s capable of producing everything from subtle, intimate sounds to all-out, thunderous cinematic tones.
Oscillators
Traveler is kitted out with three oscillators that offer continuously variable waveforms and span a six-octave range. Functionality varies across the three, with each oscillator offering a unique set of features: Oscillator 1 has sync and both linear and exponential FM; Oscillator 2 features a seven-voice unison stack with detune and stereo spread parameters; and Oscillator 3 can be switched to a Wavetable mode that offers 85 wavetables, universal format import and a Duo stacking mode with stereo spread.
The versatile approach means the instrument is capable of producing everything from classic analogue-style sounds to complex modern textures, and in the case of the former, there’s a Vintage parameter that introduces some subtle oscillator drift.
Filters
As for filters, the instrument offers a selection of low-pass ladder options (6, 12, 18, and 24 dB/octave) along with a NJM2069-style 24 and 12 dB/octave filter — the latter was the design used in Korg’s DW-8000 and DSS-1. All filter choices offer bass compensation, and the section also includes an independent high-pass filter with linked low-pass cutoff tracking, mixer feedback and pre-filter drive parameters.
Traveler’s filter section also boasts a stereo signal path that allows users to introduce subtle differences in the left and right channels, while a Low Frequency Width parameter allows low-frequency content to be kept in mono.
Envelopes & Modulation
The instrument’s filter, amplifier and modulation envelopes can all be switched between ADSR and expanded ADBSSR shapes, and the modulation envelope has an option that allows it to be triggered by a modulation controller or an LFO cycle. There’s also a pair of Control Tracks, each of which offer step sequencer-style modulation over the instruments parameters, and an Arpeggiator section equipped with Direction, Range, Speed, Gate, Swing, Destination, Latch and Pedal controls.
Key Features
- Flexible Oscillator Core: Three continuously variable oscillators spanning six octaves with real-time waveform modulation.
- Modelled Filter Architecture: Multi-topology low-pass ladder filters (6, 12, 18, and 24 dB/octave), NJM2069-style 12 and 24 dB/octave models, both with low-end bass compensation. Includes an independent high-pass filter with linked low-pass cutoff tracking, mixer feedback loop and pre-filter drive.
- Immersive Stereo Path: Dual/stereo filter topology with left/right frequency spacing, plus a per- voice Spread parameter that alternates filter offset per note. Low Frequency Width parameter can keep bass locked to the centre while treble expands wide, per-oscillator panning, per-key alternate panning and assignable voice-pan modulation.
- Extensive Modulation: Driven by three polyphonic LFOs with 21 shapes and random motion, a dedicated Modulation Envelope and a 21-bus modulation matrix with 92 destinations.
- Expanded Envelopes: Filter, amplifier and modulation envelopes with switchable ADSR or ADBSSR shapes and customisable stage curves. Modulation envelope can additionally be triggered by a modulation controller or LFO cycle.
- Control Track Sequencing & Arpeggiator: Dual 16-step control tracks with variable step lengths, Smoothing, Swing, Gate Control and Ping-Pong modes. Integrated arpeggiator featuring 20 playback modes, selective oscillator targeting and per-step envelope shaping.
- Studio-Quality Effects: Three-band EQ, three-mode bucket brigade chorus, modulated delay and reverb.
- Over 400 Meticulously Crafted Presets : Designed by artisan sound designers including Venus Theory, David Helpling, Scott McAuley, Drew Schlesinger, James Dyson, James Terris, Tom Hammer, Jerry Kovarsky and Mike Martin
- Expressivity: Mono, Legato, and up to 16-voice Unison modes, polyphonic glide, separate up/down pitch bend settings, full MIDI CC learn and mono/polyphonic aftertouch support.
Compatibility
Traveler is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or later, and Macs running macOS 10.13 and above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-ins are available.
Pricing & Availability
Traveler is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of $99 until 30 September 2026, when it will increase to its full cost of $149. Throughout the offer period, those who purchase the instrument will also receive licenses for the company’s KeyTIME and KeySPACE effects plug-ins (usually priced at $49 each).
