The latest add-on for Melda Productions’ MSoundFactory software instrument platform has arrived, delivering a collection of 32 pad and string sounds. As its name suggests, Analog Empire: Pads & Strings is based on the sounds of a range of classic analogue synthesizers, but benefits from some modern bells and whistles such as MPE support and some built-in mastering tools.
Analog Empire features a dual-layer design that allows users to combine any two of its included instrument sounds and blend seamlessly between them using a central Mix control. Each layer is kitted out with independent Pitch, Drift, Unison, Tone and Spread controls, with some additional shaping provided by an analogue-style multi-mode filter. The included sound sources have been created with the aim of giving users a collection of production-ready sounds that allow them to spend less time programming and more time playing, and offer a variety of classic tones that will sit well in a range of different genres.
Opening the instrument’s FX tab reveals a comprehensive selection of built-in effects processors. Tremolo, Phaser and Flanger modules all benefit from dedicated Time, Depth and Width controls, while a Chorus comes equipped with Voice, Depth and Rate parameters. A Reverb section follows, offering Mix, Time, Dampening, Modulation and Shimmer controls, while a Lo-Fi Tape module provides Depth, Dust, Filter and Warmth knobs. Yet more tonal shaping is provided by a Master section, which houses a three-band EQ and dedicated high- and low-pass filters, as well as one-knob Compress, Saturate and Maximize processors and a variable Width control.
Compatibility
Analog Empire: Pads & Strings runs in Melda Productions’ MSoundFactory or MSoundFactoryLE, which is supported on PCs running Windows 8 or above, and Macs running macOS 10.14 and higher. VST, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Analog Empire: Pads & Strings is available now, and is being offered at introductory price of $73£7 until 5 January 2025, when it will increase to $73£57. Prices include VAT. It is also available as a free download to those who own the company’s MSoundFactory or MSoundFactoryLE.
