Sampleson Tronic

Generate synthesized drum patterns with a single click.

Sampleson’s catalogue of virtual instruments is a somewhat eclectic browsing experience but, if you have a fondness for experimentation, there are some accessibly priced gems to be explored. Tronic would seem to fit the pattern. Described as a generative drum synthesizer, Tronic is a compact virtual instrument (all the controls are housed within a single screen) available for an equally compact price. It functions as a standalone app (so you could easily use in on a laptop in a live context), or as an AU/VST3 plug‑in in a suitable host.

Synth & Sequencer

Tronic’s sounds are all synthesis‑based and the UI squeezes in streamlined control sets for two analogue‑modelled oscillators and a noise generator. We are very much in the classic drum synth sound world here and, even if your old‑school synth programming chops are a little rusty, it doesn’t take too long to get a feel for what’s possible and how the various controls interact. You can quickly coax a surprisingly wide range of drum synth — and pitched — sounds from the two main oscillators, while the noise generator makes it easy to add snare sizzle or hi‑hat click.

The (up to) 16‑step sequencer lets you create a velocity and note (pitch) sequence that can be triggered via the Play button, with control over tempo or automatic sync to your host. However, the step‑sequencer data can also be used to modulate parameters using the clickable matrix located on the right. Once a parameter is linked here, its manual control is bypassed. The principle is simple, but there is plenty of quirky sound design available here that makes it easy to radically alter the sound generated on a per‑step basis. A single instance of Tronic can, therefore, provide a complete drum beat, or you can combine multiple instances, with each focused on a specific sound element. The choice is yours. Within your DAW, any incoming MIDI note will trigger the step sequencer, with the MIDI pitch then influencing the engine. You can also play polyphonically (sustain the first note and the additional notes are layered into the sequence as it continues playing), which can produce all sorts of quirky results. You can’t really just play a pattern ‘manually’ however; incoming notes always trigger the step sequencer, and it’s the sequencer that controls the sound modulation, although you can automate the parameters for hands‑on operation if you have a suitable control surface.

Generator

The other main element of the feature set is the ‘generative’ engine. Pop open the Beat Generator panel and, with pretty much a single click, Tronic will create a combination of synth settings and a velocity/note pattern, giving you a unique pattern to experiment with. You get three style options to start the process off: Hit Maker (favours simple drum & bass‑style patterns), Rave Master (adds a little more complexity) and Synth Hero (adds further sonic variety for more arpeggio‑like results). This whole system is a doddle to use but can easily produce very usable results; just keep clicking. Once you get something you like, you can edit it as required and then save it as a new preset. Incidentally, Tronic ships with a set of example presets for you to explore, which are accessible through a very straightforward browser system.

Stylistically and sonically, Tronic is very much a tool aimed at music for the dance floor.

Conclusion

Stylistically and sonically, Tronic is very much a tool aimed at music for the dance floor. That said, media composers might find it useful for generating ‘pulse’ style rhythms for drama or suspense cues, where you could easily automate the filter cutoffs to gradually adjust the tension level. However, it really is a lot of fun to use and, once you wind your speakers up a little, it packs a considerable punch, and the sound has plenty of character to it. Given the very modest price, it’s the kind of tool that anyone might take a punt on and be quite happy even if it was for occasional use only. Quirky, cool, sonically satisfying and inexpensive, if your beats need a treat, Tronic may be just the tonic.