OSC 51: Aalto

Aalto by Madrona Labs is a semi-modular software synthesizer with a patchable UI, distinctive sounds,

and "a charming personality".

(Aalto Solo (no longer available) is a free monophonic version with Beatdrive, part of Beat magazine)

Aalto's sound engine lets you create sounds that have been difficult or impossible to make with softsynths

before now. At its heart is a complex oscillator, with FM, timbre and waveshape controls that enable a wide

range of expressive sounds. Each voice also includes a lowpass gate, patchable waveguide / delay and a multimode filter.

Aalto is designed as much for sequencing patterns as for playing individual notes. Each voice has a separate, built-in sequencer with a patchable, independently controllable rate and offset that make it easy to achieve evolving, chaotic textures.

Aalto has a streamlined UI that lets you make complex patches quickly and easily. The two-dimensional, nostalgia-free interface has intuitive signal dials that let you view the parameters you are adjusting. Every

control in Aalto is always right on the screen, one click away.

Over 100 presets from Alessandro Cortini, Richard Devine, Rory Dow, Surachai, Edward Ten Eyck and Madrona Labs.