reFX Rippler — a hybrid software synthesizer

reFX has released a hybrid virtual instrument combining physical modelling and classic subtractive synthesis. It can reproduce the sound of acoustic instruments.

Photo: official website refx

The plugin has two layers, Layer A and Layer B, with independent routing. Its sound engine uses advanced physical modelling with resonator blocks to reproduce instrument sounds without samples. Twelve basic models are available: String, Drumhead, Beam, Djembe, Squared, Vibraphone, Bell, Marimba, Membrane, Open Tube, Plate and Closed Tube.

Photo: official website refx

The Exciter section accepts built-in impulses, 32 included samples, imported user sounds or an external sidechain signal. A noise generator can also feed the resonators, together with the exciter or separately. Manual resonator control replaces the physical model with a user-defined series of partial resonances drawn by hand. Resonator configurations can be saved as snapshots, with smooth transitions between them in real time.

Photo: official website refx

Rippler has two oscillators with Phase, Fold and Asymmetry controls. They can be layered with the physically modelled output to blend, strengthen or thicken the sound. Both the oscillators and the physical modelling engine feed two filters. There are 27 filter types, including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, vintage-style and ladder filters, plus a Vowel filter with formant shifting.

Photo: official website refx

reFX Rippler is available at a temporary price of $100. The regular price is $130.