Multiphonics CV-1 Modular Synthesizer Review

We take a look at the latest offering from AAS in this Multiphonics CV-1 Modular Synthesizer review and see if this modular synth offers something special.

I’ve been quite a fan of the AAS or Applied Acoustic Systems as they are know with their full title. These are the folk that have brought us plugins like the session bundle which include Lounge Lizard, Strum Sessions and Ultra Analogue. The plugins are of a quality standard yet not at a high price.

A big part of my album Diversion was recorded using the Strum Sessions plugin and it offered some crazy guitar riffs and nice tools to allow a session guitarist without the price tag.

Now for the next plugin on the horizon from AAS

Multiphonics CV-1 Modular Synthesizer Review

The first impressions I get with this plugin is ease of use again. Installation was so simple and was a standard and intuitive Next > Next > pick a VST option > Finished. I’m using Bitwig Studio for my digital audio workstation (DAW) and this picked it up as a plugin with no hassle at all.

Registration of the plugin was quite easy to follow. If you have an AAS account already then your product will be added to that provided that you register the correct email address (if not buying directly from AAS themselves).

This might confuse a novice plugin buyer, however a plugin junkie like me had no issue and I was up and running with a registered version in under 10 minutes.

First Impressions

I’m a big advocate of anything attempting to draw people in to plug in and pull out cables. It’s the next best thing to patching a real Moog or similar synth.

In the past I’ve been using u-He Bazille and in more recent months a mega mighty “The Grid” from Bitwig Studio and so having cables to play with is right up my street. For this Multiphonics CV-1 Modular Synthesizer review I get to do this again so I’m happy.

The colour scheme is eye catching, but not horrendous. It certainly lends itself to offer a modular type feel with different sections (racks) to allow clarity on the separate entities.

Performance of Modules

The choice of modules is where this product becomes next level and excellent value for money.

As part of my Multiphonics CV-1 Modular Synthesizer review I wanted to make sure that if someone buys this product, they get an experience similar to that of a real modular rack. This gives you that opportunity without the need to shell out for all the real kit.

The main part of Multiphonics is a wide selection of modules, from the basic LFO’s (or Low Frequency Modulators) to unique and sophisticated original versions.

There are plenty of modulation options which a keen user will appreciate including audio rate modulation, curated defaults, feedback loops plus many more.

Preset choices are a plenty and have been created by some of the best in the business. AAS say:

“We have assembled a fine team of seasoned patch designers to put together this surprising collection of patches: Adam Pietruszko, Benoit Charland, Christian Laffitte, Clifton Develle Cameron, David Kristian, Eric Thibeault, Gabriel Vigliensoni, Hugo Léger, Niall McCallum, Philippe Dérogis, Richard Veenstra, and Venus Theory.”

applied-acoustics.com on their Top patch designers

So this means that whatever sound you are looking for, there will almost certainly be something for your genre of musical choice.

How easy is Multiphonics CV-1 Modular Synthesizer to use?

When I’m doing this Multiphonics CV-1 Modular Synthesizer review I am conscious that this is may be the first step for some people to have a modular experience.

In this case, it is important that the program is easy to use and doesn’t add to frustration. Luckily, this is the case and the program is easy. More importantly, it has good support documentation.

The interface features clear but standard features for any synth:

• A preset browser where it should be.
• A drag and drop interface
• Assignable midi knobs to use with hardware

In addition, some great tutorials on how to use the product and some how to videos on setting up and creating patterns. Some feedback on this product has been about ease of use.

However I’m not going to drop any points in that area because if you invest a little time into learning the product (and I mean just 30 minutes watching a couple of the tutorial videos) it will be worth your while.

Final thoughts?

I’d be saying a big yes to this product. The more I used it, the more I liked it. The more it grew on me too. I got frustrated with The Grid from Bitwig until I sat down and learnt what things do and what they are for. This would go the same way if it didn’t get some initial time invested to learn it.

But I’ve done that now, and I’m really glad I did. I would certainly recommend this product.