Chromaphone 3 is a two-voice acoustic synthesizer based on eight physically modeled resonators, offering a fresh take on percussion and melodic instruments with a new factory library and remastered sounds.
Physical Modeling Core
Chromaphone 3 is a two-voice synthesizer that generates sound through eight physically modeled acoustic resonators. This design provides a distinctive blend of real-life presence and unique timbres, moving beyond sample-based synthesis to create expressive, evolving tones. The two voices can be stacked or split, allowing for complex, layered sounds.
The instrument is built on AAS’s acoustic object synthesis technology. It includes top-notch analog modules and a clever synth architecture that lets you shape the resonators and their interactions. This approach yields rich, dynamic textures that are ideal for sound designers seeking organic yet unconventional sonic material.
Streamlined Interface and Controls
A new Home View presents macros mapped to key sound characteristics: modulation, timbre, envelope, and effect. This provides a distraction-free environment for quick tweaking and exploration. Each layer features four performance macros that respond to user-defined MIDI controls, enabling real-time morphing for expressive play.
The brand-new browser organizes sounds by Packs, Sounds, Categories, and Creators, making it easy to navigate the extensive library. You can quickly narrow down presets based on your needs, whether you’re looking for a specific mood, instrument type, or designer. The workflow is designed to get you from browsing to playing without friction.
Expansive Sound Library and Effects
Chromaphone 3 ships with over 1,000 presets, including a completely new factory library of 420 sounds created by top sound designers. Additionally, the remastered Chromaphone 2 library contributes 676 polished patches, each fine-tuned for consistent gain staging, unity-gain effects, and better dynamics, plus new real-time sound transformation assignments.
The multi-effects module has been expanded with reverb, equalizer, compressor, tremolo, and guitar amplifier processors. You can arrange the five effect slots in any order, giving you flexible tone shaping. The new browser also includes views for Packs, Sounds, Categories, and Creators, streamlining preset selection.
Compatibility and Tunings
Chromaphone 3 supports microtonal music-making via Scala scale files and reference note frequency tuning. This opens up non-standard tunings for experimental or world music applications. The instrument also remains compatible with Chromaphone 2 sounds: you can copy existing banks into Chromaphone 3’s packs folder to convert and use them.
The synthesis engine is designed for real-time performance, with macros that can be played live to morph sound characteristics. Whether you’re crafting cinematic percussion, evolving pads, or unconventional leads, Chromaphone 3 provides a responsive platform for both studio production and stage use.
Key features
- Two-voice multitimbral with stack or split modes
- Eight physically modeled acoustic resonators
- Four performance macros per layer with MIDI control
- Over 1,000 presets including new and remastered library
- Expanded multi-effects: reverb, EQ, compressor, tremolo, amp
- Microtonal tuning via Scala scale files
- Compatible with Chromaphone 2 sound banks
Best for
Best for sound designers and electronic musicians seeking expressive, physically modeled percussion, plucked strings, and mallet instruments, with real-time morphing macros and rich effects for cinematic, ambient, or experimental music.