Description
Equation Synth is a unique synthesizer plugin that puts the power of mathematical expression directly at your fingertips. Instead of selecting from preset waveforms, you write your own equations to generate completely unique sounds. Whether you’re a sound designer seeking unprecedented sonic possibilities or a music producer looking for fresh, distinctive textures, Equation Synth opens up an infinite universe of waveforms limited only by your imagination.
The Power of Mathematical Sound Design
At the heart of Equation Synth is a sophisticated equation parser. You can type in any mathematical expressions using x as your input variable, and watch as your formula transforms into audio in real-time. Access a comprehensive library of mathematical functions including:
- Trigonometric functions: sin, cos, tan, sec, and their hyperbolic variants
- Exponential & logarithmic: exp, log, log10, sqrt, and more
- Special functions: abs, floor, ceil, round, sgn, frac
- Advanced operations: Complex mathematical expressions with full operator support
The built-in calculator-style interface makes equation entry intuitive, while the real-time graph display lets you visualize your waveform before you even hear it.
Deep Sound Sculpting Tools
Dynamic Equation Parameters
- Four customizable parameters (A, B, C, D) that can be referenced in your equations, each with adjustable ranges
- Graph manipulation controls: X Scale, Y Scale, and X Offset for precise waveform shaping
- X Mirroring modes for creating symmetrical waveforms with positive or negative reflection
Classic Synthesis Features
- Pitch controls: Coarse (semitones) and Fine (cents) tuning
- Integrated Multimode filter with cutoff and resonance controls
- Noise generator blendable with equation-based waveforms
Comprehensive Modulation System
Bring your equations to life with an extensive modulation matrix featuring:
Modulation Sources:
- 3 Envelopes (ADSR) with tempo sync options
- 3 LFOs with multiple waveform shapes (sine, square, saw), tempo sync, and delay
- Note Velocity for dynamic expression
- Modwheel for performance control
- MPE Support: Timbre and Pressure for expressive multi-dimensional control
Modulation Destinations:
Route modulation to virtually any parameter including:
- Volume, Pitch (Coarse/Fine)
- All Equation Parameters (A, B, C, D)
- Graph parameters (Scale X/Y, Offset X)
- Filter Cutoff and Resonance
- Noise Level
- Effect parameters (Chorus, Delay, Reverb, and more)
Effects Chain
Polish your equation-based sounds with a professional effects suite:
- Delay: Stereo offset, feedback, tempo-synced timing
- Harmonic Reverb: Room size, damping, and mix controls
- Chorus: Modulation depth and rate
- Tape Simulator: Wow, Flutter, Saturation, as well as various tape player emulations
Intuitive Interface Design
Inspired by classic calculator aesthetics, Equation Synth features:
- LCD-style display showing equation input and real-time waveform visualization
- Tabbed interface organizing Equation, Synth, Modulation, Effects, and Note settings
- Integrated help system with context-sensitive guidance
- Virtual MIDI keyboard for quick auditioning
- Scalable, resizable window
- Preset management system for saving and recalling your creations
Advanced MIDI & MPE Capabilities
- MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) support with configurable channel count
- Adjustable pitch bend ranges (global and per-note)
- MIDI input channel selection
- MPE-aware modulation for expressive performance
Advanced Tuning Capabilities
- Support for KBM and SCL scale loading
- Support for MTS-ESP
Technical Specifications
- Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX, Standalone
- Platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux
- Architecture: 64-bit
- Sample Rate: Up to 192kHz support
- Developer: Decidedly / Decent Samples
Perfect For:
- Sound Designers creating unique signature sounds
- Electronic Musicians seeking fresh, unconventional textures
- Composers scoring film, games, and media with distinctive timbres
- Educators teaching the relationship between mathematics and sound
- Experimentalists exploring the boundaries of synthesis
What Sets Equation Synth Apart
Unlike traditional synthesizers with fixed oscillator algorithms, Equation Synth gives you complete control over waveform generation. You’re not limited to variations of sine, saw, square, and triangle waves—you can create waveforms that have never existed before. The combination of mathematical flexibility, deep modulation routing, and professional effects processing makes Equation Synth a truly unique tool in any producer’s arsenal.
Discover sounds you’ve never heard before. Create waveforms that don’t exist anywhere else. Welcome to Equation Synth.
khwez (verified owner) –
love the synth, its making me relearn all my high school math again
would love a manual of some kind, i know theres if statement functionality but not sure how it works
post-fraknoise-nl (verified owner) –
Very nice concept, nice sounds 🙂
Wishes: microtonal scales (works well with these sounds I think)
For the rest: a very nice additions to the world of VST instruments, that stands out in both concept and sounds and user interface.
🙂
Allard Krijger
kevin-6769 (verified owner) –
Unique plugin – sounds great, too!
no-named joe (verified owner) –
This is something that I’ve never seen before in the VST space. I’ve enjoyed it so far, and I appreciate the customizability. However, there’s no easy way to make new sounds unless you understand the math or how each knob effects each item has on the equation. Using the copy preset feature, I was able to find out how preset data is stored. Using this, I’ve been able to make a randomizer/generator in JS to generate random sounds within the same groups with cool turnout.
I do want to say however that there is no manual to understand the plugin to its fullest, but it is labeled VERY well. I haven’t been able to get the User Presets to work properly. It stores it under the Factory Presets which is very annoying to deal with.
That being said, the benefits drastically outweigh the downsides and I will happily use this forever. I’ve only had it for a day and a half, but it’s one of the coolest darned things I’ve ever owned. Thanks for such a beautiful plugin!
posburn (verified owner) –
Such a great idea. Love the concept and the sounds. A manual would be great as well.
Matthew (verified owner) –
Always wanted to do this in high school.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
There’s a learning curve but the Equations plugin can make some great sounds. So far it seems most suited for plucks, though it’s definitely flexible.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Really cool project! note: the Linux readme.txt says “Refractions” instead of “Equations” even though Refractions does not support Linux.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Super fun and nerdy
Jon Nelson (verified owner) –
This little gem of a plugin has been really fun. I’ve always wanted to have something like this and never thought it would just come along like this. I just keep playing around with it!
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Cool interface and samples sound great 👍
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Great sound and cool interface!