Imagine by Expressive E synth plugin interface

Imagine: Multidimensional Acoustic Synth by Expressive E

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (289 ratings)

Imagine is a synth plugin by Expressive E that combines two modeled acoustic instrument layers per preset to create unusual timbres. It is available in VST3, VST2, AU and Standalone formats for Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUStandaloneWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Imagine takes a different route to sound design. Rather than starting from a conventional synth oscillator, it works with modeled acoustic instrument layers and blends their characteristics into an imaginary acoustic landscape. Each preset combines two layers, and the developer describes the result as a multidimensional approach that produces textures that feel familiar yet unfamiliar. Modulation is built around real-time control, with multi-stage envelope generators and macros for shaping sounds as you play.

Best for

Experimental sound design
Morphing synth textures
Electronic music performance
Live drops and breaks
Evolving reverb and delay effects
Expressive pad and lead creation

Developer: Expressive E
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Hundreds of modeled acoustic instrument layers
Two instrument layers combined in each preset
Texture controls for morphing acoustic tones
Multi-stage envelope generators (MSEGs) for modulation
Modulation system with no dead zones
Real-time macros for instrument control
Effects designed for live manipulation
VST3, VST2, AU and Standalone formats

03In depth

Sound Character and Layered Instruments

Imagine offers hundreds of instrument layers, each modeled to carry its own character. Because every preset pairs two of these layers, the number of possible combinations is large, and the timbres can move well beyond what a single acoustic source would produce.

Expressive E says the layers can be combined and tweaked to suit your taste, with each instrument adjustable in a flexible way. Added texture controls push the sound further toward morphing, acoustic tones that shift as you adjust them.

Workflow, Modulation and Effects

The modulation system is built for performance. Multi-stage envelope generators, known as MSEGs, give you a wide set of modulation shapes for your sounds. Expressive E states that the modulation system avoids dead zones and continuously scales sensitivity curves and ranges.

Macros let you control the sound of your instruments in real time. The built-in effects are designed for live manipulation, suited to fluid articulations, breaks, drops, and changes to reverbs and delays while you play.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Expressive E
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, Standalone
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What do I need to run Imagine?

On macOS, Imagine requires macOS 10.13 or later, 64-bit only, and runs as AU, VST or VST3. On Windows, it requires Windows 10 64-bit and runs as VST or VST3. Both platforms list an Intel Core i5-7400 or Ryzen 5 2600 processor and 4 GB of RAM.

Which formats does Imagine support?

Imagine is available in VST3, VST2, AU and Standalone formats. The developer's system requirements note that the Standalone version is not included on Windows or macOS for plugin use, so check the format list for your platform before you buy.