4ms Spectral Multiband Resonator SMR Softube Modular expansion interface

Modular Add-On: 4ms Spectral Multiband Resonator (SMR) for Softube Modular

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (209 ratings)

Modular Add-On: 4ms Spectral Multiband Resonator (SMR) is an expansion for Softube Modular that processes audio with six resonant bandpass filters locked to a twenty-note scale. It is built for filtering, ringing, vocoding and quantizing.

VST3VST2AUAAXRTASWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

The 4ms Spectral Multiband Resonator is a Softube Modular expansion based on the 4ms hardware unit. Its six channels are each locked to a twenty-note scale shown on the LED ring, and the filters can be swept across that scale manually or with CV. Scale options range from Western scales to alternative tunings, Gamelan scales and microtonal scales. Softube says it faithfully emulates the hardware and firmware of the original unit, with some minor alterations and improvements, and that 4ms officially endorses it.

Best for

Additive synthesis
Vocoding
Melodic quantizing
Marimba-style ringing
Drum synthesis
Multiband compression patches

Developer: Softube
Category: Modulators
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Six resonant bandpass filters in a multiband layout
Each filter locked to a twenty-note scale
Scales include Western, alternative tunings, Gamelan and microtonal
Filters can be swept manually or via CV
75 new presets covering the main use cases
Can be used for vocoding and quantizing
Emulates the hardware and firmware of the 4ms unit
Comparatively low CPU usage

03In depth

Sound Character and Core Functions

Each of the six resonant bandpass filters follows its assigned note on the scale, so the module can ring like a marimba when plucked or struck. Softube describes it as a classic filter bank that can also vocode, re-mix tracks, harmonize and output spectral data.

Because the filters can be swept around their scale by hand or by CV, the module suits moving chord structures and additive synthesis. Its ability to quantize other oscillators to a scale extends its use to melodic material.

Presets and Typical Uses

The module ships with 75 new presets. Softube presents them as starting points for the module's main uses: additive oscillator banks, vocoders, phasers, quantizers, stereo widening, CV sources and arpeggiators, sequencers, and drum synthesis using pulse triggers on odd and even filters.

The developer also lists multiband compressor patches and extracting triggers from recorded material as applications. Softube notes that CPU usage is comparatively low, so a larger number of units can be added to a patch.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Softube
Type	Plugin
Category	Modulator
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is the 4ms Spectral Multiband Resonator?

It is an expansion for Softube Modular, based on the 4ms hardware unit. It contains six resonant bandpass filters, each locked to a twenty-note scale.

What do I need to use it?

You need Softube Modular, since the software requires it to run. You also need an iLok account and the latest iLok License Manager, which is downloaded separately from ilok.com.

Which formats and operating systems are supported?

It is available in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and RTAS formats on Windows and macOS, in 64-bit. Softube recommends VST3 because some features are missing from the older VST format.