PITCHMAP::COLORS by Zynaptiq pitch-mapping vocoder plugin interface

PITCHMAP::COLORS: Pitch-Mapping Vocoder Plugin by Zynaptiq Free Download

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (23 ratings)

PITCHMAP::COLORS is a pitch-mapping vocoder plugin from Zynaptiq that conforms audio to a chosen key, scale or chord grid and adds electronic sound-design processing for basses, synths and atonal material.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

PITCHMAP::COLORS takes the pitch-mapping approach of Zynaptiq's PITCHMAP and reshapes it for sound design. The plugin separates incoming audio into notes by pitch, shifts each one onto a grid you define, and returns it in a tonality you set. Zynaptiq developed it in collaboration with producer Au5, and it adds scale shifting, formant processing and transient control on top of the core mapping. It is aimed at producers who want to bend tonal and noisy sources into harmonic textures.

Best for

Bass sound design
Harmonic synth textures
Atonal noise tonality
Chord-based key conforming
Alien vocal effects
Automated pitch sweeps

Developer: Zynaptiq
Category: Vocoders
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Pitch-mapping algorithm with three selectable modes: SICK, INSANE and WTF
Grid set by playing chords on the UI or a MIDI keyboard
MIDI-controllable SCALE SHIFT parameter for sweeping the pitch grid
Formant shifter with two-octave range and 0.01 semitone resolution
FORMANT GAMMA for exaggerated formant peaks and troughs
TRANSIENT BYPASS with optional transient boost
High-pass and low-pass filters included
Available in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats

03In depth

Electronic Pitch-Mapping Modes for Sound Design

PITCHMAP::COLORS offers three pitch-mapping algorithms, named SICK, INSANE and WTF (Warp Those Frequencies). Zynaptiq describes SICK as the most natural-sounding of the three, while INSANE is aimed at strongly resonant harmonic results and WTF at more electric, transformed tones. Switching modes is a single click, so you can compare how each one reshapes the same source.

The grid is built by playing chords on the UI keyboard or a MIDI keyboard. Playing a chord sets the tonality the audio is mapped onto, which makes it possible to turn a major chord into a minor one or move a source into a different key.

Formant, Scale Shift and Transient Controls

The SCALE SHIFT parameter moves the audio through the pitch grid and is MIDI-controllable, so it can be automated as an arrangement technique. The formant shifter covers two octaves and changes the perceived size of a sound, with a resolution of 0.01 semitones for smooth automation. The FORMANT GAMMA function exaggerates formant peaks and troughs, producing self-modulating, organic movement.

TRANSIENT BYPASS lets you dial in how much of the transient detail is passed through the pitch mapping and mix it back in afterwards. The control can also boost transients beyond their original level.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

Developer	Zynaptiq
Type	Plugin
Category	Vocoder
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats does PITCHMAP::COLORS support?

PITCHMAP::COLORS is listed in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats. It runs on Windows and macOS and is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to run PITCHMAP::COLORS?

You need a VST 2.4, VST 3 or AAX compatible 64-bit host on Windows, or an AU, VST or AAX host on macOS, processing audio as 32-bit float. An iLok account or iLok 2/3-based activation and an internet connection are required for activation.

Is there a trial version?

Yes, a free trial is available. Zynaptiq recommends using it to check whether your system has enough CPU resources, since the plugins use a lot of CPU.