Reaktor Prism: Modal Synth and Effects by Native Instruments

Prism's signal starts in an Exciter, which generates impulses or continuous noise. That signal feeds the Modal Bank, where it passes through multiple resonating filters. The result is a synth that can produce organic soundscapes as well as aggressive basses and leads.

MIDI velocity can change the tone considerably, and the modulation options are extensive. Five built-in effects follow the synth core: an amp simulation, an 8-pole filter, a flanger, a stereo delay and a reverb. The package includes 370 ready-to-play sounds, covering basses, bells, keys, leads and pads, and you can also create your own patches.

Prism FX replaces the Exciter with an audio input that drives the same resonator structure, deriving its control signals from the incoming audio. It can act as a polyphonic resonator, a complex filter or a self-oscillating sound generator.

An integrated Gate and Envelope Follower give detailed control over the shape of the resonating tones. The developer notes that percussive and noisy material gives the best results. The FX version includes 50 presets.