Things by Sampleson synth plugin interface

Things: Intuitive Polyphonic Synth Plugin by Sampleson

Rated 4.4/5 on Plugin Boutique (176 ratings)

Things is a polyphonic synth plugin by Sampleson, built on FM, additive and subtractive synthesis. It is available in VST2 and AU formats for Windows and macOS and includes a 32-step arpeggiator and an FX section.

VST2AUWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Things is a software synth from developer Sampleson. It combines FM, additive and subtractive synthesis in a polyphonic engine, and the developer describes its interface as intuitive for users with little synthesis experience. Each knob comes with a descriptor that explains the sound it shapes. The plugin runs in VST2 and AU formats on Windows and macOS, and it does not need a separate player like Kontakt or UVI.

Best for

Synth pads and textures
Arpeggiated sequences
Sound design for beginners
Cinematic and horror textures
Alien and vocal-style effects
Rhythmic arpeggio patterns

Developer: Sampleson
Category: Virtual Instruments
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Polyphonic synth built on FM, additive and subtractive synthesis
32-step arpeggiator with four direction modes
Shuffle knob and sync to host or manual tempo
Descriptor labels that explain each knob's sound
All parameters automatable and assignable to MIDI CC
Built-in FX section with 30 processors and filters
Width knob for mono and stereo output
About 65 MB installed, no online activation required

03In depth

Sound Design Approach and Controls

Sampleson built Things around descriptors, short labels that explain what a knob does and what kind of sound it tends to produce. The developer says this helps users who are new to synthesis shape sounds without reading a manual first.

The plugin contains 32 oscillators and 30 FX processors and filters. The developer states that its sounds were designed with a mix of additive, subtractive and FM synthesis. Seven sound-design modules, including Rubber Bands, Arcade, Crystal, Clouds, Alien Talk, Air and Horror, each expose a main character knob along with gain and time-based controls.

All parameters can be assigned to MIDI CC controllers by right-clicking a slider or knob, and they are automatable from the host DAW.

Arpeggiator and Workflow

The built-in arpeggiator offers 4 to 32 steps, an octave range switch, and four arpeggio directions. A shuffle knob and an ignore key-down option give rhythmic variation, and the arpeggiator can sync to the host tempo or run at a manual tempo.

Note shift, note velocity and note length can all be automated, so the arpeggio pattern can change over the course of a track. The plugin also includes a Width knob that switches between mono and stereo output.

Things is about 65 MB installed and needs no online activation.

04Specs