Aalto is a semi-modular software synthesizer with a patchable UI, distinctive sounds, and “a charming personality”.
Aalto’s sound engine lets you create sounds that have been difficult or impossible to make with softsynths before now. At its heart is a complex oscillator, with FM, timbre and waveshape controls that enable a wide range of expressive sounds. Each voice also includes a lowpass gate, patchable waveguide / delay and a multimode filter.
Aalto is designed as much for sequencing patterns as for playing individual notes. Each voice has a separate, built-in sequencer with a patchable, independently controllable rate and offset that make it easy to achieve evolving, chaotic textures.
Aalto has a streamlined UI that lets you make complex patches quickly and easily. The two-dimensional, nostalgia-free interface has intuitive signal dials that let you view the parameters you are adjusting. Every control in Aalto is always right on the screen, one click away.
Over 100 presets from Alessandro Cortini, Richard Devine, Rory Dow, Surachai, Edward Ten Eyck and Madrona Labs.
1.3.2 changes
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added new patch save features:
– quick save as version
– save (over existing)
– revert to saved
added revert to saved via MIDI (program change 128)
fixed sync problems in sequencer
fixed signal viewer cold startup in UI
restored bipolar dials in UI
1.3.1 changes
—————-
– fixed automation sticking bugs
– fixed host sync divisions in Logic
– new software PLL for tighter host sync
– fixed “rectified voice” bug in wave folder
– fixed integer dials behavior
– fixed possible OSC-related crash in Live
– fixed patch display on close and reopen
– brought back preset converter on Mac
– fixed sequencer offset when stopped
– fixed sequencer UI range issue
1.3.0 changes
—————-
– redesigned, rewritten, vector-based, smoothly resizeable UI
– DSP optimizations
– fixed key stealing in Ableton Live
– fixed Fxpansion RTAS wrapper compatibility
– improved dial / mouse wheel ballistics
– fixed Logic noise burst bug of doom
– sync by ratios to host sequencer
– Soundplane/t3d support over with auto-detect MIDI/OSC switch
– added MIDI program change automation
– store window location / num / anim prefs with saved data, not patch
– fix startup / shutdown issues affecting Max/MSP, Reaper
– KEY: added two MIDI modulation outputs
– KEY: rearranged knobs for Soundplane/t3d switch
– SEQ: added random sequence button
– SEQ: added steps signal input
– SEQ: allow fine delay time changes in steps of 0.1
– ENV: increased attack, decay ranges
– ENV2: added delay, attack signal inputs
– LFO: add level signal input
– OSCILLATOR: fix linear pitch input range
– patcher: fixed sticky signal displays
– patcher: display bipolar signals as absolute
1.2.6 changes
—————-
– improved performance!
– optimized patch loading
– fixed Logic dropouts, improved Logic CPU spikes
– fixed Live 7 UI hangs
– fixed Sonar crash, tested in Sonar X1
– fixed Maschine scan crash
– fixed multislider parameter behavior
– added debug diagnostics
– smaller executable
1.2.1 changes
—————-
– fixed sequencer UI bug
– fixed mouse wheel behavior on Windows
– fixed typo in reverb algorithm, sound now restored to v.1.1 glory
– demo version now prints debug info
1.2 changes
—————-
– Mac and Windows VST versions added
– 64-bit Mac AU / VST added
– 64-bit Windows VST added
– Improved performance (20-50% faster than version 1.1)
– Brand new patching interface
– New cross-platform preset format
– Improved dial ballistics
– Over 100 new presets from Richard Devine, Rory Dow, Surachai, Edward Ten Eyck and Madrona Labs.
1.1 changes
—————-
– Much faster: Aalto now runs 25 to 50% faster than version 1.0.
– Installer: Easy install using Apple’s Installer puts Aalto’s bits where they belong.
– New preset management UI: Load and save presets from the Aalto window.
– Copy and paste presets: From the preset menu to and from the clipboard, for easy sharing, editing, and backup.
– Host sync: Aalto’s sequencer now has rock-solid synchronization with your DAW’s clock.
– Tuning tables: Load tunings from the Scala .scl file format. Over 100 different tunings categorized by musical tradition are included.
– Sequencer modes: Key trigger and loop mode allow new uses of the sequencer.
– Presets: 30 new musical presets from Simon Ball of SoundsDivine, and 10 wild sound machine constructions from Alessandro Cortini.
