Apple has pushed out an update to its professional audio software that introduces native integration with the Alchemy softsynth that was acquired as part of the company’s buyout of Camel Audio at the beginning of this year.
Alchemy has been added to both Logic Pro X 10.2 and MainStage 3.2, while the mobile Logic Remote has gained new controls to support the synthesizer. Several other improvements have also been made to the desktop apps. Both Logic and MainStage now include 1,000 new Apple Loops and stability improvements.
Logic also gained support for the Force Touch trackpad on newer MacBook models, the ability to share music directly to the Apple Connect social network built into Apple Music, and the option to create custom track icons. Improvements have also been made to the MIDI clock through the additional of new options.
Both Logic and MainStage—which come in at $199 and $29, respectively—are cheaper than the original Alchemy synth from Camel Audio, which cost $250 before the developer was acquired, making either app a great deal.
The full Alchemy release notes are below:
• Introducing Alchemy – the ultimate sample manipulation synthesizer
– Next generation synthesizer plug-in with multiple sound generators including; additive, spectral, formant, granular, sampler, and virtual analog
– Over 3,000 presets for all types of electronic music including electronic dance, hip hop, rock, and sound for picture
– Integrated keyword preset browser for finding the right sounds quickly
– Performance controls like the Transform Pad make it easy to explore and reshape sounds
– Combine up to four synth modules to create complex multi-layered sounds
– Virtual analog oscillators produce authentic recreations of iconic synth sounds
– Wide selection of modeled analog and special effect filters for producing sounds with vintage character and tonal complexity
– Create animated, dynamic instruments using over 100 modulation sources that include flexible LFOs, AHDSR and MSEG envelopes, and step sequencers
– Manipulate and combine samples in new ways using a collection of morphing and resynthesis tools
– Import EXS24 instruments or create your own using a robust set of sampler features
– Apply independent arpeggiators to each of the 4 sound sources to transform simple chords into elaborate performances
– Integrated effects rack with reverb, modulation, delay, compression, and a range of distortion effects
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Don’t get me wrong, it’s always cool to have another synth in the arsenal, but there are SO MANY good third party synths out there already for Logic that this one’s a bit of a head scratcher. I mean yeah it definitely adds value to the $199 package (no other DAW is even in the ballpark for product/media for that money), but in terms of production, unless they’ve changed Alchemy significantly, a lot of producers will just let it sit. I guess I’ll have to go download it and find out….after I finish the big project I’m working on. Never ever ever change horses mid-stream in DAW land or you could get swept away.
Alchemy is a sound design synth more geared towards sound designers in film, tv, media. its extremely powerful and there is no other synth like it. you really can’t look at tools as you say. its like a rerecording mixer for film saying the LM100 is useless. well a beat rerecording mixer for TV will totally disagree.
anyway… i am pretty disappointed because i am a Pro Tools user who used Alchemy a lot in designing sounds. i wish support was extended to other platforms.
I’m pretty happy about this update! Never had experience with Camel Audio’s Alchemy before so this is all new to me, but the possibilities I see from this new plugin alone not only adds more value to Logic Pro X, but opens up so much more opportunities. Just from playing around with it for 30 mins, I can already see this being one of my most used plugins!
Alchemy is indeed a Sound Designer’s Dream kit, incredibly intuitive with a phenomenal arsenal of sounds. Quite frankly, a lot of the 3rd party synths I invested in (I mean heavyweight, expensive stuff) is going to be laid to waste by this. That is how good it is, and I could care less whether it is a Romper or a Pure Synth. What matters to me is how it sounds, and it sounds insanely good. Glad I got a deal on the rather clumsy and overpriced Iris 2…