Tassman 4 Sound Synthesis Studio
By AAS
AU, VST, RTAS (Mac/Win)
Download the demo version: OSX : XP/Vista/7
$349 Tassman
$349 Tassman
DETAILS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS DEMOS REVIEWS
The Tassman is a modular instrument and sound design environment based
on
physical modeling .
Physical Modeling: An Overview
Physical Modeling is a uniquely powerful synthesis technique, which uses the laws of physics to reproduce the behavior of an object. In other words the Tassman solves, in real time, mathematical equations describing how an object functions. It uses no sampling, it simply calculates the sound as you play in accordance to the controls it receives.
This is a very general and powerful approach since the result is obtained by reproducing how an object creates sound rather than trying to reproduce the sound signal itself using wavetables, additive synthesis, samples, etc. This implies that a module can generate very different sounds depending on the driving signals it receives. For example, different sounds will be made by a plate of a given geometry and material, depending on the strength of the mallet impact and its impact point. It will behave differently again if you hit the plate when it is at rest or when it is already in motion. Physical modeling takes all these parameters into account naturally since it reproduces the behavior of the real object. This results in very natural and realistic sounds and reproduces the control you would expect from real acoustic instruments, as well as the warmth of real analog circuits.
Whether you are new to the world of synths and sound design,
or a seasoned industry professional, the Tassman offers virtually endless
creative possibilities, in an intuitive, easy to use environment. From unrivaled recreations of analog and acoustic instruments, to wildly
adventurous cinematic textures, the Tassman puts the shape of sound design in
your hands. Far from being an emulation of any one vintage synthesizer, the Tassman is
in fact an ever expanding collection of instruments and sound design tools,
sure to provide inspiration for virtually any project.
Inspiration on Demand: Synths and Presets
The Tassman provides you with a collection of 50 pre-patched instruments,
and over 1000 presets right out of the box. You' ll find all the classic
analog and FM instrument emulations you'd expect in a modular synthesis
solution, staggeringly realistic acoustic instruments including various
drums and chromatic percussion, string instuments of all shapes and sizes,
an electric piano, tonewheel and pipe based organs, and more, complete
with the nuances and subtlties that would be simply unattainable with
a sample based solution. Add to this instruments which allow you to import
your own samples and utilize them as you would any of the other tone generators,
and unique hybrid constructions which combine these various elements,
and the possibilities are truely endless.
Standard Features
Core processing engine has been re-written from the ground up for greater
performance and sound quality
Browser, Builder, and Player now integrated into a single window
Resizable window with horizontal and vertical scroll bars for easy navigation
Redesigned, colour coded Builder interface
50 all new instruments covering the full range of analog, acoustic,
and hybrid constructions, with over 1000 presets.
Integrated browser for drag and drop access to all neccessary tools
including instruments, sub-patches, presets, modules, and MIDI maps
MIDI Learn / Forget for all on-screen controls
Save multiple MIDI maps for each instrument
Support for aftertouch from keyboards with this functionality
Import and Export Instruments with all associated presets and sub-patches
as a single file for easy exchange with other users and archiving
Many new modules including new control elements, envelopes with modulation
input for each stage, 3 new sequencers, filters, FX, and much more
New in Version 4
Output Stage
The new Output Stage includes sync-to-host capability, tempo synced ping-pong delay, first-class reverbs, and an audio recorder. While providing instant control over the playback and recording of your performances, the Output Stage also adds depth, warmth and dimension to any synth.
Performance Mode
Performances provide instant access to your sounds by combining a synth, a preset, effects and MIDI maps. For quick and easy access, you can organize performances by style, by type or even by venues.
Expanded Library
A fantastic new collection of synthesizers and effects created by top sound designers from ILIO and AAS. Their focus has been on the creation of highly usable sounds for musicians and studio professionals that exploit the unique architecture of Tassman.
Audio Input Processing
The Tassman can now be used as a real time audio effects processor! For instance, acoustic resonators can be used to add unique textures to your sound. Use it as an effect plugin with your favorite host application.
Improved Algorithms
Improved acoustic objects and generators that sound better than ever.
Tassman 4 Highlights
Polyphonic modular synthesizer and sound design environment
Entirely based on physical modeling for outstanding sound quality
Huge synth and effect library - more than 50 synths and 1000 presets
Modules library for customizing or creating synths - effects, envelopes, filters, generators, inputs, outputs, MIDI, logic, mixers, resonators, selectors and sequencers.
Click here for the complete list
Generators and resonators include acoustical objects - flute, mallets, organ, plectrum, beams, marimbas, membranes, plates, strings and tubes
User expandable module library - reuse, organize and simplify patch building
Unlimited modules per patch
Internal audio recorder to capture performances on the fly
Integrated browser, browser filters and locate function for easy navigation and organization of Tassman elements.
Triggered playback and record for perfect loops
Import/Export functions for easy sharing of synths and effects
Unlimited Undo/Redo capability
Drag and Drop capability between Tassman elements
Audio bit-depth and sample rates up to 24bit/192kHz
32bit floating point internal processing
Real time calculation of sound - no samples
Simultaneous operation of multiple MIDI ports and user defined MIDI maps
MIDI automation and program change support
Supports all standard plugin formats
Full audio and MIDI hardware support
Standalone operation - no host application required
Quick FAQ
Upgrade Price Compatibility Copy protection
Minimum system requirements:
Mac: Intel Core Solo 1.5GHz or 866MHz Power Macintosh G4 with 512MB of RAM, Mac OS X 10.4.11 or later, 1024x768 video.Windows: Pentium III 1GHz / Athlon™XP 1GHz with 512MB of RAM, Windows XP, 1024x768 video.
Supported Formats : AU, VST, RTAS (Mac/Win)
Michael Herberger, Naidoo-Herberger Produktion
“I'm re-discovering Tassman and it's just great—the sound is so unique. I've used it on nearly every demos for our next album.”
MM Musikermagasinet
“It's very convenient to build a nice sounding instruments with the components of Tassman 4. But if you prefer to start off with a preset and adjust it to your own liking, Tassman will definitely do the job. The Physical Modeling at the basis of Tassman also helps making this software a synth that is out of the ordinary—sound wise, there's nothing quite like it on the market.”
Dennis Miller, Electronic Musician
“Tassman 4 retains its position as the top modeling program around.”
“There's no soft synth on the market today that has as many unique sonic building blocks as Tassman, and the range of possibilities it offers is awesome.”
Martin Walker, Sound On Sound
“Tassman v4.0 adds a rich layer of sophistication to its sounds, while its much larger library proves just how capable the AAS analogue- and physical-modelling modules really are.”
Cliff Douse, Mac Format
“Overall, Tassman 4 is an exceptional music software package offering the user a fantastic selection of instruments and effects, and the capability of making new ones. It's a synthesist's dream!”
“A really powerful music tool. Essential for any composer who wants to get the most out of software synthesis.”
Computer Music
“Tassman has always been one of the easiest modular synthesizers to use, and it loses none of its user friendliness with this update.”
“Tassman has always been one of the easiest modular synthesizers to use, and it loses none of its user friendliness with this update.”
“The results were terrific. Tassman's compliment of filters, resonant tubes and effects made for some serious loop mangling which will definitely find favour with fans of avant garde or IDM styles. If drums amazed, then guitars astounted. You'll find Tassman 4 to be an ideal tool for guitar treatments.”
Alex Reynolds, Grooves
“Tassman 4 not only preserves but also expands upon the power and versatility of its predecessor, remaining an enjoyable sound design tool that amply rewards its user's experimentation and creativity. It's learning curve is still friendlier than Max/MSP while providing the same basic functionality, and its physical modeling features set it apart from the rest of the soft-synth crowd.”
Keith Gemmell, Music Tech
“Tassman 4 is a very powerful piece of kit—in the true sense of the word. Being able to choose and configure so many modules is an experienced synthesist's dream and if you follow the tutorials, it's an excellent way for beginners to learn the basics of the craft as well. What's more, with so many new Performance presets now included, you can produce rich and complex sounds very quickly. But the real pleasure of owning and using an instrument like Tassman is in the creative possibilities it offers.”
Muzyk FCM
“Tassman captivates by its sound. The included acoustic models are excellently worked out and so allow to get really faithful and dynamic sounds. The analog instruments also sound great, warm but selectively (maybe a little less "plush" than the competition, but thanks to that—different). Worth using are also all kinds of sound effects useful in electronic and film music. Aside from instruments with Tassman we get a wide set of effects and great creation possibilities. The way of creation instruments and sounds is very transparent and intuitive, so even beginners shouldn't have problems with it.”
John McJunkin, Remix
“There's a warmth and fullness here that some other products just don't have... If you have the need for a powerful yet simple way to create a huge diversity of sounds, musical or otherwise, I strongly recommend Tassman.”
Dennis Miller, Electronic Musician
“Tassman 3.02 is a unique program that can provide a huge range of unusual sounds. Any composer or sound designer would appreciate the high quality of its models and the extensive tweaking opportunities it provides, and if you're an instrumentalist, you might consider using it for your next gig. If you have any interest in physical modeling, Tassman is the place to start.”
Ian Waugh, Music Tech
“The sound quality of the software is nothing short of excellent.”
“The supplied instruments and presets are impressive and the Player interface is a delight to use.”
Jessy Terry, XLR8R
“The perfect Modular.”
“Tassman is a synth lover's wet dream: a physical modeling modular synthesizer.”
“Overall, a very cool plug-in for those in need of highly realistic sounds.”
Martin Walker, Sound On Sound
“(...) anyone considering buying a modular software synth would be well advised to investigate Tassman 3.0's unique combination of physical and analogue modelling, especially now it's available for Mac for the first time, since there's nothing else quite like it. It certainly gets a thumbs up from me!”
Future Music
“Tassman 3 works beautifully on a variety of levels. It's accessible enough to offer something to the beginner, yet has a degree of depth that will satiate the demands of the ardent fan!”
Alex Reynolds, Grooves
“In sum, this is one amazingly powerful and verstaile sound tool (...). Instant fun results from tying (the module controls) to modulation objects or controllers while a sound is being generated in real time. It is this sense of play-of immediately rewarding your experiments-that makes Tassman such a thrill to use, and such an inimitable piece of software.”
Computer Music
“Tassman can go just about as deep as you want it to go...its analogue timbres are staggeringly authentic, and it is easier to program than Reaktor.”
“VERDICT: Excellent sounds and lots of them.”
Computer Music, Virtual Instrument Special
“Tassman 2 is an exeptional instrument. It sounds great, it's surprisingly easy to use, and it's exceptionally vesatile.”
Scot Solida, Grooves
“(...) the Tassman is very nearly the be-all and end-all of soft synths.”
Bill Stunt, Recording
“Bottom line, this instrument is a lot of fun to play with. The multiple function nature—plug-in, standalone, or sequencer based soft-synth—really extends its value as a useable and useful tool.”
Jim Aikin, Keyboard
“Physical modeling algorithms have been around for a few years, but Tassman is the first program that I know of that puts physical modeling, in a design-it-yourself modular synth environment.”
“Tassman performs well. It's best modules are in the physical modeling area: They can produce some evocative, detailed sounds, and there's nothing else on the market quite like them.”
