Oli Larkin - Kasio-M4L

When Oli Larkin wanted to design a software version of one of his favorite vintage digital synths, Max for Live was the obvious choice.

“Max4Live allowed me to develop something relatively quickly, that has a smart interface and is ready to use in productions straight away,” Oli explains. At the same time, the deeper capabilities of Max let Oli fine-tune Kasio-M4L. “Max allows you to go very deep if you want to,” he says. “Being able to use my own C++ externals [low-level code within Max/MSP] for aspects of the synth is one thing that really appeals to me.”

A new take on a Klassic

Like its namesake CZ-series synths, Kasio-M4L uses Phase Distortion synthesis - in which the phase of a sine wave is modified in various ways to produce new waveforms. Kasio-M4L builds on its digital legacy, producing plastic basses, sharp bell-like timbres and shimmering resonant pads. Utilizing two CZ-style oscillators, ring modulation, three Envelope Generators and an LFO, a wide variety of timbres are possible. Kasio-M4L serves to bring the classic sounds of Phase Distortion to all Max for Live users.

Using Kasio-M4L

Kasio-M4L comes with 32 presets inspired by the original CZ-synths. All controls are laid out on one easy-to-use panel for instant tweaking. Select from eight CZ waveforms for each oscillator in the “Wave” section. Different waveforms can be set for each alternating cycle; the second oscillator can also be detuned and mixed as a ring modulator signal. The ADSR Envelope Generator sections control amplitude, pitch and the all-important DCW (digitally controlled wave-shaping) which varies the amount of phase distortion. Vibrato is controlled via the LFO section.

Kasio-M4L is available as a free download with accompanying Live Set for all owners of Max for Live. Kasio-M4L requires Ableton Live 8.2.6 or higher - Live 8 owners can download the latest version of Live 8 for free here

 

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