What is the problem?
There are strengths to the synth engines but also weaknesses that deserve a rework. For instance, the ACD “SH-101” engine is well buit and quite handy, the sample-based engines are quite “interesting” (GRAIN, DWA) but let’s break the ice, in most engines, the filter emulations sound quite weak to be honest (the resonance in overall sounds extremely cheap). The FM engine is dead useful for this kind of synth, but has only 2 operators 1 algorithm, hence TBH almost all the factory presets sound sonically weak compared to what FM synthesis is capable of.
What should this feature achieve?
I’d vote for improving the filters quality and add 2 operators and 3/5 algorithms ot the FM engine. The DWA engine could be slight improved to avoid “clicks” if you fuel it with samples that are a little dirty and aren’t zero-crossing on sample start/end. Some crossfading would help smooth the overall engine.
Are there any workarounds?
Post-processing the synths, sure, but let’s remember we’re buying a synth for its sound also.
Any links to related discussions?
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Any references to other products?
Check the FM engine of the Orchid, I don’t think it’s extremely complex to reproduce (it’s not the Digitone 2). It’s sonically much more impressive than the Synth.