WoodSynth is a synthesizer with 4 independent layers. Each layer is in fact a synthesizer on its own.
Each layer has 3 VCO’s plus a samples or wavetable based source, coming from a file or from recording the audio track.
Up to 16 voices can be set per layer.
Layers can be used in parallel, assigned to a region of the keyboard or used in a sequential mode where the first note(s) on are played by layer 1 and the next note(s) by layer 2 and so on.
This last mode allows to have a different sound per note played (and independent from a keyboard region).
WoodSynth has a polyphonic pitch-bending touch bar which also displays notes received from a keyboard.
Each layer has its own filter and envelope with ADSR per voice, a pitch shifting envelope per VCO, a delay, a basic reverb, a modulator LFO per VCO, 2 general LFO’s and a 16 steps sequencer.
Key tracking can be applied on the ADSR attack and release, on the filter cutoff and on the VCO modulation.
The app can be used stand-alone (device audio input and output) or as a plugin in a DAW.
- IOS plugin type : AUv3 and stand-alone app.
- Has 4 independent synthesizers, each with up to 16 voices.
- Supports MPE and Midi V2.
- Has a polyphonic touch bar with polyphonic pitch bending.
- Velocity, channel pressure, (polyphonic) aftertouch, CC74 can be used to modulate several synth parameters.
- VCO’s have the usual waveforms (sine, saw, square, triangle, pulse and noise) and can be modulated in various ways (FM, AM, Pulse Width, Slew rate)
- Samples can be recorded from the audio input/track or loaded from file (sample files should be in the WoodSynth iCloud folder)
- Wavetables can be loaded from file or converted from loaded or recorded samples.
- Each voice has a 4-pole Moog Lowpass filter with resonance and ADSR envelope.
- An offset can be set in the Filter cutoff for the R channel to create a stereo effect.
- Each voice has a pitch shifting ADSR envelope which can be independently enabled for each VCO.
- Has Key tracking for VCO pan, Filter cutoff, ADSR Envelope Attack and Release.
- Each layer has a delay unit (which can be separately panned) and a basic reverb.
- Each layer has a 16 steps sequencer which can run on multiple voices (poly mode).
- Each layer can set the midi channel and range of receiving midi notes (which allows for up to 4 split keyboard regions).
- Layers can be set in sequential mode : first note(s) played on layer1, next note(s) on layer2, etc.
- Layers have an additional high-pass filter saturation and crush control.
- Synth audio and delay can be panned independently.
- The 2 general LFO’s can have their source from the samples or wavetables (or track input).
- Supports Ableton Link to sync tempo and start-stop.
- Has 4 User Control rotaries which can be freely assigned.
- The User Controls can be controlled by a midi CC which can be set or learned.
- Presets can be stored in iCloud Drive (makes them available on all your devices).
- Supports CV out and Sequencer Midi out.
Imagine sitting down (preferably with your glasses on) in front of 12 scientific calculators. They can do all the maths but may be overwhelming. I’m grateful for all of the features woodman has packed into this synth and it sounds great but it needs a more logical interface (makeover). It looks good on the face of it but quickly becomes a “configuration simulator” where you often get lost within menus, looking for settings you know should exist and wonder where you need to look next and which window will be overlayed unpredictably.
Some knobs are enormous, others are miniscule! Settings hidden within unassuming sections, buried amongst dozens of parameters.
@dev, the default patch needs to be more barebones, not a filtered sine wave with custom envelope. Patch creation should always start with a raw harmonic (saw wave), no envelopes, modulations or filtering. The analog setting is nice but should not be on by default either.
You also waste a lot of space in the header, displaying the logo which could be put to better use.
My brain hurts, I’m off for a lie down before the migraine kicks in. Who knows when I’ll next dare to open this app.
Fantastic potential
Definitely not a beginner synth, the interface is a bit bewildering.
Sometimes dropdown selections work sometimes not.
Couldn’t contact app support?
Some lovely sounds but may be too much of a learning curve
My favourite synth
I have tried many, many synths, I have been searching high and low for something that does not leave me wanting - wanting to move on instead of actually making music. Finally it has arrived, “it” being Woodsynth! There’s a lot of talk about other synths and I think to myself why isn’t everyone talking about this one? Still, on the bright side (albeit rather selfishly) it feels that bit more like my synth. Thank you Woodman’s you are the best, I mean that most sincerely indeed.
So I've had this for a while....
And wow, I've only just realised how great this thing is. I make boombap/lo-fi type tracks so this is great for stacking samples, only problem is, it's glitchy at times.
If the app wasn't glitchy it would be a 5 star review.
promising start
I like synths that have the possibility of a soulful and fairly vintage sound with varying levels of complexity achieved through multiple layers or modulations. Woodsynth seems to provide that, and the addition of in app sampled or imported audio files (of a very limited length) adds further to the sonic possibilties.
Aside from that it’s fairly standard fare with respect to oscillator types, envelopes, LFOs and fx. But having 4 layers, each capable of up to four oscillators (3 plus sample) does allow for some great sonic potential. Factor in the in built sequencer and arpeggiator then things go even further.
As it’s version 1 it feels like there’s some way to go before the experience is fully refined - the interface is a little cramped and quirky with tabs along the bottom triggering new windows in inconsistent positions above which can be frustrating. The delay and reverb are serviceable - but the fact that they work independently in each layer, as well as independent LFOs/filters etc. means that a lot of sonic possibllties are there. Some more filter types might be added hopefully.
More interaction between layers seems like a thing that’s missing making it feel like four instances of one synth rather than one synth with four components, but hopefully this will change.
Nevertheless I’m enjoying making music with this, which is the important thing.
hence I look forward to seeing this synth evolve.
