SpectMorph is a cross-platform, realtime, modular, mono (not stereo), mono-polyphonic morphing synthesizer created by Stefan Westerfeld. It utilizes native-format samples, such as flute, synth or oboe for morphing in various ways, and as of version 0.5.0, can also integrate user audio files as sound sources (see video link below for tutorial). SpectMorph can run as a standalone instrument (runs as a JACK client) as well as an LV2 or VST plug-in within a DAW. The screenshots above are of version 0.5.0. Some GNU/linux audio-production distros such as LibraZiK include SpectMorph in its repositories.
For distros that do not include SpectMorph, the SpectMorph website (link below) provides a link to download the synth, as well as the 'instrument' package (called an 'index') with fourteen readable samples ready for loading into the synth. To use SpectMorph, you will need to make a folder called .spectmorph in your home directory, download the instrument package (66MB) to this new folder and extract it. When an instance of SpectMorph is started, the instrument index must be loaded (in the 'file' dropdown menu). The 'Global Instrument Settings' area at the bottom of the GUI will indicate if the instrument set has been loaded correctly.
SpectMorph offers several 'templates' (linear with LFO, linear with GUI, etc). Being modular, however, it is possible to add additional modules (called 'operators') to any template. The templates provide an initial set of operators for morphing between any loaded sound samples. Morphing can be done using the LFOs, the GUI sliders and the X-Y grids. Operator sources in the 'Add Operator' dropdown menu include: (Instrument) source, Wav source, LFO, Linear Morph, Grid Morph and LFO.
SpectMorph also provides a variety of additional sonic controls, such as ADSR-type envelope control with skip control, velocity sensitivity, unison and detuning, monophonic mode (with portamento control), vibrato (with depth, frequency and attack control) and master volume. The VST plug-in also allows limited host MIDI-CC control. Two very unique, additional features are provided: Sine Synthesis and Noise Synthesis. SpectMorph handles its audio sources (waves) as a mix of noise and a summation of sine waves. (think Fourier) As such, SpectMorph will reproduce the 'whole' sample when these two options are selected. In order to hear only the summed sinewaves, select only the Sine Synthesis button. To hear only the noise artifacts of the currently used waves, select only the Noise Synthesis Button.
As of version 0.5.0, SpectMorph now includes an Instrument Editor for transforming audio files into native SpectMorph soundfiles. (File formats that can be used include: .wav, .flac, .ogg and .aiff.) A useful video tutorial is provided at the SpectMorph.org website: HERE.
My rolling SpectMorph preset bank: SpectMorph Presets -Updated Nov. 07, 2017
