PolyFreq has launched Phonon, its debut instrument, available as a standalone application and VST3 plugin for macOS and Windows. Designed around a precision granular engine, Phonon focuses on detailed sample reconstruction and performance-oriented sound design.
Phonon is built to function as a playable synthesiser that transforms a single audio source through granular processing. The instrument centres on synchronous granular and “graintable” synthesis, with sub-sample grain scheduling and independent control of grain rate and density. According to the developer, this approach is intended to provide controlled and repeatable timbral results across both micro and macro parameter ranges.
The granular engine provides eight voices of polyphony with up to 256 grains per voice. Users can tune pitch automatically based on root note detection or set it manually. Four keyboard follow modes are included, alongside a legato mode for monophonic performance that allows note transitions without envelope retriggering.
Additional grain controls include:
- Sub-sample precision grain scheduling
- Independent grain density and grain rate parameters
- Adjustable grain shapes ranging from smooth curves to rectangular windows for graintable-style synthesis
- Control over grain length at source or playback, with optional linking between pitch and length
- Stereo panning with randomisation or modulation options
- Crossfade between granular processing and straight sample playback
- Multiple randomisation parameters for asynchronous textures
The instrument supports drag-and-drop sample loading with automatic resampling to the host sample rate. A built-in keyboard is available in both standalone and plugin versions, and the graphical interface is resizable. In plugin mode, tempo and time signature can sync to the host, while the standalone version allows independent configuration. A beat sync option enables time-based parameters to follow tempo.
Phonon includes a flexible modulation system designed for audio-rate and grain-rate modulation. Users can assign modulation sources via drag-and-drop, with a connections list view available for detailed routing. Up to 12 modulator slots are available per patch, and modulators can be instantiated multiple times within those limits.
Available modulation sources include:
- Envelopes and LFOs
- Spline curves and step sequencer
- MIDI control with remapping
- Noise generators and sample-and-hold
- XY pad and macro controls
- Metadata modulation using sample RMS as a source
Most instrument and effect parameters can be modulated, with individual send levels and inversion options per destination.
For sound shaping, Phonon incorporates a compact effects section. This includes a saturating amplifier stage with adjustable drive, a multimode filter offering low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch responses with resonance control, and a simple reverb for spatial blending. The output stage can function as either a limiter or saturator. Metering displays true peak levels, LUFS program levels with fast and slow readings, and gain reduction amounts.
The preset system supports embedded samples, allowing sounds to be shared with associated audio content included. Each preset provides eight snapshot slots with undo and redo functionality between snapshots. Presets and preset packs can be exported for sharing.
PolyFreq founder Nick Mariette states that Phonon’s development was influenced by early granular composition and an intention to make detailed granular techniques accessible within contemporary electronic music production and sound design workflows. The instrument is designed to support applications such as time stretching, pitch shifting, rhythmic grain generation, beat reshaping, tuned granular synthesis, and broader sample-based synthesis approaches.
Phonon is available as a standalone application and VST3 plugin for Windows 10 or later, and macOS 10.13 or later with support for both Intel and Apple Silicon systems.
Phonon is available at a 33% launch discount, rising thereafter to a full price of $89.00 USD (excluding tax), €76.00 EUR (including tax), or £68.00 GBP (including tax), directly from PolyFreq.
Click here to find out more about Phonon, developed by PolyFreq.
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