Segment CPH has launched Palora, a polyphonic virtual-analog synthesizer for macOS and Windows. The new instrument is the first plugin from the Copenhagen-based developer and is available in VST3, AU and standalone formats.
Palora is a subtractive synthesizer designed to cover a range of electronic music sound types within a single instrument. Segment CPH describes its design as combining a straightforward workflow with features for building plucks, basses, pads, leads, keys, stabs and drones.
The instrument provides 16 voices of polyphony, with a mono mode and up to four unison copies per voice. Its sound engine includes two morphing oscillators, each able to move continuously between saw, triangle and sine waveforms, alongside pulse wave and PWM options. Additional sound sources include a sub oscillator and a per-note click layer, which can use noise, FM or a sub-body sound.
A four-pole ladder filter offers two selectable characters from the same controls. The Analog mode is described as warm and self-saturating, while the Modern mode is intended to provide a cleaner filter response. Each voice also includes its own transient shaper, allowing the attack and sustain characteristics to be adjusted independently for individual notes.
- An 11-by-24 modulation matrix with 264 simultaneous routings.
- Modulation sources including three LFOs, an additional envelope, per-note randomisation, two macros, velocity, key tracking, mod wheel and aftertouch.
- Live visual feedback for modulation routes.
- An arpeggiator and step sequencer with up to 24 steps, tempo synchronisation and swing.
Palora also includes a five-stage effects chain comprising Drive, stereo Chorus, stereo Delay, Reverb and output EQ. The Drive effect provides Warm, Soft, Hard and Wild modes, while the reverb section includes Room, Hall, Plate and Spring types.
The plugin ships with 310 factory presets, plus an Init preset. Segment CPH has grouped the supplied sounds into Pluck, Bass, Pad, Lead, Keys, Stab and Drone categories, and presets can be auditioned while browsing.
Palora uses an open, human-readable preset format intended to make it possible to create and share presets. Segment CPH states that this format can also be used by an AI assistant to generate an individual preset or a preset collection from a plain-language description. According to founder Peter Bojesen, many of the included factory presets began as AI-generated designs before being refined manually.
MIDI Learn is available for most controls, and Palora responds to MIDI velocity, mod wheel, aftertouch, pitch bend and sustain pedal data. Activation takes place offline, without an account or iLok requirement.
Palora is priced at €79. Segment CPH is offering a 40% launch reduction, bringing the price to €47.40. A full-featured 14-day trial is also available.
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