Soundyan has launched version 1.3 of Interstellar Waterphone, a sampled virtual instrument based on three hand-made waterphones. The update introduces disk streaming, a redesigned interface and new built-in effects, and is available as a free upgrade for registered owners of versions 1.0 through 1.2.
Interstellar Waterphone is based on recordings of waterphones built in Soundyan’s workshop by developer Sławek Janus. Waterphones are metal acoustic instruments known for sustained tones, unusual harmonics and microtonal movement, and have been used in science-fiction and horror soundtracks. The instrument includes six sound banks recorded with multiple microphones and dynamic layers, using 24-bit stereo samples with an average duration of about 30 seconds.
Version 1.3 changes the sample engine to stream samples from disk. According to Soundyan, this reduces RAM usage and shortens loading times. The update also introduces a redesigned user interface with an updated Virtual Bow controller, envelope display and level meters.
The Virtual Bow allows users to drag across the instrument’s rods to simulate bowing. Its controls include steps, offset, velocity and randomness, and it can be used to create cascades of waterphone sounds. The instrument can also be played chromatically from a keyboard across an extended range.
- ADSR envelope, sample-start offset, high-pass and low-pass filters, pitch-wheel range, and A4 tuning controls.
- Built-in delay, shimmer reverb and limiter effects, using effects also planned for Soundyan’s Hyperstellar FX.
- MIDI Learn support for effect controls.
- MTS-ESP compatibility for dynamic microtonal tuning through ODDSOUND’s MTS-ESP system.
The update includes stability fixes and retains compatibility with existing version 1.2.2 sessions, presets and automation. Soundyan states that projects and automation created in version 1.2.2 will open unchanged in version 1.3.
A planned free version 1.4 update is set to add factory presets using all six sound banks, including natural room treatments, cinematic drones and science-fiction-oriented textures. Soundyan also plans to add a preset browser within the plugin window.
Interstellar Waterphone is available in VST3, AU and standalone formats for macOS and Windows. System requirements include macOS 10.13 or later, or 64-bit Windows 7 or later, with 2 GB of disk space and 4 GB of RAM. A time-limited demo is available with two playable sound sets, while some sound banks remain locked. The full version is activated with a licence inside the plugin.
Soundyan notes that the Windows installer is code-signed, though Microsoft SmartScreen may display a warning because the signing certificate is new. The developer provides installation guidance through its online help documentation.
Interstellar Waterphone version 1.3 is available for $24.50, reduced from $49, until October 20, 2026. The update is free for owners of versions 1.0 through 1.2.
Set a dev alert for Soundyan.
AI assisted with marketing / written content
Let us know what you think!
We’d love to hear your thoughts about this news. Please leave a message in the comments section below.
