GForce Software impOSCar3 is a virtual synthesizer plugin that faithfully emulates and expands upon the iconic OSCar synthesizer from the 1980s. This third iteration of the impOSCar series brings significant improvements and new features to the table, making it a powerful tool for modern music production while retaining the essence of the original hardware. The plugin combines digital oscillators with analog-modeled filters, offering a unique hybrid architecture that allows for a wide range of sonic possibilities. impOSCar3 introduces a fully editable wavetable oscillator with 256 steps, greatly expanding its sound design capabilities. The user interface has been completely overhauled, featuring a fully scalable design that maintains the distinctive black aesthetic of the original OSCar. With over 1800 presets, including 450 new ones, impOSCar3 provides an extensive library of sounds to inspire creativity and serve as starting points for further sound design.
Pros:
• Authentic emulation of the OSCar synthesizer with expanded features
• Fully editable wavetable oscillator with 256 steps
• Scalable, modernized user interface
• Extensive preset library with over 1800 patches
• Powerful modulation options, including a user-designable LFO editor
Cons:
• Learning curve may be steep for users unfamiliar with the original OSCar
• Some users might find the interface cluttered due to the numerous controls
The impOSCar3 boasts an impressive array of features that build upon the foundation of its predecessors. At its core are the digital oscillators that faithfully recreate the sound of the original OSCar. These are complemented by the new wavetable oscillator, which allows users to select from over 150 preset wavetables or create their own. The wavetable editor provides the ability to draw waveforms or edit them as partials across 256 steps, offering unprecedented control over the oscillator’s timbre.
The plugin’s filter section remains a standout feature, with nine different filter modes including various combinations of low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass configurations in 2-pole or 4-pole variants. The filter’s character is a key component of impOSCar3’s sound, providing warmth and richness that blends seamlessly with the digital precision of the oscillators.
Modulation capabilities have been significantly enhanced in this version. The new user LFO editor allows for the creation of custom LFO shapes, which can be used to modulate various parameters within the synth. This feature, combined with the existing modulation matrix, opens up new avenues for creating evolving and dynamic sounds.
The impOSCar3 also introduces four programmable macros, each of which can be assigned to control multiple parameters simultaneously. This feature streamlines the process of making sweeping changes to a patch and enhances live performance capabilities.
The effects section has been expanded with the addition of a new reverb algorithm, complementing the existing chorus and delay effects. These built-in effects allow users to add space and dimension to their sounds without relying on external plugins.
The preset browser has been completely redesigned, making it easier to navigate through the vast library of sounds. Presets can be quickly filtered by collection, category, type, and timbre, allowing users to find the perfect starting point for their productions.
Other notable features include a chord mode, an arpeggiator, mono and poly unison modes with stereo spread options, and a ring modulator. The plugin also offers programmable velocity responses and aftertouch support, providing expressive control over sounds.
When compared to similar plugins, impOSCar3 stands out for its unique combination of digital precision and analog warmth. While there are many virtual analog synthesizers on the market, few offer the specific character of the OSCar. Plugins like u-he’s Diva or Arturia’s collection of classic synth emulations might offer similar analog-style sounds, but impOSCar3’s hybrid architecture and distinctive filter characteristics give it a unique place in the virtual instrument landscape.
The addition of wavetable synthesis puts impOSCar3 in competition with more modern wavetable synths like Xfer’s Serum or Native Instruments’ Massive X. However, impOSCar3 differentiates itself by combining this modern synthesis technique with its classic analog-modeled elements, offering a blend of vintage and contemporary sounds that is hard to find elsewhere.
This plugin is best for:
• Producers seeking authentic 80s synth sounds with modern flexibility
• Sound designers looking for a unique hybrid synthesizer
• Musicians who appreciate the OSCar’s legacy and want to explore its capabilities in a modern context
• Electronic music producers requiring fat basses, cutting leads, and evolving pads
GForce Software impOSCar3 is a remarkable evolution of an already respected virtual instrument. It successfully bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern functionality, offering an expansive sound palette that caters to both nostalgic synthesizer enthusiasts and forward-thinking producers. The addition of wavetable synthesis and enhanced modulation options significantly broadens its sonic capabilities, while the improved user interface makes navigating its complex feature set more intuitive. Despite a potentially steep learning curve for newcomers, the vast preset library provides an excellent starting point for exploring the synth’s potential. While it may not be the most straightforward option for beginners, impOSCar3 rewards dedicated users with a depth of sound and flexibility that few other plugins can match. Its unique character and versatility make it a valuable tool for any electronic music production setup, capable of producing everything from authentic 80s tones to cutting-edge contemporary sounds.