Klevgrand Tomofon is a unique virtual instrument that blends elements of sampling, wavetable synthesis, and audio manipulation. At its core is an innovative “Audio Model” engine that analyzes imported audio files, slices them into small chunks, and maps them across pitch zones to create playable instruments. This approach allows users to transform any audio source into rich, evolving synth sounds with a distinctive character. Tomofon excels at creating evolving pads, atmospheric textures, and unique hybrid sounds that blur the line between samples and synthesis. Its ability to extract the “essence” of source audio and repurpose it in musical ways sets it apart from traditional samplers or wavetable synths. While it may have a learning curve for some users, Tomofon rewards experimentation with a vast palette of expressive and often surprising sounds.
Pros:
• Innovative Audio Model engine offers a fresh approach to sound design
• Ability to import and manipulate user samples for endless sonic possibilities
• Intuitive interface with powerful modulation and editing tools
• High-quality built-in effects enhance the core sounds
• Capable of producing rich, evolving textures and unique hybrid tones
Cons:
• Learning curve may be steep for users unfamiliar with advanced synthesis concepts
• Limited to a single filter type (low-pass)
• Some users report occasional unpredictable results with certain audio sources
Tomofon’s Audio Model engine forms the heart of the instrument. This technology analyzes imported audio files, extracting individual waveforms and mapping them across pitch zones. The result is a hybrid between sampling and wavetable synthesis, allowing for smooth morphing between different timbres as you play across the keyboard or modulate the “depth” parameter.
Users can import their own audio or work with the included library of Audio Models covering a range of instruments and textures. Tomofon offers four independent voices, each with its own set of envelopes for controlling gain, depth (wavetable position), pitch, and filter cutoff. A modulation matrix, LFOs, and effects like reverb and delay provide further sound design possibilities.
The plugin offers four independent polyphonic voices, each with its own set of envelopes for controlling gain, depth (wavetable position), pitch, and filter cutoff. These envelopes feature an always-looping sustain stage, which can create interesting LFO-like effects. The low-pass resonant ladder filter, while limited to a single type, can be modulated for classic synth-style sweeps and movement.
A modulation matrix allows users to route velocity, key tracking, and two assignable control inputs to various parameters. Two LFOs, including a sample & hold option for randomization, provide additional modulation sources. The built-in effects section includes a reverb, delay, and master EQ for further sound shaping.
Tomofon’s sample import and editing capabilities are particularly powerful. Users can drag and drop audio files into the editor, where they are analyzed and mapped to pitch zones. The editor provides tools for remapping zones, normalizing, smoothing, and cleaning up the resulting wavetables. A curve editor allows fine-tuning of how each pitch zone moves through its tables.
One of Tomofon’s most interesting features is the ability to merge multiple audio files, creating complex hybrid sounds that blend elements from different sources. This can lead to rich, cinematic textures and entirely new instruments.
The plugin comes with a substantial library of pre-sliced Audio Models and over 180 presets, providing a solid starting point for exploration. However, the real magic happens when users begin importing their own samples and experimenting with the Audio Model creation process.
Tomofon occupies a unique space between traditional samplers, wavetable synths, and more experimental sound design tools. While it shares some DNA with granular synthesis plugins, its approach to slicing and remapping audio is distinct. Compared to conventional samplers like Kontakt or HALion, Tomofon offers a much more transformative approach to working with audio sources. Instead of simply playing back samples at different pitches, it creates entirely new instruments from the source material. In the wavetable synthesis realm, plugins like Serum or Vital allow users to import audio as wavetables, but Tomofon’s automatic pitch zone mapping and ability to blend multiple sources set it apart. The resulting sounds often have a more organic, evolving quality compared to traditional wavetable synths. Tomofon’s closest relatives might be found in the world of spectral processing or plugins that use machine learning for audio manipulation. However, its focus on creating playable instruments rather than pure effects gives it a unique position in the plugin landscape.
This plugin is best for:
• Sound designers seeking new and unusual textures
• Producers looking to create evolving pads and atmospheric sounds
• Musicians who want to transform their own audio recordings into playable instruments
• Electronic music composers interested in blending sampling and synthesis techniques
• Film and game composers in need of unique, evolving soundscapes
Klevgrand Tomofon represents a bold step forward in virtual instrument design, offering a fresh approach to sound creation that blends familiar concepts with innovative technology. Its Audio Model engine opens up new possibilities for transforming any audio source into rich, playable instruments with a distinctive character. The plugin’s strengths lie in its ability to create evolving, atmospheric sounds and unique hybrid tones that defy easy categorization. The intuitive interface and powerful modulation options make it accessible to a wide range of users, from curious beginners to seasoned sound designers. While there is a learning curve to fully harness Tomofon’s potential, the results can be truly inspiring and unlike anything achievable with more conventional instruments. Tomofon excels at producing lush pads, cinematic textures, and expressive lead sounds that morph and evolve in organic ways. Its sample import and editing capabilities encourage experimentation and can breathe new life into existing sound libraries or field recordings. The built-in effects and modulation options further expand the sonic possibilities, allowing users to craft complex, layered sounds within a single instance of the plugin. For those willing to invest time in exploring its capabilities, Tomofon offers a vast playground for sonic creativity and the potential to discover entirely new timbres and textures.