Minimal Audio Current is a cutting-edge wavetable synthesizer plugin that has been making waves in the music production community since its release. This virtual instrument combines the power of wavetable synthesis with an intuitive interface, offering producers and sound designers a versatile tool for creating a wide range of sounds, from lush pads to gritty basses and everything in between.
At its core, Current features four oscillators, each capable of loading custom wavetables or utilizing the extensive built-in library. The synth’s architecture allows for complex sound sculpting through its advanced modulation matrix, flexible routing options, and an array of high-quality effects. The visual interface is sleek and modern, with a dark color scheme that’s easy on the eyes during extended production sessions. The layout is logical and well-organized, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced synthesists.
Pros:
• Exceptional sound quality with a rich, full-bodied character
• Intuitive and visually appealing interface that balances depth with accessibility
• Powerful and flexible modulation system for creating complex, evolving sounds
• Extensive library of high-quality presets and wavetables
• CPU-efficient, even when running multiple instances
• Advanced wavetable editor for creating custom waveforms
Cons:
• Steep learning curve for beginners due to the extensive feature set
• Limited documentation for some of the more advanced features
• Relatively high price point compared to some competitors
Minimal Audio, the company behind Current, is a relatively new player in the music software industry. The company has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to software instrument design. Their philosophy centers around creating powerful tools that don’t overwhelm users with unnecessary complexity. Current is their flagship product, and it embodies this ethos perfectly, offering deep sound design capabilities without sacrificing user-friendliness.
Current’s standout feature is undoubtedly its wavetable editor. Unlike many synthesizers that offer only pre-made wavetables, Current allows users to create and edit their own. This level of customization opens up a world of sonic possibilities, enabling producers to craft truly unique sounds from the ground up. The editor is visual and intuitive, featuring a variety of tools for manipulating waveforms, including drawing, smoothing, and applying mathematical functions. This feature sets Current apart from many of its competitors and gives sound designers unprecedented control over their sonic palette.
The synth offers a vast array of modulation sources and destinations, all easily accessible through a clear and logical matrix. This system allows for intricate, evolving sounds that can breathe life into any production. From subtle variations to wild, experimental textures, the modulation capabilities of Current are truly impressive. The visual feedback provided by the modulation system is particularly noteworthy, allowing users to see exactly how each parameter is being affected in real-time.
The effects section in Current deserves special mention. It includes a comprehensive suite of high-quality processors, including reverb, delay, distortion, compression, and more. These effects are not mere afterthoughts but integral parts of the sound design process. They can be routed flexibly within the signal path, allowing for creative sound shaping at every stage of synthesis. The quality of these effects is on par with many dedicated effects plugins, adding significant value to the overall package.
The user interface of Current strikes a balance between aesthetics and functionality. The dark color scheme is easy on the eyes during long sessions, and the layout is logical and intuitive. Visual feedback is provided for most parameters, making it easy to understand how different elements of a patch interact. The modulation system, in particular, benefits from clear visual representation, with color-coded connections and real-time animation of modulated parameters.
Current’s filter section is another highlight. It offers a wide variety of filter types, each with its own distinct character. From smooth, analog-style lowpass filters to more exotic formant and comb filters, Current provides the tools to shape your sound precisely. The filters respond well to modulation, allowing for expressive, dynamic sounds that evolve over time.
Current’s sonic character is noteworthy. It can produce everything from warm, analog-style basses to crisp, digital leads and ethereal pads. The oscillators have a clarity and presence that cut through a mix without sounding harsh. The ability to stack and detune oscillators allows for thick, rich sounds that can fill out a mix or stand on their own. The synth excels at creating complex, evolving textures that can add depth and interest to any production.
The preset library deserves praise for its diversity and quality. It covers a wide range of genres and styles, providing instant inspiration for producers. The presets are well-organized and easily searchable, making it simple to find the right sound quickly. However, the real strength of Current lies in its sound design capabilities. The synth encourages experimentation, and even novice users can quickly create complex, evolving sounds that would be difficult to achieve with many other instruments.
In terms of value for money, Current stands out in a crowded market. While it’s not the cheapest option available, the depth of its features and the quality of its sound justify its price point. Regular updates and an expanding library of presets and wavetables add to its long-term value, making it a solid investment for any serious producer. The inclusion of the advanced wavetable editor and high-quality effects further enhances its value proposition.
Comparing Current to similar products, it holds its own against established players like Serum and Massive X. While these synths have their strengths, Current’s combination of powerful features and user-friendly interface gives it a unique edge. Its wavetable editing capabilities are more advanced than many competitors, and its modulation system is among the most flexible in its class. However, Serum still has an advantage in terms of its larger user base and more extensive third-party preset libraries. Massive X, on the other hand, offers a different approach to synthesis that some users might prefer.
Who would benefit most from this product:
• Electronic music producers looking for a versatile, high-quality synth
• Sound designers seeking deep control over their sonic creations
• Film and game composers needing a wide palette of textures and atmospheres
• Producers who value an intuitive workflow without sacrificing depth
• Synthesizer enthusiasts interested in exploring wavetable synthesis
• Musicians looking to create unique, custom sounds
Current is a powerful, versatile synthesizer that offers exceptional sound quality and deep sound design capabilities in a user-friendly package. Its innovative features, such as the advanced wavetable editor and flexible modulation system, set it apart in a crowded market. While it may have a learning curve for beginners, the payoff in terms of sonic possibilities is well worth the effort. For producers and sound designers looking for a synth that can handle everything from basic sounds to complex, evolving textures, Current is an excellent choice that offers great value for money.