Tracktion Horizen is a powerful and versatile virtual instrument that combines multiple synthesis engines with advanced modulation capabilities. This 10-voice architecture allows users to blend four sample engines with four dual oscillator/wavetable synth voices and two loop players, providing a vast sonic palette for sound designers and music producers. Horizen boasts an extensive library of over 850 preset voices, covering a wide range of musical genres and cinematic soundscapes. The instrument’s intuitive interface features a central modulation panel, where users can easily assign and manipulate up to six LFOs to various parameters throughout the synth. Horizen also includes 18 high-quality effects, a comprehensive arpeggiator, and a chord player, making it a comprehensive tool for complex sound design and performance. With its ability to load user samples and loops, Horizen offers endless possibilities for creative sound manipulation and production.
Pros:
• Versatile 10-voice architecture combining samplers, synths, and loop players
• Intuitive drag-and-drop modulation system with customizable LFO shapes
• High-quality onboard effects reduce reliance on third-party plugins
• Extensive preset library covering various musical genres and cinematic sounds
• Ability to load user samples and loops for expanded sound design options
Cons:
• Steep learning curve due to the complexity of features and modulation options
• Resource-intensive, potentially requiring a powerful computer for optimal performance
Tracktion Horizen’s feature set is both comprehensive and impressive, catering to a wide range of sound design and music production needs. At its core, the instrument’s 10-voice architecture provides a flexible foundation for creating complex and layered sounds. The four sample engines allow users to incorporate their own audio samples or utilize the extensive preset library, while the four dual oscillator/wavetable synth voices offer classic subtractive synthesis and modern wavetable capabilities. The addition of two loop players further expands the sonic possibilities, enabling users to integrate rhythmic elements and textures seamlessly into their patches.
The modulation system in Horizen is particularly noteworthy, featuring a central panel where users can easily assign and manipulate up to six LFOs. These modulators can be applied to various parameters throughout the instrument, allowing for intricate and evolving sound designs. The ability to create custom LFO shapes adds another layer of flexibility, enabling users to craft unique modulation patterns tailored to their specific needs.
Horizen’s arpeggiator and chord player functions enhance its performance capabilities. The arpeggiator offers adjustable steps, swing, tempo sync, and octave movement, with per-step control over velocity, note length, and pitch. The chord player provides 16 MIDI keys that can trigger various chord types based on user-defined root notes and octave ranges, making complex harmonic progressions easily accessible.
The instrument’s effects section is equally impressive, featuring 18 high-quality processors divided into send and master effects. This comprehensive effects suite allows users to shape and polish their sounds without relying heavily on external plugins. The modular routing system for these effects provides additional flexibility, with each voice having four dedicated sends that can be modulated independently.
Horizen’s sample and loop handling capabilities are particularly user-friendly. The drag-and-drop functionality allows users to easily incorporate their own audio files directly into the instrument. Additionally, the loop browser feature enables users to set up their own custom library, streamlining the process of accessing and utilizing their existing loop collections within Horizen.
The instrument’s interface is designed for efficiency and creativity, with a browser-based system for managing presets and user favorites. The XY pad with user-definable targets provides an intuitive way to control multiple parameters simultaneously, adding a tactile element to sound manipulation.
When compared to similar plugins, Tracktion Horizen stands out for its comprehensive approach to sound design and synthesis. While instruments like Native Instruments Kontakt excel in sample-based synthesis and Spectrasonics Omnisphere is renowned for its vast sound library and powerful synthesis engine, Horizen bridges the gap between these approaches. It offers a more integrated experience, combining sampling, synthesis, and loop playback within a single interface. Horizen’s modulation system is reminiscent of modular synthesizers, offering a level of flexibility similar to instruments like VCV Rack or Softube Modular. However, Horizen presents this complexity in a more accessible package, making advanced modulation techniques available to users who might be intimidated by fully modular systems. In terms of cinematic sound design, Horizen competes with specialized tools like Output’s Arcade or Heavyocity’s Gravity. While these instruments may offer more focused libraries for specific genres or applications, Horizen’s versatility allows it to cover a broader range of sonic territories.
This plugin is best for:
• Sound designers seeking a versatile tool for creating complex, evolving textures
• Film and game composers requiring a wide palette of cinematic sounds
• Electronic music producers looking for an all-in-one instrument for layered sound design
• Musicians interested in exploring advanced modulation and synthesis techniques
• Producers who value the ability to incorporate their own samples and loops into a powerful synthesis environment
Tracktion Horizen represents a significant achievement in virtual instrument design, offering a powerful and flexible tool for sound designers and music producers. Its combination of multiple synthesis engines, advanced modulation capabilities, and high-quality effects provides users with a vast sonic playground. The instrument’s ability to seamlessly blend sampled audio, synthesized sounds, and loop playback opens up endless possibilities for creative sound manipulation. Horizen’s strength lies in its versatility and depth. It can serve as a one-stop solution for many sound design needs, potentially reducing the need for multiple specialized plugins. However, this comprehensive approach also means that it may require a powerful computer to run smoothly, especially when utilizing multiple voices and effects simultaneously. For those willing to invest the time in exploring its capabilities, Tracktion Horizen offers a rewarding experience that can elevate productions across various genres and applications. Its blend of traditional synthesis techniques with modern sound design tools makes it a valuable asset for any electronic musician, film composer, or sound designer looking to expand their sonic palette.