FXpansion Tremor Analogue-Modelled Drum Synth Plugin

With the virtual groove instrument Tremor, Fxpansion pays homage to synthetic drum sounds. FXpansion Tremor virtual instrument, which costs around 120 euros, combines many genes from other Fxpansion products, some of which have found a new home in modified form. Tremor contains eight richly editable virtual synthesizers with special features for programming drum sounds.

A mixer for mixing the eight sound generators as well as a variety of effects that do their job at instrument level and at the sum output complete the features of the Fxpansion newcomer. We have already encountered a good number of the effects in the test of the BFD2 drum sampler (test in issue 3/2008). However, Tremor is not a carelessly thrown-together recycling product that was created in the absence of new ideas.

In fact, the drum synthesizer is based on an independent concept that focuses on the lively creation of synthetic drum sounds. Whether in combination with Geist or with BFD2, Tremor represents a sensible and, above all, independent addition to the sound repertoire and the design options. But enough of the preamble, let’s take a closer look at Tremor. Tremor can be called up either as a standalone or as a plug-in via the usual interfaces.

The GUI is quite large, which offers enough space for the controls, a plus in terms of handling. The clear user interface is divided horizontally into two main fields. The upper third is reserved for the step sequencer and the graph and mapping dialog, which can alternatively be called up there via menu buttons. More on that later. The lower two-thirds of the GUI is in turn divided into two. On the left-hand side, you can either call up the kit or synth page – again using the menu button. To the right of this is the effects section, where you can switch between master and synth (insert) effects.

Each section allows the insertion of a maximum of three effects. Finally, below the effects section there are a number of global and sequencer-relevant functions such as un/redo, start/stop, the metronome or a button for activating the MIDI learning function. When we first call it up, we first see an empty step sequencer and the kit page, which is a virtual mixer with eight-channel strips – one for each synthesizer/engine – and a master fader.

FXpansion Tremor Features:

• Synthetic drum machine software
• DCAM-modelled synthesis and FX
• Specialized oscillator with drumskin vibration partials
• Filtering and drive with multiple responses
• Deep, intuitive TransMod modulation system
• Polyrhythmic pattern step-sequencer
• VST, AU, RTAS, and standalone for Mac and Windows

Due to the simple and intuitive operation with opulent design options at the same time, Tremor is an inspiring composition tool that is addictive and comes up with refreshing sounds beyond the mainstream.

FXPansion Tremor virtual drum instrument is available in 32bit and 64bit VST, AU, and RTAS plugin formats suitable for both Windows and MAC.

Tremor is now discontinued and is no longer maintained.