Majken Chimera [Freeware]

Majken's Chimera is a synthesizer that bases all it's sounds on noise. Everything coming from Chimera is based on white noise filtered into notes using different filters. I love this synth because it utilizes a unique synthesis method, and it's free! The synth is best put to use creating pad sounds and textures, and can emulate the ocean and running water fairly well. Chimera is such a unique gem, and I really do use it on a lot of tracks. It's great to just add a little ambient vibe to whatever you are working on. It's pretty simple to use and well laid out, and honestly, Majken could charge a pretty penny for this synth, and I'd gladly pay it!

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Installation of the plugin(A Windows only VSTi) was very simple. All I had to do was place the .DLL file and presets in my selected Plugins folder and fire up my DAW. There was no installation other than unzipping a file and moving the plugin. It runs perfectly and is not too heavy on the CPU, and does not lag, catch or crash my computer. The performance is impeccable. The synthesizer is great for filling in extra space in just about any track, and works wonders when applied to ambient music. It doesn't tend towards a very "Thick" sound and stays in the higher end of the spectrum. The synth is an awesome tool and I use on a majority of my tracks, as it is great for adding a little shimmer or ambiance to duller tracks.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, this is a very unique and interesting soft-synth, and offers LOTS of interesting combinations. The performance is impeccable. The thing about this synth is it is very specialized, it pretty much only works for pads/ambiances/textures, not leads basses or anything else. But hey, it's FREE! If you are running windows, download this synth, as it's great to have around, and unfortunately windows only.