Applied Acoustics Systems Tassman 4.x

I run this on a Macbook with Leopard (10.5) and the Tassman 4 works perfectly. The manual is decent enough and is very useful when it comes to really learning this massive synth. The general configuration and setup is fairly simple in my opinion. Once you start using it more it becomes easier but this synth has a ton of options. One thing that is nice is the different units (effects, oscillators, etc...) are designed to resemble hardware rack units so the interface is familiar to those who use analog gear. Yes, the typical functions are all laid out in front of you (and there are a lot of them).

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I run this synth in Logic 9 and Ableton 8 and so far it has performed very well. So far it has never crashed and I have made a bunch of sounds on this thing and all of them were saved and recalled without any issues. I give this thing a 10 out of 10 because it is huge, very tweakable and sounds AMAZING!! I have been using this for about a month and a half.

OVERALL OPINION

What I like most about the Tassman 4 is how many great sounds you can pull out of this thing. I started with a lot of presets first to develop sounds, but now I am getting used to starting from "scratch." Another really cool option is the "builder" mode. In this mode you can create synth setups physically by dragging modules into the Builder area and connecting them together in specific patterns. This aspect definitely takes a little more thought and it definitely helps if you have an understanding of general synthesizer concepts. So far, I don't dislike anything about this synth. It Rules!! My studio partner bought this (actually he updated from Tassman 3) so I looked up the price and it is $349 for the whole thing. In all honesty, that's a lot of money and its hard to spend that much on software. But, this is one of the best software synths I have ever used so I would say it is worth it. The sound it really great. They are very full and warm and in a recording can fool most people into believing its a real analog synth. I have used many software synths and this one ranks very very high on the charts. It might even be the best wide ranging synth I have used. Yes, I would definitely buy this if my partner hadn't already.

The software installs very easily. The only problem are the additions of additional banks (bank = modular patches) need if you wish to download a forum AAS ... which is not user-friendly.

The manual is in PDF format only.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

On my mac book pro I5 not for performance, the tool is stable.

OVERALL OPINION

I used it for several months for projects specific music (dub and ambient).

I love the sound quality .. crystalline fat, punchy (!).

The graphical interface is quite simple without removing one side is pleasant vintage.
For cons, I have not been able to map the knobs software controller with my MIDI (I think it was my fault).

supplied patches are excellent, it goes through the lower pads hovering and finally on percussion. quality and punch sounds is to go.

Then we must know that this tool is to create your own synths
if you intend to use it just for ls patches supplied with the original version, you might be disappointed because they are not numerous. on the other hand, if the goal is to create your own sounds .. then you are welcome!

Personally, there are plenty of other tools of this type (MAX / MSP, Reaktor, etc., etc.) .. AAS is distinguished by a graphic interface quite clear, readable, mode d "quite easy editing and especially the quality of the sound that comes out (it is dynamic). Caution, however, other similar software seem to be supplied with more examples of synth ... voila

No problem as all the products I test AAC dmo
Vista no soucy!

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

Laptop centrino duo 2.2, 2GB ram, ...
Software works flawless and consumes very little (13% sounds pretty sophisticated on 10 ratings)

OVERALL OPINION

I used no more than 1 hour (BMD)
TRS good patches are particulirement Submitted Varis (bass orients enough, slick and percussion sounds including marimba, glasses ...)
The layers are interesting but we can do better by working software
Systm on the tree "windows explorer" can be criticized but it can quickly browse through the presets (multi, simple and basic patches To create its own large patches)

But the quality is the most a lot of Prest that inspires and makes you want to work as the Beast on a real hardware synth.

I always regret that sound a bit "cold" of the reverbs utiliss by AAC (as in string guitar). But it is often the case in the VST of this kind, "shining" I got too.

My recommendation: turn the effects too typs and applied a good reverb lgre and its own EQ and rolls. And also a little compression as Tassman tends dlivrer of hard times dsagrable ears (especially when moving from one patch to another, the levels are irrguliers).

A 7 / 10 because the competition is great. I would put the Plugsound absynth or in direct competition for this product.