The Tassman is a modular instrument and sound design environment based on physical modeling. Whether you are new to the world of synths and sound design, or a seasoned industry professional, the Tassman offers virtually endless creative possibilities, in an intuitive, easy to use environment. Far from being an emulation of any one vintage synthesizer, the Tassman is in fact an ever expanding collection of instruments and sound design tools, sure to provide inspiration for virtually any project.

Extended information

Physical Modeling: An Overview

Physical Modeling is a uniquely powerful synthesis technique, which uses the laws of physics to reproduce the behavior of an object. In other words the Tassman solves, in real time, mathematical equations describing how an object functions. It uses no sampling, it simply calculates the sound as you play in accordance to the controls it receives.

This is a very general and powerful approach since the result is obtained by reproducing how an object creates sound rather than trying to reproduce the sound signal itself using wavetables, additive synthesis, samples, etc. This implies that a module can generate very different sounds depending on the driving signals it receives. For example, different sounds will be made by a plate of a given geometry and material, depending on the strength of the mallet impact and its impact point. It will behave differently again if you hit the plate when it is at rest or when it is already in motion. Physical modeling takes all these parameters into account naturally since it reproduces the behavior of the real object. This results in very natural and realistic sounds and reproduces the control you would expect from real acoustic instruments, as well as the warmth of real analog circuits.

Inspiration on Demand: Synths and Presets

The Tassman provides you with a collection of 50 pre-patched instruments, and over 1000 presets right out of the box. You' ll find all the classic analog and FM instrument emulations you'd expect in a modular synthesis solution, staggeringly realistic acoustic instruments including various drums and chromatic percussion, string instuments of all shapes and sizes, an electric piano, tonewheel and pipe based organs, and more, complete with the nuances and subtlties that would be simply unattainable with a sample based solution. Add to this instruments which allow you to import your own samples and utilize them as you would any of the other tone generators, and unique hybrid constructions which combine these various elements, and the possibilities are truely endless.

Drag and Drop Access: The Browser

While it may not add to the range of sounds the Tassman produces, the Browser is one of version 3's most exciting new features. The Tassman's Browser is similar to those found in most email programs. Using a simple tree structure, all the elements used in in the building and playing of synths are available using a visually intuitive, drag and drop approach, including instruments, sub-patches, modules and presets. This means you'll spend less time searching for the sounds you need, and more time getting down to the business of making music. The browser also allows you to export a synth and all of it's associated sub-patches and presets as a single file, for easy exchange with other users.

The browser organizes all of the modules, sub-patches, instruments, and presets into clearly defined groups making it easy to find the tools you need, when you need them.

At the Controls: The Player

The front panel display of the Tassman's Player view was inspired by classic analog hardware making it easy to understand and use. All the parameters for each module are clearly mapped out using large, easy to read knobs and sliders, as well as classic 'chicken head' selectors and switches. Upon moving any of the on screen controls, the current MIDI value is displayed in the toolbar making it simple to set values precisely.

The players drop down menus contain the various control panels for audio and MIDI configuration, and performance. The Tassman supports many of the most popular driver standards including ASIO, EASI, DirectX, MME, Sound manager, and WDM, making it it compatible with nearly every sound card on the market.

Create and Customize: The Builder

While the Player view makes it easy to tweak any of the existing presets to create your own custom sounds and save them for instant recall, the Builder also allows you to customize the way individual modules are connected within a synth, or even create your own instruments from the ground up, using an intuitive 'building block' approach. The Tassman also comes with various 'sub-patches (pre-configured groups of commonly used generators, filters, and effects), meaning you don't have to reinvent the wheel everytime you think a synth could use a little something extra, and you can of course, create your own sub-patches for use in later constructions. You can also save sub-patch presets just like you would with a hardware effects unit. This 3 level approach to modules, sub-patches, and instruments means the you can explore the Tassman at your own pace. The range of creative possibilites expands right along with you.

Tassman 4 New Features

* Performance Mode
Performances provide instant access to your sounds by combining a synth, a preset, effects and MIDI maps. For quick and easy access, you can organize performances by style, by type or even by venues.
* Output Stage
The new Output Stage includes sync-to-host capability, tempo synced ping-pong delay, reverb and audio recorder. While providing instant control over playback and recording of your performances, the Output Stage also adds depth, warmth and dimension to any synth.
* Expanded Library
New collection of synthesizers and effects created by top sound designers. Their focus has been on the creation of highly usable sounds for musicians and studio professionals.
* Audio Input Processing
The Tassman can now be used as a real time audio effects processor! For instance, acoustic resonators can be used to add unique textures to your sound. Use it as an effect plugin with your favorite host application.
* Improved Algorithms
Improved acoustic objects and generators that sound better than ever.

Tassman Highlights

* Polyphonic modular synthesizer and sound design environment
* Entirely based on physical modeling for outstanding sound quality
* Huge synth and effect library - more than 50 synths and 1000 presets
* Modules library for customizing or creating synths - effects, envelopes, filters, generators, inputs, outputs, MIDI, logic, mixers, resonators, selectors and sequencers. Click here for the complete list
* Generators and resonators include acoustical objects - flute, mallets, organ, plectrum, beams, marimbas, membranes, plates, strings and tubes
* User expandable module library - reuse, organize and simplify patch building
* Unlimited modules per patch
* Internal audio recorder to capture performances on the fly
* Integrated browser, browser filters and locate function for easy navigation and organization of Tassman elements.
* Triggered playback and record for perfect loops
* Import/Export functions for easy sharing of synths and effects
* Unlimited Undo/Redo capability
* Drag and Drop capability between Tassman elements
* Audio bit-depth and sample rates up to 24bit/192kHz
* 32bit floating point internal processing
* Real time calculation of sound - no samples
* Simultaneous operation of multiple MIDI ports and user defined MIDI maps
* MIDI automation and program change support
* Supports all standard plugin formats
* Full audio and MIDI hardware support
* Standalone operation - no host application required

Technical specifications

System Requirements

Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP - Pentium III 1GHz - 64MB RAM - ASIO, MME - VST, DXi
Mac OS 10.2 and higher - G4 733MHz - 128MB RAM - CoreAudio - VST, AU, RTAS