Spitfire Audio Phoenix reveals six engines and 50 instruments

Spitfire Audio Phoenix is a hybrid synthesizer developed in collaboration with Brian Transeau (BT). It launches at £199 from 29 September until 25 October, after which the price rises to £249. The instrument is sold exclusively through Spitfire Audio’s website as a perpetual licence. A public demonstration with BT is scheduled at Amsterdam Dance Event from 21 to 25 October.

Phoenix contains 50 sampled instruments, including strings, brass, woodwind, choirs, guitars, pianos and tuned percussion. Each voice runs two complete synthesis chains, one for each stereo channel, and the engine set comprises six elements: spectral wavetables, FM, a sampler, 2OP FM transients, sub generation and a noise oscillator. The FM engine offers six operators and 34 algorithms, and an eight-voice unison can stack up to 48 operator-oscillators into a single note.

Additional features include eight multi-segment MetaSequencers, four random generators with 636 rhythm patterns, a probability arpeggiator derived from the StutterEdit plugin, an unlimited-slot modulation matrix, 37 bespoke effects, a real-time 3D waveform renderer and support for 16-voice MPE; Phoenix also uses BT’s archive of vintage synthesizers, samplers, cassettes and vinyl alongside Spitfire’s orchestral libraries.

The Spitfire Audio Phoenix synthesizer stands out with its extensive array of technical features. It incorporates six distinct synthesis engines: spectral wavetables, frequency modulation (FM), a sampler, 2OP FM transients, sub generation, and a noise oscillator. The FM engine is particularly sophisticated, offering six operators and 34 algorithms. An innovative eight-voice unison capability allows for a stack of up to 48 operator-oscillators on a single note, enhancing its sound complexity.

Phoenix includes 50 sampled instruments covering a wide range, such as strings, brass, woodwind, choirs, guitars, pianos, and tuned percussion. The architecture of each voice features dual synthesis chains, one for each stereo channel, facilitating intricate sound design possibilities.

Modulation within Phoenix is highly versatile, featuring an unlimited-slot modulation matrix and 37 bespoke effects. Additionally, it integrates eight multi-segment MetaSequencers and four random generators with 636 rhythm patterns. The instrument also includes a probability arpeggiator derived from the StutterEdit plugin. A real-time 3D waveform renderer and support for 16-voice MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) further contribute to its advanced modulation and expressive capabilities, making it a powerful tool for sound designers and musicians alike.

Brian Transeau (BT) is quoted as saying, “This is a dream inspiration engine fully realised.”

Spitfire Audio co-founder Paul Thomson is quoted as saying, “Phoenix gives composers brand new ways of combining and transforming source material.”

The collaboration between Spitfire Audio and Brian Transeau (BT) for the development of the Phoenix hybrid synthesizer is marked by the integration of extensive and diverse sound sources. BT, known for his work in electronic and film music, contributed a significant collection of vintage gear to the project. This included an archive of vintage synthesizers, samplers, cassettes, and vinyl records, which provided a wealth of unique sounds and textures for Phoenix.

In addition to BT’s contributions, Spitfire Audio leveraged its comprehensive orchestral libraries, enhancing Phoenix’s sonic palette with high-quality samples of traditional instruments. Together, these resources allowed the creation of a versatile and innovative synthesizer, offering users the ability to explore a wide range of sound design possibilities. The collaboration emphasized a melding of classic sonic elements with modern synthesis technology, aiming to inspire musicians with unique and transformative audio experiences.

Purchasing of the Spitfire Audio Phoenix is conducted exclusively through Spitfire Audio’s website and is offered as a perpetual licence rather than a subscription. Promotional pricing sets the launch price at £199 from 29 September until 25 October, after which the standard price rises to £249. Sales are handled via Spitfire Audio’s online shop.

A public demonstration featuring Brian Transeau (BT) will take place at the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) from 21 to 25 October, during which BT will present demonstrations of Phoenix. Additional information and the official shop page are available on Spitfire Audio’s website. Further coverage of the product appears on MusicTech.

Spitfire Audio Phoenix launched with a promotional price of £199 from 29 September until 25 October, after which the price increases to £249. The instrument is sold exclusively through Spitfire Audio’s website and is provided as a perpetual licence. Additional information and the official shop page are available on Spitfire Audio’s website, and the product is covered on MusicTech.

Phoenix contains 50 sampled instruments, including strings, brass, woodwind, choirs, guitars, pianos and tuned percussion. Each voice in the instrument runs two complete synthesis chains, one for each stereo channel, and the architecture includes six engines: spectral wavetables, FM, a sampler, 2OP FM transients, sub generation and a noise oscillator. The FM engine provides six operators and 34 algorithms, and the unison mode can stack up to 48 operator-oscillators on a single note.

Modulation and sequencing features include an unlimited-slot modulation matrix, 37 bespoke effects, eight multi-segment MetaSequencers, four random generators with 636 rhythm patterns, and a probability arpeggiator derived from the StutterEdit plugin. A real-time 3D renderer displays the waveform, and the instrument supports 16-voice MPE. These capabilities are presented alongside Spitfire Audio’s orchestral libraries and material drawn from BT’s archive of vintage synthesizers, samplers, cassettes and vinyl.

Public demonstrations by Brian Transeau (BT) are scheduled at the Amsterdam Dance Event from 21 to 25 October. The launch includes attributed statements from BT and from Spitfire Audio co-founder Paul Thomson that accompany the product release.