The Tassman is a modular instrument and sound design environment based on physical modeling.
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.
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. From unrivaled recreations of analog and acoustic instruments, to wildly adventurous cinematic textures, the Tassman puts the shape of sound design in your hands. 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.
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.
Standard Features
- Core processing engine has been re-written from the ground up for greater performance and sound quality
- Browser, Builder, and Player now integrated into a single window
- Resizable window with horizontal and vertical scroll bars for easy navigation
- Redesigned, colour coded Builder interface
- 50 all new instruments covering the full range of analog, acoustic, and hybrid constructions, with over 1000 presets.
- Integrated browser for drag and drop access to all neccessary tools including instruments, sub-patches, presets, modules, and MIDI maps
- MIDI Learn / Forget for all on-screen controls
- Save multiple MIDI maps for each instrument
- Support for aftertouch from keyboards with this functionality
- Import and Export Instruments with all associated presets and sub-patches as a single file for easy exchange with other users and archiving
- Many new modules including new control elements, envelopes with modulation input for each stage, 3 new sequencers, filters, FX, and much more
New in Version 4
- Output Stage The new Output Stage includes sync-to-host capability, tempo synced ping-pong delay, first-class reverbs, and an audio recorder. While providing instant control over the playback and recording of your performances, the Output Stage also adds depth, warmth and dimension to any synth.
- 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.
- Expanded Library A fantastic new collection of synthesizers and effects created by top sound designers from ILIO and AAS. Their focus has been on the creation of highly usable sounds for musicians and studio professionals that exploit the unique architecture of Tassman.
- 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 4 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.
- 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
Mac minimum system requirements*
- Mac OS X 10.5 or later
- Intel Core processor or later
- 512 MB of RAM
- 70 MB of free hard drive space
- 1024 × 768 screen resolution
- Built-in audio interface
- Mac OS X-compatible MIDI interface/keyboard
Mac compatibility
- VST 32-/64-bit, Audio Unit (see restrictions below), RTAS, and AAX Native (Pro Tools 11 or later) plug-in hosts
- Mac OS X-compatible audio interface
Mac Audio Unit (32-/64‑bit) compatibility
- Apple Garageband 1.1 or later
- Apple Logic 7.1 or later
- Ableton Live 8 or later
- Audiofile Engineering Rax
- MOTU Digital Performer 6 or later
- Cockos Reaper 3.1 or later
PC minimum system requirements*
- Windows XP SP3 32-bit or Vista, 7, or 8 32‑/64‑bit
- Intel Core or equivalent processor
- 512 MB of RAM
- 70 MB of free hard drive space
- 1024 × 768 screen resolution
- Windows-compatible audio interface
- Windows-compatible MIDI interface/keyboard
PC compatibility
- VST 32-/64-bit, RTAS, and AAX Native (Pro Tools 11 or later) plug‑in hosts
- ASIO and DirectSound audio drivers
*The minimum system requirements mentioned above are for standalone usage. For plug-in usage, please refer to your DAW software requirements (Sonar, Pro Tools, Cubase, Live, Digital Performer, Logic Pro, etc.)