We are thrilled to present the biggest update yet to the TOMiC drum synthesizer! Listening closely to community feedback, we have refined and expanded core plugin modules, elevating sound design and drum pattern creation to a whole new level of speed, fluidity, and creative expression.
Here is an in-depth look at all the exciting new features and workflow improvements designed to accelerate your creative process!
🎹 1. Matrix Sequencer Evolution — Lightning-Fast Pattern Creation
The core of the TOMiC step sequencer has received a comprehensive evolution. The Matrix Sequencer is an expansion and refinement of our existing step engine, engineered from the ground up to make pattern creation, groove tweaking, and polyrhythmic arrangement faster and more intuitive than ever before.
- Instant Creative Workflow: Building intricate rhythmic patterns and tweaking individual hit parameters now takes a fraction of a second — without ever stopping playback.
- Per-Channel Polymetry: Independent track lengths (from 1 to 64 steps) for each channel let you effortlessly compose evolving, non-repetitive grooves (e.g. Kick on 16 steps, Snare on 12, Hi-Hats on 7).
- Granular Per-Step Expression: Easily paint micro-timing nudges, pitch shifts, velocity accents, and rapid sub-step rolls (Ratchet rolls) directly within the step matrix grid.
- Dedicated Song Mode: Chain saved pattern banks into full song arrangements with instant MIDI export to your DAW timeline.
🎨 2. Redesigned LFO & Envelopes with Real-Time Live Waveform Visualizer
The modulation section received a complete visual and functional upgrade. Both LFO modulators and ModEnv envelopes feature an elegant new user interface:
- Real-Time LFO Live Visualizer: A dedicated, animated waveform display reading real-time output directly from the audio processing thread. Instantly preview phase position, pulse width (PW), phase offsets, and polarity modes (Bipolar, Uni+, Uni-).
- Expanded Envelope Controls: Fine-tune ADSR envelope response with additional parameters and crisp visual curve feedback for ultra-precise filter and synthesis contouring.
🎛️ 3. Cross-Modulation (Rate Modulation) & Flexible Clouds FX Placement
The modulation matrix and FX processing chain gain massive new flexibility for sound designers seeking unique sonic textures:
- Rate Parameter Modulation: The speed/rate parameter (
Rate) of LFOs, Marbles, and Envelopes is now a fully routable modulation target in the matrix. Modulate the rate of one LFO with another LFO or random generator to create organic, accelerating, and decelerating modulation waves! - Flexible Clouds FX Position (Pre / Post Delay & Reverb): The Clouds granular insert processor inside the FX chain now features flexible signal routing — position it before or after Delay and Reverb modules! Choose whether to granulate crisp dry drum hits before reverb or transform lush reverb tails into vast, shimmering particle clouds.
🎲 4. Intelligent Section Randomizer ('R' Shortcut) & Note Displays
Sound design in TOMiC becomes pure fun with smart features that help you discover fresh, inspiring drum patches in seconds:
- Instant Section Randomization ('R' Key): Instantly randomize parameters across oscillators, noise generators, or FX chains. Simply hover and press the R key on knobs or section headers to generate musically tuned, fresh sound variations!
- Musical Note Displays in Pitch & Freq: Pitch Envelope and frequency cutoff controls now display real musical note names and frequency values (e.g. C1, F#2, 55Hz, 440Hz), making it effortless to tune your kick drums and percussion perfectly to your track's key.
🎙️ 5. Integrated Sample Browser & Live Waveform Preview
We replaced the static spectrogram card with a modern, high-speed Sample Browser panel built directly into the top tools bar of the plugin.
- Live Waveform Audio Preview: Audition local sample packs with instant audio preview and real-time waveform display before loading into your project.
- Folder Tree & Favorites: Browse local drives and bookmark your favorite sample folders for 1-click access.
- Seamless Drag & Drop: Drag any audio sample directly from the browser into noise generator layers or Multi-Sample Round-Robin slots!
🔊 6. Palette of 10 Noise Generators & Synthetic Textures
The noise section in TOMiC is a full-featured dual engine for crafting attack punch and spatial texture. We expanded the noise generator library from 7 to 10 unique noise algorithms:
- Chiptune LFSR: 8-bit retro noise powered by linear feedback shift registers inspired by NES, Game Boy, and Atari soundchips.
- Cluster Noise: Dense inharmonic cluster structure featuring 8 partials for expansive spatial depth.
- Clocked S&H: Digital sample-and-hold noise with a controllable clock rate for gritty lo-fi textures.
- Complete Classic Suite: White, Pink, Brown, Metallic, Velvet, Karplus-Strong physical modeling, and sample playback with slice editing.
💥 7. Glitch Slicer & Beat Repeat (Stutter FX)
A new real-time audio buffer slicer and beat repeater module joins the FX chain — ideal for building fills, glitches, and energetic transitions in Techno, Electro, and Drum & Bass.
- Real-Time Buffer Slicing: Slice audio live into tempo-synced grid subdivisions (1/4 down to 1/64).
- Pitch Decay & Reverse Rolls: Control gradual pitch decay or pitch ramps per repeat cycle, alongside percentage-based reverse roll probabilities.
- Flexible Routing Modes: Toggle between Mix (blend with dry signal), Insert (mute dry during repeats), and Gate (repeats only) modes.
⚡ 8. Performance Optimization & Fluid UI
Under the hood optimizations ensure TOMiC delivers rock-solid performance. The user interface responds instantly, factory presets load in milliseconds, and idle CPU consumption remains at absolute zero.
Experience the expanded Matrix Sequencer, new LFO & Envelope UI, Rate modulation, flexible Clouds FX, and 10 noise algorithms in TOMiC today!