Digidesign AIR Hybrid Software Synth (Macintosh and Windows)

For those sound buffs who love to get their hands dirty, Hybrid is a high-definition software synthesizer plug-in that combines the warmth of classic analog waveforms with digital wavetables, enabling you to recreate sounds you remember or create something that no one’s heard before. It features a full range of analog and digital sounds, plus a deep set of user-adjustable parameters for your tweaking pleasure, empowering you to create richly complex and unique sounds in the studio or on stage.

Developed by the Digidesign® Advanced Instrument Research group, Hybrid is a high-definition software synthesizer for Pro Tools® systems that combines the warmth of legendary analog synths with a full range of twenty-first century digital capabilities. The result is the best of both worlds — a virtual instrument with a comprehensive set of precisely adjustable parameters that can sound like the synth you remember or something no one has ever heard before.

Sample-Accurate Synth Engine
Hybrid uses a sample-accurate synth engine to give you high-definition sound plus the performance of a real analog system. Unlike other synths, which update envelopes periodically and suffer from the effects of aliasing, Hybrid's oscillators, envelopes, and LFOs operate are sample-accurate, giving Hybrid both punch and crystal-clear definition.

A Tweaker's Delight
Hybrid comes equipped with more than 250 preset patches with a full range of analog and digital sounds so you can get started creating quickly. Browse patches by category to find what you need.

If you're prone to tweaking your synth sounds, Hybrid is also loaded with a deep set of user-adjustable parameters that let you create unique sounds, easily, from the straight-forward interface. With support for two simultaneous parts, you can layer, split, or spread sounds to produce deep, wide, and complex-sounding patches.

High-Definition Oscillators
Each Hybrid part features two multi-functional oscillators with algorithms ranging from classic analog waveforms to digital wavetables. Choose from seven different modes, including saw sync, saw cross modulation (which modulates the pitch of a saw wave with the output of a triangle wave for complex tones), saw multi (a stack of seven saws in unison), square sync, square cross modulation, square pulse width modulation (PWM), and wavetable. Hybrid offers 100 wavetables with up to 64 single-cycle waveforms each. A third oscillator section includes saw, square, or triangle waves plus a noise generator and a sub oscillator for deep bass effects.

Multimode Filter
Use the revolutionary multimode filter to control the tone color of a part by removing or accenting certain frequencies. Select from Hybrid's extensive collection of 23 modes. Then dial in the filter cut-off, velocity, and key tracking. Use the resonance dial to change the tone from a nasal sound to a ringing tone by emphasizing frequencies around the cut-off and generating self oscillation. A blend of the third oscillator and noise generator can serve as an audio modulation source for filter cut-off, producing distinctive electronic audio effects.

Adjust filter saturation to add some serious edge. Unlike other synths, Hybrid creates distortion by overdriving the filter rather than distorting the signal before or after the filter. Produce a punchy, low-end sound with plenty of sub-harmonics or screaming, crunchy leads.

LFOs
Hybrid includes three LFOs per part: two monophonic and one polyphonic. Use the LFOs to modulate pitch, loudness, or cut-off, producing vibrato, tremolo, or electronic sweeps. Choose from eight modulation types, ranging from sine and triangle waves to random, "drift," and sample-and-hold modulation. Change the depth, rate, phase, and sync mode to quickly and dramatically alter the sound.

Envelope Editors
Use the four envelope editors to easily sculpt the filter, amplitude, and any two other modulation envelopes. Adjust velocity, attack, decay, and key tracking, then type in the envelope rate.

Performance-Oriented Features
Whether you use it in the studio or in a live situation, Hybrid is built to be played. Use the step sequencers for arpeggiation or phrase generation. Set the modulation matrix to easily map modulations from sources to destinations. And set up "morph" groups to modify sounds on the fly, from the interface or a MIDI controller.

Step Sequencers
Two onboard 16-step sequencers (one for each part) enable you to create modern-sounding patches that move. Set note values, velocity, and modulation. Then pick from nine playback options to use the sequencer as a step sequence, arpeggiator, or MIDI phrase generator.

Modulation Matrix
Hybrid also offers a flexible and easy-to-use modulation matrix with 16 assignable modulation sources and more than 20 destinations. Assign modulations to an oscillator or filter. Hybrid allows multiple assignments of sources and destinations, all with adjustable intensities.

Morph Groups
With Hybrid, you can assign any rotary control or fader on the plug-in's interface to one of the four "morph" groups. Assign pan, filter, or amplifier envelopes to a morph group to alter sounds from your controller while recording or playing live. Each morph group can control several parameters simultaneously. You, in turn, can control morph groups from the dials on the interface or from a MIDI controller.

Effects
Hybrid provides two insert effect sends per part, each with more than 40 effect types,
so you can quickly change the sound of a part. A separate master effect section lets you select reverb, delay, and chorus effects to enhance — or warp — any of Hybrid's sounds at the patch level. Easily adjust effect parameters and sync effects to a chosen tempo.

Built for Pro Tools
Built specifically for Pro Tools systems by the Digidesign Advanced Instrument Research team, Hybrid is tightly integrated with the new creative environment of Pro Tools 7 software and designed for optimal performance and rock-solid reliability. With both a rich set of preset analog and digital sounds and a large array of adjustable parameters, Hybrid gives musicians, arrangers, composers, and sound designers the qualities and character of a unique hardware synthesizer with the convenience and flexibility of an integrated Pro Tools plug-in.

Hybrid Features
More than 250 presets with a range of analog and digital sounds

Comprehensive user-modification capabilities from a straight-forward interface

Sample-accurate synth engine for super-fast envelopes and high-definition sound

Two simultaneous parts for creating complex patches

Three high-definition oscillators per part — two with seven wave modes

Revolutionary filter design with 23 filter modes and true saturation

Flexible editing options with four envelope generators and three LFOs per part

Performance-oriented features, including a modulation matrix, "morph" groups, and a step sequencer/polyphonic phrase generator for each part

Two effects inserts per part, plus a master effects section

RTAS format

Technical Info

System Requirements
Digidesign-qualified Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, or Pro Tools M-Powered system running Pro Tools 7.0 or higher software

iLok USB Smart Key (a free iLok.com account is required for retrieving and managing iLok licenses)

As capable of old-school analog synth sounds as it is cutting-edge, never-before-heard digital synth sounds! Sample-accurate synth engine for pristine sound. Over 250 presets to get you started, with a vast degree of tweakability. RTAS format.