DiscoDSP Vertigo

Vertigo is a professional additive synthesizer featuring 512 Euler-generated oscillators with -120dB signal-to-noise ratio.

Transform audio and images into rich harmonic content through advanced FFT resynthesis.

Dual morphable layers with 256-breakpoint envelopes provide precise control over each partial's phase, amplitude, and frequency.

Six filter types per unit, 128-band formant filtering, and eight built-in effects deliver comprehensive sound shaping.

Up to 16 voices of polyphony with scalable HiDPI interface for modern music production workflows.

Vertigo represents the pinnacle of additive synthesis technology, offering an innovative approach to sound creation through mathematical precision and artistic expression.

This cutting-edge synthesizer harnesses the power of Fourier analysis to deconstruct and reconstruct audio with unparalleled accuracy, enabling you to craft everything from classic Hammond organ tones to futuristic soundscapes that push the boundaries of conventional synthesis.

Born from discoDSP's commitment to innovation, Vertigo combines advanced signal processing with intuitive workflow design, making complex additive synthesis accessible to both seasoned sound designers and creative newcomers seeking to explore new sonic territories.

Revolutionary Additive Engine

At Vertigo's core lies a sophisticated additive synthesis engine featuring up to 512 Euler-generated oscillators per voice, delivering exceptional signal-to-noise ratio of -120dB without relying on traditional wavetables.

This mathematical approach ensures pristine audio quality while maintaining computational efficiency.

The dual-state A/B operator system allows for complex morphing between different harmonic configurations, controlled via modulation wheel, velocity, or VST automation.

Each partial features independent control over phase, amplitude, frequency ratio, and panning, providing unprecedented sound shaping capabilities for creating evolving, dynamic textures.

With intelligent envelope tracking supporting up to 512 breakpoints with parabolic interpolation, Vertigo captures the subtle nuances of acoustic instruments while enabling the creation of entirely new sonic landscapes impossible with traditional synthesis methods.

Advanced Resynthesis Capabilities

Vertigo's groundbreaking resynthesis engine transforms any audio source into additive synthesis data through sophisticated FFT analysis.

Import WAV files, and watch as Vertigo decomposes complex audio into individual partials, tracking their frequency and amplitude envelopes with remarkable precision.

Choose from multiple FFT frame sizes (1024, 2048, 4096, 8192) and windowing functions (Bartlett, Hamming, Hanning, Blackman) to optimize analysis for different source materials.

Larger frames provide superior low-frequency accuracy for bass-heavy content, while smaller frames excel at capturing rhythmic dynamics and transient details.

The innovative Frequency Pairing algorithm automatically reorders partials between A/B states for smoother morphing transitions, eliminating artifacts and ensuring musically coherent transformations when blending between different analyzed sources.

Visual Spectral Editor

The integrated spectral editor provides an intuitive visual approach to additive synthesis, displaying frequency content as a vibrant spectrogram where you can directly manipulate amplitude and frequency data in real-time.

Advanced editing tools include horizontal and vertical fade operations, selective boost and cut functions, and precise partial selection for surgical sound design.

The visual interface makes complex additive editing accessible, allowing you to sculpt harmonics with the precision of a graphic equalizer while maintaining the flexibility of additive synthesis.

Unique bitmap import functionality enables you to load PNG or JPG images as harmonic templates, transforming visual art into audio through sophisticated pixel-to-frequency mapping algorithms, opening entirely new creative possibilities for experimental sound design.

Intelligent Harmonization System

Vertigo's sophisticated harmonization engine offers multiple interpolation modes for creating natural harmonic relationships.

The Harmonic mode generates perfect integer multiples of the fundamental frequency, ideal for recreating classic organ and brass tones.

The Odd Harmonic mode focuses on odd-numbered harmonics for creating clarinet-like timbres and hollow, woody sounds.

The innovative 1-2 Serial mode creates proportional harmonic relationships based on the frequency difference between the first two operators, enabling unique metallic and bell-like textures.

Combined with the phase and frequency smearing options, these harmonization modes provide endless possibilities for creating both realistic acoustic emulations and entirely synthetic timbres that exist nowhere in nature.

Professional Dual Filter System

Shape your additive creations with Vertigo's sophisticated dual resonant filter system, featuring six filter types per unit: 4-pole lowpass and highpass, 2-pole and 4-pole bandpass, 4-pole notch, and 4-pole peak filters.

The filters can operate in series for traditional subtractive shaping or parallel for complex frequency splitting and phasing effects.

Comprehensive modulation options include velocity tracking, keyboard following, and modulation wheel control for both cutoff frequency and resonance parameters.

Dedicated filter envelopes with bipolar operation allow for dramatic sweeps and rhythmic filtering effects, while the 128-band formant filter provides vowel-like character and vocal textures perfect for creating talking synthesizer effects and speech-like timbres.

Comprehensive Effects Suite

Enhance your additive creations with Vertigo's professional-grade effects processing chain, featuring eight carefully crafted algorithms designed to complement additive synthesis characteristics.

The 8x oversampled distortion provides smooth saturation without aliasing, while the configurable phaser (up to 128 taps) and flanger add movement and depth.

The intelligent compressor maintains punch and presence, while the 8-band equalizer offers surgical frequency shaping.

Stereo processing includes lush chorus, tempo-synced delay, and studio-quality reverb, all optimized for the unique harmonic content generated by additive synthesis.

Each effect integrates seamlessly with Vertigo's synthesis engine for cohesive, professional results.

Scalable Retina Interface

Vertigo's modern interface scales beautifully across different display resolutions with full HiDPI support, ensuring crisp visuals on both standard and high-resolution monitors.

The multi-threaded GUI rendering system provides responsive performance even during intensive real-time processing.

The intuitive layout puts essential controls at your fingertips while providing detailed visual feedback through spectral displays, envelope editors, and real-time partial activity meters.

Zoom controls allow you to focus on specific aspects of your sound design workflow.

Native drag-and-drop support for audio files and images streamlines the creative process, while the integrated bank browser provides quick access to Vertigo's extensive preset library and your custom creations.

Enhanced Polyphony and Performance

Experience up to 16 voices of polyphony with intelligent voice allocation and multiple playback modes including polyphonic, monophonic, and legato operation.

The optimized additive engine utilizes native x86 AVX2 and Apple NEON acceleration for efficient CPU usage even when all 512 partials are active.

Comprehensive MIDI implementation includes pitch bend control, modulation wheel response, velocity sensitivity, and full VST automation support for all parameters.

The synthesis engine responds naturally to playing dynamics while maintaining the mathematical precision that makes additive synthesis unique.

Zero-delay feedback processing ensures tight, responsive performance suitable for both studio production and live performance applications, while the standalone application provides desktop operation independent of host software.