DSP Bricks Optigan

The Optigan Plugin brings the unique sound and unusual playing concept of the legendary Optigan to your DAW.

The original Optigan was an extraordinary electronic instrument from the early 1970s.

Instead of conventional sound generation, it used interchangeable optical programme discs that provided a variety of instruments, accompaniments, rhythms and effects.

The original combined a melody keyboard with chord and rhythm keys, thereby enabling astonishingly complex arrangements on a single instrument.

The Optigan plugin faithfully recreates this concept - including all 40 original program discs as well as three unofficial prototype discs.

This provides an extensive collection of distinctive vintage sounds: From organ, piano and guitars, through strings and wind instruments, to complete rhythmic accompaniments and unusual special effects.

Authentic behaviour - with the capabilities of a modern plug-in A key part of the Optigan's character stems not only from the sounds themselves, but also from the way the original instrument works.

On the historical instrument, the speed of the disc influenced both the tempo and the pitch: faster meant a higher tuning, slower a lower one. It is precisely this behaviour that can also be utilised in the plug-in.

However, with the additional Flex Mode, this original limitation can be overcome. Pitch and speed can be adjusted independently of one another - ideal for new sonic experiments that were not possible with the hardware.

Alternatively, the Optigan can be synchronised directly to your DAW's tempo.

The original's characteristic reverb has also been taken into account: an emulation of the spring reverb is available for the keyboard section. The historic Optigan also featured an adjustable reverb for the melody section.

Play just like on the original - or in a completely different way The plug-in adopts the Optigan's unique control concept and adapts it for use on a computer.

The instruments can be played via a MIDI keyboard, a computer keyboard, or directly using a mouse or touchpad.

Various chord recognition options make it easier to control the accompaniment section. And even a charming quirk of the original hardware hasn't been forgotten: Programme discs can be inserted upside down - just like on the original.

On the original, inserting a disc the wrong way round actually caused the music to play backwards.

Features

• Authentic replica of the Optigan
• All 40 original programme discs
• Plus 3 unofficial prototype discs
• Emulation of the original motor and speed behaviour
• Tempo and pitch can be controlled in tandem, just like on the hardware
• Flex Mode for independent control of pitch and speed
• Synchronization to DAW tempo
• Spring reverb emulation for the keyboard section
• Various chord recognition options
• Program discs can be played backwards, just like the original
• Playable via MIDI keyboard
• Playable via computer keyboard
• Direct control via mouse or touchpad
• Scalable user interface from 50 per cent to 200 per cent
• Native support for Apple Silicon
• Single purchase, two activations