MusicRadar

The Rapture harks back to the lush sounds of classic PCM units such as the Roland JD-800 and the Ensoniq VFX

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• Review
• Manufacturer's Description

The filters, oscillators and such like spring vibrantly to life when you start messing around with the considerable number of modulation sources on offer. There are no less than 40 envelope generators, LFOs and step generators, plus a generous selection of MIDI Continuous Controllers.

These can be routed to a multitude of destinations via the pop-up modulation matrix. There is also an X-Y pad for further control of assignable parameters.

The envelopes, LFOs and step modulators are all accessed from a large display that sits slap bang in the middle of the GUI. We're pleased to be able to report that in addition to the usual filter cut-off, amplitude and pan destinations, there are also dedicated envelopes, LFOs and step generators for the resonance settings. This is a useful but often overlooked mod source that can add some real interest to your patches.

Finally, your Rapture patch can be completed with three global multi-effects processors. All the standard stuff is available, including chorus, delay and EQ. Each of the six individual elements has its own effects too.

Rapture's delight

In truth, we are extremely impressed with Rapture. This instrument harks back to the lush sounds of classic hardware PCM units such as the Roland JD-800 and the Ensoniq VFX. Pleasingly, Rapture can also be aggressive and biting – the envelopes are extremely snappy and are capable of making a real impact.

Rapture is a great tool for anyone who makes synth-based music. It offers some refreshingly (and unashamedly) digital tones, and can spit out sounds that are suitable for genres ranging from trance and industrial to new age and new wave.

While it lacks the harsh digital grunge of a PPG or Microwave, Rapture certainly sounds a bit edgier than, say, a DX7, and let's not forget that it can serve as a virtual analogue of no small ability as well. This is a damn fine synth, make no mistake, and we recommend it wholeheartedly.