Expressive E’s Noisy synth plugin could add an acoustic touch to your electronic sounds

We’re still waiting for the arrival of Osmose, its next-gen keyboard - look out for that one in 2021 - but Expressive E has released a new plugin synth, Noisy.

This contains elements of both physical modelling and subtractive synthesis, and is said to use the principles of acoustic resonance - think of the way that a string vibrates - to liven up electronic and acoustic sounds.

You get three resonators, each with two layers that can be occupied by a subtractive synthesis ‘dimension’ and a physical modelling one. Each preset (more than 400 are included) can be manipulated in four dimensions - either individually or together. Unsurprisingly, Expressive E suggests that its Touche controllers are ideal for doing this.

There are also effects that can be manipulated in real-time, giving you even more opportunities for expression.

Noisy is available now for PC and Mac in 64-bit VST/AU formats. It costs €149, but you can currently get it at a 40% discount using the code Sound on the Expressive E website.

I’m the Deputy Editor of MusicRadar, having worked on the site since its launch in 2007. I previously spent eight years working on our sister magazine, Computer Music. I’ve been playing the piano, gigging in bands and failing to finish tracks at home for more than 30 years, 24 of which I’ve also spent writing about music and the ever-changing technology used to make it.