Syntropy does not rely on a single fixed synthesis architecture. Its sound engine is driven by mathematical expressions and synthesis functions, allowing different presets to use fundamentally different approaches to generating sound.

A preset can combine mathematical synthesis with wavetable techniques, physical modeling, filters, modulation, effects, and other processing. In this sense, each Syntropy preset can behave almost like its own synthesizer rather than simply being a different configuration of the same oscillator/filter structure.

No. You can use Syntropy entirely as a conventional musical instrument: browse presets, adjust their controls, use modulation, envelopes and effects, and create variations without writing formulas.

The mathematical engine becomes available when you want to go deeper and design your own synthesis algorithms. You do not need to understand it in order to play or customize existing sounds.

Yes. Existing presets can be used as starting points and modified through their parameters, envelopes, modulation and effects.

Writing or modifying formulas gives you access to the deeper synthesis architecture of Syntropy, but it is not required for normal preset editing and sound shaping.

The AI Assistant helps you work with Syntropy’s synthesis engine using natural-language instructions.

You can ask it to create or modify synthesis formulas, explain existing formulas, suggest synthesis approaches, or transform a sound toward a particular character or style. Because the assistant understands Syntropy’s synthesis functions, it can make changes directly at the synthesis level rather than simply suggesting knob settings.

It is an optional sound-design tool. Syntropy does not depend on AI for normal operation or playback.

Yes. Syntropy exposes the mathematical formula behind its synthesis engine, allowing you to examine and modify how a sound is generated.

This means an existing preset can become a starting point for an entirely different instrument rather than simply a collection of parameter settings.

Syntropy is designed to work with modern DAWs that support VST3, CLAP or Audio Unit plugins.

It can be used with hosts such as Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, Cubase, FL Studio, Logic Pro, REAPER and other compatible DAWs.

A standalone version is also available for using Syntropy without a DAW. It includes several additional tools for sound design that can be particularly convenient when working outside a host environment.

Yes. Syntropy supports modern Apple Silicon Macs as well as compatible Intel-based Macs.

Syntropy is designed for modern computers and can be computationally demanding, particularly with complex synthesis algorithms, higher polyphony and advanced processing.

Windows

• Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit.
• Minimum: 64-bit quad-core Intel or AMD processor.
• Recommended: modern 6-core Intel or AMD processor or better.

macOS

• macOS 13 Ventura or later.
• Apple silicon or 64-bit Intel processor, dual-core 2.5 GHz or faster.
• Recommended: Apple silicon M1 Pro, M2 or later, or a modern 6-core Intel processor.

Performance requirements vary considerably between presets because different Syntropy presets can use very different synthesis algorithms.

Yes. Syntropy supports MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression), allowing compatible controllers and DAWs to control sound parameters independently for each played note.

Syntropy includes factory banks and presets specifically marked MPE, which are already configured for expressive MPE performance.

You can also add MPE control to virtually any preset. Simply right-click a Syntropy knob and assign it to an MPE controller. This makes it possible to map MPE expression directly to the parameters that are most appropriate for each sound.

The MPE button provides a visual representation of incoming MPE controller values on a per-note basis, which is useful for checking how an MPE controller is interacting with the sound.

Syntropy also supports microtuning, allowing sounds to be played using tuning systems beyond standard 12-tone equal temperament.

MPE support does not mean that every preset automatically responds to every MPE controller.

For immediate MPE performance, try one of the Syntropy banks or presets marked MPE. These sounds already contain appropriate MPE assignments.

For any other preset, right-click the parameter knob you want to control and assign it to the appropriate MPE controller, such as pressure. You can therefore decide exactly how pressure and other MPE expression data affect each sound.

You can also use the MPE button to visualize incoming MPE controller values for each individual note. This is useful for confirming that Syntropy is receiving the expected MPE data from your controller and host.

A Syntropy license can be activated on up to three computers for use by the same license holder.

This allows you, for example, to use Syntropy on your main studio computer, a laptop and an additional workstation under the same license.

If you replace a computer or experience an activation issue, please contact SonicModeler support.

Yes. Syntropy can render its sounds as multisamples, allowing a preset to be used outside Syntropy in compatible sampler environments.

Export options include formats suitable for Bitwig Studio, Decent Sampler and SFZ/Sforzando.

Yes. Updates to Syntropy are currently provided to existing licensed users without an additional upgrade charge.

Syntropy includes dedicated documentation covering normal operation, sound design, formula syntax and the available synthesis functions.

The documentation, Formula Guide and Function Reference can be accessed from the Syntropy documentation section on the SonicModeler website.

No. Despite the similarity of some terminology related to sound synthesis, Syntropy and QSound are fundamentally different technologies.

QSound is primarily known for audio spatialization, 3D positional audio, stereo enhancement and surround-processing technologies. QSound Labs also developed mQSynth, a polyphonic wavetable synthesizer designed primarily for MIDI playback, mobile devices, ringtones and interactive applications.

Syntropy is a creative software synthesizer and sound-design instrument. Its core concept is real-time sound generation through mathematical expressions and synthesis functions, which can be combined with other synthesis and processing techniques.

So while both technologies operate in the broad field of digital audio and synthesis, their architecture, purpose and approach to generating sound are fundamentally different.