Loom II

Learning how to use a virtual synth is an important step in your evolution as a music producer. Nevertheless, when you choose your first instrument, it’s probably better to start with one that employs subtractive synthesis. For most musicians, that process is pretty straightforward and intuitive, while other methods of synthesis may seem a bit overwhelming.

On the other hand, if you feel like you’re ready to explore new ways of creating music, you can always try a synth like Loom II.

Created by AIR Music Technology, Loom II is an additive synth with a multitude of sound-shaping features. Additive synthesis works by adding sine waves together in order to create different timbres; with enough computational resource additive synthesis would be able to reproduce the sound of almost any instrument.

You wouldn’t be wrong if you imagined that Loom II is a very versatile instrument that can conjure a wide array of sonic elements. Still, you could also characterize its sounds as bright and clear.

The synth has three sections that you can use to create music. The core of the instrument is the Edit section, where eight modules can perform the functions that you assign to them – from sound generation to modulation to timing tools.

Each module you add to the mix makes a significant difference to the sound that the synth produces, and it won’t take you long before you’re able to produce a mesmerizing, maybe even cinematic soundscape. Apart from the eight modules, you have additional subsections like Spectral Distortion, Spectral Noise, Sub Harmonics, four envelopes, three LFOs, and a few separate effects.

If you think that this may be a bit too much, visit the Morph section, where you can modulate the sound with the help of a Morph pad and a few other parameters, or the Wave section, where you can import waveforms and edit them.

Considering how much it can do, one can actually consider Loom II an intuitive synth. I would recommend it to anyone who knows just a little bit about additive synthesis and wants to explore the possibilities of sound design.