DSK Ethereal PadZ

Making music nowadays doesn’t necessarily depend on instruments anymore, especially since a computer can be fitted with all kinds of processors, which can include tons of configurable effects to perfectly mimic any kind of instrument. For instance, DSK Ethereal PadZ is an audio plugin which ads relaxing pad effects, and transformations to your input.

The program is not a standalone product, but rather a library of effects, which needs to be included in a VST host application such as VSTHost. Needless to say that you must link it appropriately to make it function.

With the configuration window up, you can choose from different components to include in your effects. Changes can be made in real time, which comes in handy for recording sessions, and suddenly changing effects for dramatic transformations, or cool adjustments.

There are two sound layers you can enable, even simultaneously. Although similar in configuration sliders, there are 22 different effects to choose from, so you can equip each with a separate ethereal pad. Layers are individually managed, each with its own attack, decay, sustain, and release (ADSR) sliders, as well as options to fine tune, pan, and set volume level.

All effects come in couples, and just like layers, you can take advantage of two separate filters. These too are equipped with ADSR sliders, as well as cut, and resonance. Pads can’t be selected here, but you get to target high, or low pitch.

The last pair of effects represent LFO routing. These can be configured to cut, pan, set level, or adjust pitch. Additional effects can be used to apply chorus, and reverb. Configuration sliders let you manage depth, frequency, delay, feedback, spread, gate, size, width, damp, and a few more. There’s also the master volume slider to control all effects at a time.

Getting the right sound out of audio processors requires a lot of effort, as well as powerful tools like DSK Ethereal PadZ, depending on the type of music you want to create. Two layers can be used at the same time, each with individual controls, and pairs of filters, as well as LFO routers. Configuration can be done in real time, while extra effects help you spice up sound with just the right tones.