Audible Planets
Key Features
- Uses an orbital-motion model to create FM-like tones ranging from simple harmonics to dense, inharmonic timbres.
- Provides four orbiting oscillators with coarse and fine frequency control, phase, orbit-size, and algorithm choices.
- Supports mono and polyphonic modulation assignments across most sound-generation parameters.
- Includes envelopes, LFOs, MSEGs, macro controls, MIDI CC learning, and an on-screen modulation matrix.
- Offers up to eight built-in effects arranged as serial or parallel chains, with modulation available for effect parameters.
- Supplies VST3, AU, and LV2 builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux from the author-controlled release page.
Description
Audible Planets is a semi-modular software synthesizer that turns orbital motion into an unusually hands-on form of FM-like sound design. Its four-body model can move from clear tones to dense inharmonic textures, with the equant and demodulation controls giving it a character that is much more animated than a conventional fixed-oscillator layout.
The main page combines four orbiting oscillators with coarse and fine frequency relationships, phase, orbit size, a dedicated filter, and an auxiliary oscillator. Four envelopes, LFOs, MSEGs, macros, and a modulation matrix let you shape most parameters per voice or globally, so it rewards patches that evolve rather than simply hold a static tone.
An effects page adds up to eight built-in processors in serial or parallel chains, and those effect parameters can themselves become modulation destinations. The always-on limiter is useful when the effect chains add level, while version 1.2 refined the oscillator controls, reduced aliasing, and updated the waveshaper and chorus.
Audible Planets suits experimental electronic work, restless pads, dramatic leads, unusual plucks, and sound design where motion is part of the timbre. It is distributed as separate plug-in files rather than an installer, so you place the correct VST3, AU, or LV2 build in your DAW's normal plug-in location.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of synthesis does Audible Planets use?
Audible Planets derives sound from the simulated movement of orbiting bodies, which the developer describes as Orbital Modulation. Its frequency relationships and resulting timbres overlap with FM-style synthesis, but its orbit, equant, and demodulation controls provide a distinctive way to reach them.
Can Audible Planets make evolving sounds?
Yes. It includes four envelopes, LFOs, MSEGs, macros, and a modulation matrix, with many assignments available in mono or per-voice polyphonic modes. That makes it practical to build patches whose tone and movement change over time.
What effects are included?
The effects page has slots for up to eight built-in effects arranged in either serial or parallel chains. Their controls can be used as modulation destinations, and an always-on limiter is included because combinations of effects can add substantial gain.
How is Audible Planets installed?
The author distributes individual plug-in builds rather than an installer. Place the VST3, AU, or LV2 build in the standard location used by your DAW; the README specifies common locations for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
