Derailer

The deal

$59 at KVR Marketplace (down from $99). Sale ends July 23, 2026.

What it is

Derailer is a physical modeling synthesizer from Physical Audio that uses finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numerical methods to simulate how physical objects actually vibrate and resonate. It models strings, metal bars, and nonlinear springs connected into networks, generating complex evolving timbres through simulated physical interactions. The result is sounds that behave like real materials - metallic, resonant, and organically unpredictable - rather than conventional synthesis waveforms.

Who it's for

Producers working in cinematic scoring, ambient, industrial, or experimental electronic music who want synthesis that sounds physically alive rather than digitally sterile.

Key features

• Driver-resonator architecture pairs a choice of excitation source - sawtooth wave, plucked or bowed string, pitched bar, or striker - with a configurable resonator network
• The resonator includes up to 5 metal bars with independently adjustable rigidity, sustain, tone, and mass
• Up to 10 nonlinear springs connect the bars with stiffness, decay, and nonlinearity controls that span from subtle shimmer to chaotic metallic feedback
• Post-processing adds EQ, a resonant low-pass filter, a diode clipper, and delay or gate for final tone shaping