Future Audio Workshop Circle Software Synthesizer (Mac and Windows)
Semi-modular synthesizer that is easy to use and customize. Works as Standalone, Audio Unit, VST and RTAS.
Overall User Ratings (based on 2 ratings)
Submitted December 14, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com
"A wonderful, different synth."
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Although some things could certainly be improved, Circle is definitely a product one should have in their arsenal. It cuts through mixes like few others, and I would change little about it, as it might loose its uniqueness. I would certainly consider replacing it if lost, but also hope to see a Circle 2 with even more presets and a stronger ambient/pad section. Of course, I might be a bit prejudiced as I'm used to Absynth.
Sound
Circle has a wide variety of sounds, and can be both phat and digital. The sound designers put some real effort into utilizing Circle's unique style and possibilities, and sounds range from the bread-n-butter to the absurd. Circle cuts through a mix like a knife, and is best used for leads and basses (as the pads and ambient voices tend to be a bit muddy at some points). That being said,it works well with most any 80's+ style of music, but don't try it with country or bluegrass.
Features
Circle is highly modular, and although the envelopes lack a little,it's my only gripe with how much I can do with this synth. Noise, Analog, and Wavetable are all present, and only NI's Massive or Absynth rivals circle for its amazing feature set and the amount of depth it allows a user to go to when creating or editing sounds. The filters are certainly a high point, and the oscillators are one of a kind.
Ease of Use
On the surface, Circle is much like any other synth of its class (a la Albino 3 or Massive), but the odd little circles, and somewhat peculiar layout can make things a bit confusing for the user sometimes. Configuring the LFOs can be a hassle, and the learning curve is maybe just that bit too high for the complete novice. That said, the presets are easily playable, and computer keyboard support is quite nice. It's enjoyable to learn how to really use Circle, but can still be a pain sometimes.
Quality
Circle is polished and clean, and it's interface is quite the piece of eye candy. The presets aren't trashy one bit, and there's quite a few big name sound designers on the list (a la Biomechanoid). Some of the sounds can be bland, and some just to odd to really fit into a track, but FAW put effort into making Circle different without a doubt.
Value
It's rare to get a synth this good or this unique. The preset list is great for the price, and Circle is a real budget-musician's friend, who will deliver great results for far less than most of the other big name products.
Manufacturer Support
Never had to deal with FAW since I bought Circle, which is great!
The Wow Factor
Circle is an appealing synth, and it's unique graphic interface definitely makes it appealing to use. I've wowed friends with it's sexy, black looks and they've been asking me for the best deals on the software.
Musical Background:
Active musician.
Musical Style:
Most anything save for country or bluegrass/folk.
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