Sugar Bytes

In an uncertain world, it’s always good to have
a few constants, and few things are more
constant than Sugar Bytes’ plug-ins, which
always seem to be as odd as they are inspiring.
Their latest ofering is a monophonic bass synth
for Mac and PC (AU/VST/RTAS/AAX). The concept
is deceptively simple: phat, characterful bass
patches with evolving modulation and FX
sequences. The recipe? Take three parts easily
programmable synth, add one part custom
modulation sequencer, blend with an LFO
section that’s ingeniously in tune with the way
people make electronic music these days, and
inish with a versatile efects setup.
At irst glance, Cyclop looks quite intimidating,
but initial WTF factor aside, it’s actually very
cleverly laid out. The interface centres on four
main knobs: one for the Wobble section (an
innovative LFO controller, and the beating heart
of the instrument), one for morphing between
two parameter setups, one for the main FX
section, and one for controlling various
assignable parameters.
And that sums up Cyclop! Although it’s an
instrument, its focus is very much on efecting
and modulating – but that’s not to say it doesn’t
make hefty noises right out of the gate. It sounds
large… really large. Cyclop’s subs are beautifully
controlled, so that even at their lowest notes,
they still sound stomach-rumblingly thick.
One of the reasons Cyclop sounds so big is
that it uses mid/side processing to introduce
frequency-based stereo imaging between
250Hz and 4kHz. This ensures wide, interesting
sounds that retain their punch and bass when
played on mono systems. Because this isn’t
a delay-based process, there are no phasing
issues, which means Cyclop cuts through the
mix very nicely.
One of the best things about Cyclop is its vast
library of presets. These are great for familiarising
yourself with the general workings of the synth,
Sugar Bytes
Cyclop $139
An ultra-modern monster, this forward-thinking synth seems to have
its eye on shaking up the world of electronic music production
MASTER EFFECTS
Add sub-bass and
conventional insert
effects. Try adding
some stereo for a
large sound or
distortion (one of
nine flavours)
FILTER SECTION
All your favourite
filter types as
well as some odd
surprises. The dry/
wet controls are
handy, too
DUAL OSCILLATORS
Oscillators might play second
fiddle to modulation in terms
of GUI real estate, but they
make up for it in raw power
ROUTING SECTION
Choose from two kinds
of serial routing: split
and parallel
AMOUNT
Create two
Wobble setups,
then manually
morph between
them and record
your movements
for automated
playback
CENTER SCREEN
Handle assignments, ranges
and detailed modulation
settings for each section
WOBBLE SECTION
Flick between LFO setups. A cool trick
is to load mostly one shape with one
or two speed settings set differently
although because they tend to be very
modulation-driven (that, after all, being the
nature of this particular beast), they do rather
tend towards extravagance. You won’t ind
basic, bread-and-butter sounds here!
Also, despite being labelled a bass synth,
Cyclop’s regular Bass patches, per se, only take
up quite a small percentage of the library – don’t
expect this synth to serve as a one-stop bass
preset solution like Rob Papen’s SubBoomBass.
With so many presets included, we think that a
‘favourite’ button would be a welcome addition
to the browser.
The eye has it
The key to getting the most out of Cyclop lies
in the proper use of its modulation system. The
Wobble section to the left ofers a series of
selectable LFO settings, each of which can be
set to a speciic speed and shape (of which there
are many, including the S+H-style Freeze).
80 / COMPUTER MUSIC / September 2012
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CMU181.rev_cyclop.indd 80 7/2/12 2:45 PM