HV-Formant is the worlds first "Heptaverton Surround" VSTi softsynth. It is based on a DIY modular subtractive synthesiser from the late seventies called the "Formant". The Formant was developed by C. Chapman and the DIY project was published in the Electronic magazine Elektor of 1977/78.

Heptaverton Surround
The HV-Surround format is an experimental surround format that Ftec-Audio has been developing since 2004. The format is based on 6 speakers equally distributed over a 360 degree circle around the listener (the seventh point). The principal is that the product in the centre, at the seventh point, the listener, is more than the sum of the six surrounding points (the sound production of the individual speakers).

Features:

• Stereo and HV-Surround play mode.
• 100% modular design.
• Flexible Monophonic, Polyphonic and Unison section.
• Unique 6 oscillator concept.
• Dynamic wave mixing and splitting.
• Open filter architecture.
• Multi curve envelopes.
• Internal or external colour coded controller assignment.
• Key hold memory with key add and remove function.
• Stereo or HV-surround pan, chorus and delay effects.
• 64 cell polyphonic sequencer, arpeggiator.
• Online Manual, Forum and patch exchange.

New in v1.1

• Greatly improved stability by means of Synthmaker v1.1.3
• A complete new analysis module enables you to investigate both sound and control signals.
• It is now possible to develop your own skin for the synth.
• The VCF2 module now comprises a two stage filter with extra resonance and separation parameters that enables you to create filters with special characteristics.
• The VCA module now has an FX (effect) section with Overdrive, Distort and Saturation effects.
• Overdrive, Distort and exponent Functions added to the MIX modules.
• The key memory function is changed. It now latches keys or chords. This enables you to time/trigger the polyphonic sequencer.
• It is now possible to mute and unmute individual or all sequencer strips.
• Lots of new presets that use the new functions.