Bristol is a collection of software emulations inspired by classic analogue synthesizers, organs and electric pianos. Rather than presenting a single general-purpose instrument, it offers a range of distinct synthesis architectures and graphical control panels.
The sound engine runs separately from Brighton, the interface system that provides controls resembling the hardware instruments. This arrangement lets musicians explore different synthesis techniques while retaining the layout and performance conventions associated with the original designs.
The package is primarily of historical interest today, but its breadth of instrument emulations remains useful for enthusiasts of vintage synthesis and classic keyboard sounds.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Emulations inspired by Moog, ARP, Oberheim, Sequential, Roland and other instruments.
- Additional models for vintage electric pianos and tonewheel or transistor organs.
- Brighton graphical control panels tailored to individual instrument models.
- Separate multithreaded audio engine and graphical interface.
- Ability to run multiple instruments with distinct MIDI-channel assignments.
- Layering and keyboard splits for multitimbral arrangements.
- Analogue-style oscillators, filters, envelopes and modulation in applicable models.
- JACK and ALSA audio and MIDI support.
- Command-line control for selecting emulations and starting instruments.
Website: bristol.sourceforge.net
Support:
Developer: Nick Copeland and contributors
License: GNU General Public License v2.0
Bristol is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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