AIR Loom II — Free Download

Core Additive Synthesis Engine

Loom II is a modular additive synthesizer that builds on the original with expanded voice count, spectral noise, and new modules. Additive synthesis combines simple waveforms to create complex sounds. The instrument provides a framework of cells where up to ten modules interact. Each module performs a specific sonic task, such as octave shifting, tone generation, filtering, or modulation.

Each patch can include up to 512 harmonic partials, and the modular design makes it accessible even for those new to additive synthesis. Real-time spectrum windows on each module visually show how it affects individual harmonics, aiding in sound design. The included modules cover tasks like dual tone generation, moving filters, and modulators.

Morph Pad and Modulation

The Morph Pad is a central tool for adding movement and dynamics to patches. You create up to four variations of your sound, each assigned to a quadrant of the pad. By clicking and dragging on the pad, you define a morph path along which the sound transitions smoothly between these variations. The morphing can run free-form or synchronize to musical units like bars, with individual segment sync options.

Beyond the Morph Pad, each patch includes spectral distortion and modulation controls that shape the overall sound. Three LFOs provide tempo-syncable modulation sources accessible to any module. Four velocity-sensitive envelope generators add further control that can evolve over time. Global controls for octave, pitch, glide, and other parameters offer additional sound-shaping tools.

Sound Design and Presets

Loom II comes with a large library of presets: over 500 new patches and 350 re-mastered ones from the original Loom, created by sound designers Richard Devine and Mark Ovenden. These cover a wide range of sounds, including wobbles, pads, bass, and soundscapes. You can tweak and customize them, or start from scratch to build your own additive patches.

For inspiration, the Smart Sound Randomizer instantly generates new parameter values or a new mix of modules, jump-starting creativity. This is useful for exploring unfamiliar sonic territory or breaking through creative blocks. Additional preset packs are available, some for free and some from third-party partners.

Effects and Practical Applications

Loom II includes onboard effects to enhance your sounds. Drive and distortion can add an aggressive edge or introduce rich harmonic changes, while a chorus and phaser add depth and motion. A reverb effect helps sounds sit in a mix or creates expansive audio environments. These effects are integrated into the signal path, allowing you to shape the final character of your patches without external processors.

The synthesizer is suitable for a variety of musical contexts. Its ability to create evolving pads and textures makes it ideal for ambient and cinematic soundscapes, while the discrete modules and spectral noise support percussion and rhythmic sounds. The Morph Pad is excellent for live performance, allowing real-time morphing between variations. With MIDI mapping, you can assign controls for expressive play.

Key features

• Modular additive synth with up to 34 editable modules
• Morph Pad with up to four user-defined variations and morph paths
• Spectral noise section for enriching or replacing additive spectrum
• Four new modules: 5-Sines, Discrete Adder, Hype, Double Wave
• Three syncable LFOs and four velocity-sensitive envelopes
• Onboard drive, distortion, chorus, phaser, and reverb effects
• Smart Sound Randomizer for instant parameter and module mix generation

Best for

Sound designers and electronic musicians seeking a deep, modular additive synthesizer for creating evolving pads, textures, and rhythms. Its Morph Pad and randomization tools make it ideal for live performance and generative sound design, while the spectral noise and new modules expand its versatility for percussive and experimental tones.