Fors has introduced Junior, a 4-bit software synth for Linux, Mac & Windows that’s inspired by the limitations and characteristics of the Nintendo Game Boy soundchip.
They say that “Junior emits raw and harmonically rich 4-bit values that will cut through anything.”
Features:
- 4-bit Wave Oscillator
- 7-bit LFSR Noise Generator
- 4 × Table Modulators
- Stereo 2-Voice Unison
- Chipstyle Arpeggiator
- Portamento
- Tuning support via:
- MPE Continuous Pitch Bend
- ODDSound MTS-ESP
- CLAP Note Expressions
- Up to 16 voice polyphony
- Random Preset Generator
Pricing and Availability:
Fors Junior is available now, priced at $39 USD.
Absurd pricing. Sounds pretty good, but nothing like the real deal. For the same price you could get one of those Chinese GB-a-like RG35 things and just run LSDJ on it, for a far more authentic experience and the same sound as a GBC. Obviously a cart on the Brick is still king.
You could probably wait for a sale too get it for 30%. I still bought it because I am a huge fan of that PC Engine/SCC/Namco wavetable sound. And there are so many cool waveform transformations that you can’t do in other chiptune synths like Audiothing’s MiniBit. Chipsynth FC will have the N163 in it.
It will scratch such an itch for sure. It certainly sounds good in it’s own right. If you are in to doing things the traditional way give Furnace Tracker a look (github). It has fairly accurate emulations of a wide range of chips and is particularly adept for the Famicon wavetable and sample sound. It’s also free 🙂
Anyone that thinks $39 is too steep might want to reassess their career choices…
This is a tiny little studio that makes some cool synth plugins. And an RG35 seems to be more expensive anyway. Digital is digital whether emulated or on a chip. There is no “authentic” digital sound. There’s only a hipster factor to it.
The point is, it’s not even remotely close to an emulation. It may sound fine in its own right, but an accurate emulation – not even close. There are plenty around already, many of which are free. Save yourself £40 if you want that, if you want the sound of have hardrrivr space to fill or whatever then by all means. Also the RG35 doesn’t require a computer or VST host ?so the price comparison is frankly absurd
I don’t care if it’s accurate. It’s incredibly flexible for what it does. And can you automate each of the 32 waveform steps in a tracker? I think not.
Yes of course you can!? In both LSDJ and FA it is absolutely trivial to do so. As normal on this site the ignorance of basic production and sound design techniques is both stunning, and frankly concerning
Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I am aware that Furnace and Wavetracker let you do interesting things with stepped waveforms in the editor and real time. It seems only you can alter parts of the wave in N163 mode via commands. But I’m more interested in using something like this with other synths rather than for standalone chiptunes. And in Bitwig, I can use all sorts of modulators to automate waveforms or steps. Also, I have been playing around with synths as a hobby for 9 years, so I Don have some idea of sound design.
You’re really complaining about a teeny tiny company charging $40 for something they worked hard on. Get real omg
For the same price you could buy one doordash order. It’s nothing at all for a long term tool. “Authentic” who cares! That’s why the real thing exists. This is its own thing.
The free version is good as well
How could I miss it?! Thanks for pointing this out!
I’m playing with light version right now and it sounds great to my ears – right in my alley. This is my next plug-in acquisition for sure 🙂
Fors is the plugin hustle of Ess Mattisson who used to work for Ableton. He made Ableton Drift that came in Live 11 and also worked in Ableton Move. Great sounding stuff but Im not sure if those ever go on sale.
Fors have sales every now and then.
Fors has a 30% off Autumn sale last month
*had (hate how s and d are so close on my phone)