The Optigan Plugin brings the unmistakable sound and unusual playing concept of the legendary Optigan, an electronic instrument from the early 1970s, to your DAW in an authentic recreation.

Instead of conventional sound generation, the Optigan used interchangeable optical programme discs with instruments, accompaniments, rhythms and effects, combining a melody keyboard with chord and rhythm keys – the plug-in recreates this concept with all 40 original discs plus three unofficial prototype discs, from organ, piano and guitars through strings and wind instruments to complete rhythmic accompaniments and unusual special effects. As on the original, disc speed affects tempo and pitch together; Flex Mode separates the two for new sonic experiments, or the Optigan can be synchronised to your DAW tempo. An emulation of the characteristic spring reverb is available for the keyboard section, the instrument can be played via MIDI keyboard, computer keyboard, mouse or touchpad, and various chord recognition options make the accompaniment easier to control. Even a charming quirk of the hardware is included: programme discs can be inserted upside down, which makes them play backwards.

Features

• Authentic replica of the Optigan with emulation of the original motor and speed behaviour
• All 40 original programme discs plus 3 unofficial prototype discs
• Tempo and pitch linked as on the hardware, Flex Mode for independent control, sync to DAW tempo
• Spring reverb emulation for the keyboard section, various chord recognition options
• Playable via MIDI keyboard, computer keyboard, mouse or touchpad; programme discs can also play backwards
• Scalable user interface from 50 to 200 per cent

Technical details

• Type: virtual instrument (Optigan emulation), plug-in and standalone
• Operating systems: Windows, macOS
• Plug-in formats: VST3, Audio Unit (macOS only), AAX, standalone
• Architecture: 64-bit, native Apple Silicon support
• Licensing: computer-bound, two activations, internet connection required for activation (Windows)
• Content: 40 original programme discs and 3 unofficial prototype discs

System requirements

• macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later, fully compatible with modern macOS versions
• Processor (Mac): Intel Core i3 or equivalent, or Apple Silicon (M-series chips, native or via Rosetta)
• Windows 10 or Windows 11
• Processor (Windows): 64-bit Intel or AMD multi-core processor
• RAM: 4 GB
• Host: 64-bit DAW capable of hosting VST3, AU or AAX instruments, e.g. Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase or REAPER

The licence is registered with the manufacturer at https://dspbricks.com/optigan/. You will receive your serial number and the download link by e-mail immediately after purchase.