MOLOSS II

MOLOSS II

by Arthelion
Best for Producing vintage analog-style pads, complex FM textures, and evolving soundscapes with deep modulation control on Windows
Free alternative to
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Key Features

  • Four-voice hybrid architecture combining subtractive, additive, FM, and cross-modulation synthesis in a single instrument
  • Extensive modulation with three ADSR envelopes and four LFOs per voice, each with delay and velocity controls
  • Full MIDI-assignable modulation matrix for routing any controller to any parameter, ideal for live performance
  • Redesigned interface by Lozzec with clearly labeled controls for navigating the deep parameter set
  • 150 factory presets covering pads, leads, basses, keys, and percussive textures
  • Built-in effects including chorus, stereo delay, and reverb for self-contained sound design
  • 64-note polyphony with two mono solo modes and polyphonic portamento

Description

MOLOSS II is a hybrid synthesizer by Arthelion that blends subtractive, additive, frequency modulation, and cross-modulation synthesis across four interconnected voices. Each voice can modulate the others in frequency or amplitude, enabling everything from classic analog-style patches to complex evolving textures with a lightweight CPU footprint.

The name stands for Multi Oscillator Linear Open Source Synthesizer, and version II represents a complete overhaul of the original MOLOSS released in 2019. The redesigned interface by Lozzec replaces the original's cluttered layout with clearly labeled parameters and a more modern visual style.

Each of the four voices includes a VCO module, resonant filter, VCA, three ADSR envelopes with key follow, and four LFOs with delay and velocity controls. A comprehensive modulation matrix lets you route any MIDI controller to virtually any parameter, making it well suited for expressive live performance.

MOLOSS II ships with 150 presets spanning pads, leads, basses, keys, and percussive tones. Built-in effects include chorus, stereo delay, and reverb, so patches can sound polished without external processing.

Default polyphony is 64 notes with two mono solo modes and polyphonic portamento. The synth runs as a VST plugin or standalone application on Windows, and it is open source under the GPL V3 license.

Video Preview

MOLOSS II video preview

Frequently Asked Questions

What synthesis types does MOLOSS II combine?

MOLOSS II blends four synthesis methods in a single instrument: subtractive, additive, frequency modulation (technically phase modulation), and cross-modulation. The four voices can modulate each other in frequency or amplitude, so it can function like a traditional 4-operator FM synth or produce layered analog-style patches.

Does MOLOSS II support macOS or Linux?

No. MOLOSS II is currently available only for Windows (32-bit and 64-bit) as a VST plugin and standalone application. There is no macOS or Linux version at this time.

How many presets does MOLOSS II include?

MOLOSS II ships with 150 factory presets spanning a wide range of sound categories including pads, leads, basses, keys, and percussive textures. It also includes full file-based preset management that responds to MIDI program change messages, so you can organize and recall custom patches easily.

Can MOLOSS II be used for live performance?

Yes. The comprehensive modulation matrix supports mapping any MIDI controller to virtually any parameter, making it practical for real-time tweaking on stage. The two mono solo modes and polyphonic portamento add further expressiveness for live playing.

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