Stryde Audio - Swayed v1.1.0 VSTi3 for Windows

• Definitive 1989 Workstation Emulation: Faithfully captures the sonic character of the late-80s hybrid transition, bridging pure DX7-style FM synthesis with acoustic PCM sample playback.
• Advanced Frequency Modulation (AFM) Engine:
  • 6 operators per voice with 16 selectable oscillator waveforms (beyond basic sine waves).
  • 45 fixed algorithm routing configurations plus customizable operator feedback paths.
  • Up to 3 independent feedback loops per voice for complex harmonic edge and controlled noise generation.
• Advanced Wave Memory (AWM2) Sample Playback:
  • Factory library of 1989 16-bit linear acoustic samples: classic Rhodes, slap bass, crystalline bells, dynamic reeds, synth strings, and vintage drum transients.
  • Authentic 32 kHz / 48 kHz vintage sample interpolation reproducing late-80s digital grit.
• RCM Hybrid Cross-Modulation: Route AWM2 acoustic sample layers directly into AFM operators as modulators, creating physical-modeling hybrids and evolving acoustic-digital textures.
• Dual Multi-Mode Resonant Digital Filters: Two 12 dB/octave resonant filters per element (configurable in series or parallel) delivering 24 dB low-pass sweeps, band-pass, and high-pass filtering without digital aliasing artifacts.
• Multi-Stage Envelope Generators: Complex 4-rate / 4-level pitch, filter, and amplitude envelopes with keyboard scaling and velocity sensitivity.
• Integrated Dual DSP Effects Processor: Period-accurate digital reverbs, gated rooms, stereo chorus, flangers, multi-tap delays, and early digital distortion/ring modulation algorithms.
• Modernized Vector Interface: High-resolution interface featuring clear algorithm matrices, drag-and-drop modulation routing, and integrated preset browser categorization.

The Climax of the FM Synthesis Revolution
Released at the close of 1989, the Yamaha SY77 stood as the culmination of digital synthesis development in the 1980s. While the earlier DX7 popularized pure FM synthesis through sterile, glassy tones, producers in the late 1980s sought the warmth of acoustic samples and the dynamic filter sweeps of analog subtractive synthesizers.

The SY77 solved this by inventing Realtime Convolution and Modulation (RCM)—a framework where high-resolution sampled acoustic waveforms (AWM2) could be passed through and frequency-modulated by 6-operator FM matrices (AFM), then shaped with dual resonant filters.

Stryde Audio Swayed brings this historically significant instrument into the modern DAW environment without the tedious navigation of a 1980s multi-tier LCD display. Swayed unlocks the raw slap basses, shimmering vaporwave pads, dramatic sci-fi sound effects, and crystalline electric pianos that dominated late-80s and early-90s film scores, pop radio hits, and video game soundtracks.

The Sound Generation Modules:

• AFM (Advanced FM) Operator Block:

  • Six discrete operators per element with variable fine-tuning, ratio stepping, and fixed-frequency modes.
  • 16 distinct operator waveforms (Sine, All-Harmonics, Even-Harmonics, Resonant Peaks, Narrow Pulses).
  • 45 algorithms defining carrier and modulator configurations.
  • Freely assignable operator feedback loops to produce harsh overdriven grit or smooth brass swells.

• AWM2 (Sampled Memory) Block:

  • 16-bit uncompressed ROM sample library meticulously captured from original factory expansion ROMs and base memory.
  • Multi-sample velocity crossfades, natural loop decay points, and authentic down-sampled aliasing behavior.

• RCM Cross-Matrix:

  • Use AWM2 samples as an exciter to modulate AFM operators, allowing sample transients to drive digital FM metallic resonances.
  • Modulate sample playback speed and phase via internal FM LFO structures.

Sound-Shaping Tools:

• Dual Dynamic Digital Filters:

  • Two multi-mode resonant filters per voice element.
  • Selectable configurations: Dual 12 dB Low-Pass in series (producing a steep 24 dB/oct slope), Low-Pass + High-Pass in series (Band-Pass behavior), or independent parallel filtering.
  • Resonance capable of self-oscillation with dedicated filter key tracking.

• Complex Envelopes & Modulation LFOs:

  • 4-Rate / 4-Level ADSR envelope structures on pitch, amplitude, and cutoff.
  • Per-operator envelope generators allowing rhythmic timbre morphing over sustained notes.
  • Dual global LFOs with tempo sync, delay time, and fade-in contours.

• Dual Stereo Effects Stages:

  • Reverb: Hall, Room, Plate, Early Reflection, and 1989-style Gated Reverb.
  • Modulation / Delay: Stereo Chorus, Quadrature Flanger, Symphonic Ensemble, Ping-Pong Delay.
  • Drive / Distortion: Late-80s digital clipper and pre-amp saturation.

Plugin Profile:

• Supported Format: VST3 (64-bit Windows Instrument)
• Internal DSP Engine: 64-bit floating-point audio processing
• Polyphony: Up to 32 polyphonic voices (with selectable Mono / Legato glide modes)
• Sample Rate Support: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
• MIDI Capabilities: Full MIDI CC Learn, Pitch Bend, Aftertouch, Velocity Curve adjustment, and Program Change support

Compatible Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs):

• Image-Line FL Studio
• Ableton Live (All 64-bit versions)
• Steinberg Cubase / Nuendo
• PreSonus Studio One
• Cockos REAPER
• Bitwig Studio
• Cakewalk by BandLab

Installation Steps:

1. Extract the downloaded setup archive to a temporary directory.
2. Run Stryde_Audio_Swayed_v1.1.0_Setup.exe as Administrator (Right-click -> Run as administrator).
3. Verify the target VST3 directory (default: C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\Stryde Audio\).
4. Complete the installation wizard.
5. The release is pre-cured; no serial keys, dongles, or online license managers are required.
6. Launch your DAW, perform a plugin rescan, and load Swayed.

Sound Design Tips:

• Classic Slap Bass: Select an AWM2 acoustic slap bass sample as the base layer, enable AFM Element 2 with a high carrier-to-modulator ratio (1:3 or 1:7), and blend them together to achieve the signature punchy 90s TV sitcom bass tone.
• Analog Pad Emulation: Engage Sawtooth waveforms across Operators 1–4, detune Operators 2 and 4 slightly (+4 cents / -4 cents), route both through the dual low-pass filters in series, and activate the onboard Symphonic chorus effect.