Tesselode Releases Free Mika Micro Synthesizer VST Plugin

Tesselode has announced the release of Mika Micro, a freeware virtual synthesizer VST plugin which expands the feature set of the previously released (and now discontinued) Cynthia Micro.

Apart from being renamed to Mika Micro to avoid confusion with the already existing Cynthia virtual instrument (an old-school freeware VST plugin developed by Ninecows), the new version of Cynthia Micro features an improved user interface and expands on its predecessor’s feature set. While it still remains focused on simplicity and ease of use, Mika Micro adds a few additional features which make it a more versatile synthesis tool.

The most notable improvement is the addition of the second ADSR envelope which can be used to modulate the filter cutoff and the amount of FM applied to the oscillators. Previously, the instrument featured a single velocity-sensitive ADSR envelope which was the only modulation source apart from vibrato. In addition, filter cutoff and FM amount can now also be modulated by note velocity and the LFO module (labeled Vibrato on the GUI). These relatively simple improvements make Mika Micro a more potent instrument without making it more difficult to use.

The best features of the old Cynthia Micro are still included. The OSC section is deceptively simple-looking while being capable of producing some pretty fat sounding timbres. The rudimentary FM features are another highlight, with simple controls that won’t confuse inexperienced users.

My only gripe with the new instrument is with the labeling on some of the control parameters. Vibrato could be renamed to LFO and Vol should, in my opinion, be labeled as Vel (for velocity). But that’s just being nitpicky. The ADSR could still be a bit snappier, to allow for more punchy bass patches.

All in all, though, Mika Micro a very promising work in progress virtual instrument which still in alpha. The developer is looking for feedback, so feel free to post your comments below. Are there any improvements or changes you’d like to see in a future version of the instrument? Have you noticed any bugs? How do you like the workflow? Let us know!

Mika Micro is available for free download via Tesselode (488 kB download size, DLL file, 32-bit & 64-bit VST plugin format for Windows).