NI Rounds - Sound Engines and Macros

This video covers the two sound engines in Rounds (Analog and Digital) and shows how to use the Macro knobs to control parameters for live performance.

As it’s name suggests, the Analog engine is modelled after an analog synth. Most of the parameters should be self-explanatory if you are familiar with subtractive synthesis. The Digital engine is a little more esoteric, and uses FM synthesis. Using FM can take a little while to get used to, and often gives unpredictable results. However, it can also create a wide range of very natural sounds, such as mallets, bells, and plucked strings.

The knobs in Rounds are specially created using Mouse Area modules. As a result, they cannot use the MIDI learn function like typical Reaktor knobs. Instead, the Macro knobs can be used to control parameters remotely. At the end of the video, I show how this process works inside my DAW of choice, Ableton Live.

We’ll be covering Rounds for the rest of the month, so please let me know in the comments if there is anything you’d like to see covered!