Alchemy elemental morphs overview in Logic Pro for Mac

Most people are familiar with the concept of morphing images and 3D graphics. We’ve all seen the videos of a human face morphing from one face to another, or transforming from a young to an older version of the same face. The idea of morphing between sounds commonly involves transitioning between the filter values, envelope shape, or amount of reverb for each sound. The Performance controls in Alchemy, particularly the Transform pad, allow this type of parameter morphing, often moving between multiple synth and effect settings simultaneously to produce dramatic changes to the sound.

Alchemy can also perform a deeper and more powerful form of morphing referred to as elemental morphing. Elemental morphing is an advanced form of morphing that operates at the sound generation level, making it possible to combine core characteristics of different sounds, technically referred to as cross-synthesis. It allows new sounds to be created by mixing and matching elements from multiple source sounds. Elemental morphing expands the possibilities for creative sound design well beyond what is possible with the parameter morphing described in the paragraph above.

The Alchemy additive, spectral, granular, and formant synthesis engines are key facilitators for this type of morphing. Each synthesis method has inherent strengths and weaknesses, making them more suitable for certain sound types than other synthesis engines. Having all of them available in Alchemy makes it a unique and powerful morphing tool. Another critical component for elemental morphing is Alchemy’s ability to reconstruct audio using these synthesis engines; a process called resynthesis. Resynthesis makes it possible to perform elemental morphing on any audio because it creates a synthesized facsimile of the original sound that affords more manipulation options than a static sample. Without resynthesis, elemental morphing would be limited to sounds built from scratch within Alchemy.

Successful morphing depends on developing an understanding of which engine is best suited for the type of audio material you are working with. Your choice also affects the type and number of sound shaping options available. Morphing is a complex process with many variables that can impact on the results. As with any form of synthesis, the more you work with it and the more familiar you become with its strengths and weaknesses, the easier and faster it is to create sounds you have in mind.

See Alchemy morph use and tips for Logic Pro for Mac, Morph drum beats in Alchemy in Logic Pro for Mac, and Morph melodic sounds in Logic Pro for Mac Alchemy.