Get with the programmers
Anders Stenberg from Kilohearts talks about this month’s freebie and their amazing Snapin system
cm How did you get into plugins?
AS “We started in 2011, aiming to make computer games and do consulting. We made tools for game audio and that whet our appetite for audio tools. We had some free time and said ‘maybe we should try making a synth?’. That was kHs ONE, which we were very happy with. Then we started imagining what the ultimate synth might be and BOOM! Eight years later we released Phase Plant.”
cm What makes your software stand out?
AS “Our philosophy is based on solid computer science. We avoid frills and gimmicks and also strive for elegance. Some might see that as bland and think our effects don’t have cool names, but familiarity and reliability are more important than creating new words for things. We also support our entire range indefinitely, rather than moving to the next product and considering older products to be ‘finished’. Every new release or update enhances the value of our existing products, rather than devaluing them.”
cm Tell us about your most important plugins
AS “The whole Kilohearts ecosystem is greater than the sum of its parts and all the plugins contribute to that. But if we had to say, it would be the hosts: Snap Heap, Multipass and Phase Plant, as that is where the modular magic happens and where you can get really creative.”
cm How do they change the way we make music?
AS “Our modular approach means that if you can imagine it, you can probably make it. Instead of having 20 different plugins, you can just use 20 presets in Multipass, and create 20 original effects while you’re there. It improves efficiency and creativity and saves money. Also, with the Snapin hosts you can build an effect or instrument and share it. If others have the host plugin they will be able to use the preset and get the same results, even if they don’t own all the Snapins, which helps with collaboration.”
cm Tell us about Slice EQ, this month’s giveaway
AS “It is a modern parametric EQ with razor sharp filters. You can EQ left and right channels separately or mid/side and more. It becomes extra powerful as a Snapin in one of our hosts (like the free Snap Heap) and start modulating the parameters to create all kinds of moving filters.”
cm What advice have you picked up from working in software?
AS “If you are interested in getting into development, just start a project and dive in. Even if the project fails you will still learn. We have hundreds of failed projects laying around on our hard drives. Just like with music, if you want to become good at it, you have to put in hours of practice.”
cm What have you got planned for the near future?
AS “We’re constantly working on new effects and updates. As you read this, we should have our latest update, with a new preset management system and Content Banks (free for subscribers). The update after will include improvements to the modulation system, and applied to all the hosts. It’s a big one and will drastically expand creative possibilities.”
“Our approach means if you can imagine it, you can probably make it”