Nepheton

A completely synthesized emulation of the famous 808 drum machine

Synthesis

Nepheton contains 17 fully synthesized modules that work together to emulate the original 808 drum machine. All the sounds and detailed nuances of the original are captured perfectly. Nepheton’s modules are equipped with additional controls for deep tone and envelope tweakability. Listen to the audio examples or just download the demo and start beat making today!

Outputs

Take advantage of Nepheton’s flexible output configurations - every module’s audio signal can be routed to any of the 12 outputs. This means you can route each source to a separate aux and sculpt its sound with your favourite plugins! Each individual output can be set to mono or stereo. For the real 808 fans, D16 have also included the original Trigger output (fully configurable, of course).

Every module also has a Mute, Solo and an Activity indicator. Mute does not silence the module but stops it from being triggered. Solo stops all other modules from being triggered and only activates the selected module(s).

Control

Nepheton has extensive midi control. It can be used to trigger individual modules as a modern alternative to the internal sequencer. This can be set to play using Nepheton's internal clock, or set to sync to the host sequencer.

Most of Nepheton's parameters can be automated within the host and can be controlled via MidiCC using virtually any external controller. An easy-to-use “Midi Learn” function allows instant parameter reassignment.

Internal Sequencer

The internal sequencer contains two banks of patterns: simple and extended. There is 16 extended and 96 simple patterns which both can be edited traditionally using the step buttons or using the tap function.

Simple patterns are used in Host Mode where each pattern location has a midi note number assigned to it. By drawing in notes in your DAW, you can map out and trigger full drum patterns.

Extended Patterns* differ in that they have 4 segments (variations A & B and parts 1 & 2). The whole bank of 16 extended patterns is divided into two groups of Basic Patterns and Intro/Fill In Patterns. You can choose from played patterns, use variations, and fill in modes (triggered automatically or manually). You can also precede the starting pattern with an intro pattern, and much more.

For that creative boost, D16 have added a Randomizer. It can be used to make simple changes to a pattern or to create whole new ones - ideal when you’ve been stuck on that bridge instrumental for too long! Randomizing can be applied to drums independently and with variable frequency - its odds of recurrence.

Twist the knob: The shuffle knob goes way past triplets. Set the balance between order and janky chaos: add subtle rhythmic hiccups or throw your beat into a blender.

Sharing is Easy: All external files are stored in the XML format. This allows single patterns or whole banks to be exchanged between users easily. XML allows the files to be edited in a text editor. Ideal if you want to post or share your pattern online - just post the text!

Features

• 17 fully synthesized instruments
• Perfectly scaled knob ranges
• Enhanced control of modules’ sounds
• Flexible, dynamic output reassignment including Master Out and Trigger Output
• True “disable/off” mutes & solos for each module: save on CPU!
• Fully controllable via MidiCC
• Quick midiCC assignation with MidiLearn function
• Multiple control variations:
  • External mode (note mode)
  • Internal sequencer (pattern mode) with 2 submodes
• External mode:
  • User-defined midi map (default set equal to General Midi)
  • Note velocity controls modules' levels
• Internal sequencer:
  • 96 simple patterns
  • 16 extended patterns (12 basic rythms and 4 intros/fill ins) with 4 segments per pattern
  • Each segment can be defined with one of four available measures
  • Each step can be defined normal or accented
  • Ridiculously fun “Shuffle” mode
  • Tap mode
  • Built in Randomizer (module-specific, with frequency of occurrence)
  • Patterns can be imported and exported as user-readable xml files
• Two sync modes:
  • Precise DAW tempo sync
  • Internal clock sync - ranges from 30-303 BPM (+-0.1)
• Simple preset manager

System Requirements

Windows

• Windows 7, 8 and 10 (32 or 64-bit)
• CPU - 1.5 GHz with SSE (Multicore system 2.0 GHz recommended)
• RAM - 4 GB (8 GB Recommended)
• Software - VST compatible host application (32 or 64-bit)

Mac

• Mac OS X 10.7 - macOS 10.15 (32 or 64-bit) (The product isn't yet compatible with macOS 11 Big Sur or macOS 12 Monterey)
• CPU - Intel-based 1.5 GHz (2.0 GHz recommended)
• RAM - 4 GB (8 GB Recommended)
• Software - AU / VST compatible host application (32 or 64-bit)

Please note: This is not a standalone program - a host application (DAW) is required to use it.