Thorn
Thorn is a software synthesizer for modern electronic music production.
What Thorn is
Thorn is a software synthesizer for modern electronic music production. Its three spectral oscillators let users edit and morph harmonics through 16-frame spectrum tables, with support for FM, ring modulation, pulse-width modulation, and hard sync. The sound engine combines additive spectral synthesis, harmonic filtering, and spectral effects. Thorn includes two analog-modeled multimode filters, nine effects, three ADSR envelopes, three LFOs, two multistage envelopes, and a grid-based Glitch sequencer. Its flexible 16-step arpeggiator can output MIDI for rhythmic sequences. Plugin Alliance describes a library of more than 600 presets. Thorn runs as a 64-bit VST2, VST3, AU, or AAX plugin in compatible host software and is not standalone. Windows 10–11 and macOS 13–26 are listed, including Intel and Apple Silicon Macs. A 14-day trial is available; earlier license holders can request a $19 USD upgrade.
Good
- Three spectral oscillators with harmonic editing
- FM, RM, PWM, and hard sync
- Extensive modulation and effects tools
- 16-step arpeggiator outputs MIDI
- More than 600 presets listed
Watch out
- Requires compatible VST, AU, or AAX host
- No standalone app
- 64-bit only since version 1.3
- 14-day trial period
Who it suits
It is designed for producers making modern electronic music across genres who use compatible plugin hosts. It suits users wanting spectral synthesis, modulation, effects, presets, and MIDI-capable sequencing.
Verdict
Thorn packs spectral synthesis, modulation, effects, presets, and sequencing into a host-based instrument. Confirm host format and operating-system requirements before using the trial or purchasing an upgrade.
The facts
Each one read from Thorn's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Arpeggiator
- Thorn has a flexible 16-step arpeggiator with MIDI output for generating rhythmic sequences.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Compatibility note
- The maker says Thorn version 1.3 dropped 32-bit support for Windows and Mac.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Distribution
- Thorn is exclusively distributed by Plugin Alliance.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Distribution and authorization
- Thorn is exclusively distributed by Plugin Alliance, whose framework and authorization scheme were integrated starting with version 1.2.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Filters and effects
- Thorn includes two analog-modeled multimode filters, nine effects, and a grid-based Glitch sequencer.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Formats
- The listed plugin formats are VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX, in 64-bit versions.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Host requirement
- Thorn requires VST 2.4, VST 3, AU, or AAX compatible host software.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Intended users
- The maker describes Thorn as suitable for any genre of modern electronic music production.checked 11 Oct 2001
- MIDI integration
- The product page states that Thorn’s 16-step arpeggiator can output MIDI.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Modulation
- The synthesizer provides three ADSR envelopes, three LFOs, and two multistage envelopes.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Modulation and sequencing
- It includes three ADSR envelopes, three LFOs, two multistage envelopes, a 16-step arpeggiator with MIDI output, and a grid-based Glitch sequencer.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Operating systems
- Plugin Alliance lists support for Windows 10–11 and macOS 13–26, with Intel and Apple Silicon Macs supported.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Preset library
- Plugin Alliance describes Thorn as including more than 600 presets.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Product
- Thorn is a software synthesizer designed for modern electronic music production.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Requirements
- Plugin Alliance lists 2 GB RAM and a display resolution of at least 1440 × 900 or 1280 × 960.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Sound design
- The sound engine uses additive spectral synthesis with harmonic filtering and spectral effects.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Spectrum tables
- Sound sources use 16-frame spectrum tables whose harmonics can be edited and morphed.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Support and upgrade
- Owners of earlier Thorn licenses can request migration instructions by email; the maker lists the upgrade at $19 USD.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Support for older licenses
- The maker says it answers email support requests even from people who are not registered customers.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Synthesis
- Its three spectral oscillators let users shape harmonics and support FM, RM, PWM, and hard sync.checked 11 Oct 2001
- Synthesis engine
- Its three oscillators use spectral synthesis to control harmonics and support FM, RM, PWM, and Hard Sync.checked 11 Oct 2001
The company
- Founded
- 2010checked 28 Sep 2001
- Headquarters
- Minsk, Belaruschecked 28 Sep 2001
- Maker
- Dmitry Sches says he runs DS Audio Software since 2010 and identifies himself as a software developer from Minsk, Belarus.checked 11 Oct 2001
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