Paraphrasis

Paraphrasis by Virtual Analogy is an open-source spectral modelling synthesizer that turns a single audio sample into a playable instrument. Sitting between a sampler and a modelling synth, it analyses your recording and uses that information to synthesize a version of the original sound. It offers a way to explore an instrument’s character without recording every note or building a patch from scratch.

Setup centres on two parameters: the sample’s pitch frequency and the frequency resolution of the spectral analysis. Resolution is automatically set to 80% of the pitch, keeping the starting process straightforward. With 16-voice polyphony, Paraphrasis supports chords and layered note passages. A Reverse option analyses the sample backwards for reversed synthesis. It suits hobby producers and curious sound designers who want to turn instrument recordings or other sampled sounds into playable parts and unusual reversed textures.