Synthesis

Nepheton contains 17 fully synthesized modules that work together to emulate the original 808 drum machine. All the original sounds and detailed nuances are perfectly captured. The Nepheton modules are equipped with additional controls for deep tones and envelope adjustment. Listen to the audio examples or simply download the demo and start creating beats today!

Outputs

Take advantage of Nepheton's flexible output configurations: the audio signal from each module can be routed to any of the 12 outputs. This means you can route each source to a separate auxiliary and sculpt its sound with your favorite plugins! Each individual output can be configured in mono or stereo. For true 808 fans, D16 has also included the original Trigger output (fully configurable, of course).

Each module also has a Mute, Solo, and Activity indicator. Mute does not silence the module, but prevents it from triggering. Solo stops all other modules from triggering and only activates the selected modules.

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 configured to play using Nepheton's internal clock, or it can be configured to sync with the host sequencer.

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

Internal Sequencer

The internal sequencer contains two pattern banks: simple and extended. There are 16 extended patterns and 96 simple ones that can be traditionally edited using the step buttons or using the touch function.

Simple patterns are used in host mode, where each pattern location is assigned a MIDI note number. By drawing notes in your DAW, you can map and trigger full drum patterns.

Extended patterns* differ in that they have 4 segments (variations A and B and parts 1 and 2). The full bank of 16 extended patterns is divided into two groups of basic patterns and intro/fill patterns. You can choose between played patterns, use variations, and complete modes (triggered automatically or manually). You can also precede the start pattern with an intro pattern and much more.

For that creative spark, D16 has added a Randomizer. It can be used to make simple changes to a pattern or to create completely new ones, ideal when you've been stuck on that instrumental bridge for too long! Randomization can be applied to the drums independently and with variable frequency: their recurrence probabilities.

Turn the knob: the random play knob goes way beyond triplets. Strike a balance between order and chaos: add subtle rhythmic hiccups or blend your beat in a blender.

Sharing is easy: all external files are stored in XML format. This allows users to easily exchange individual patterns or full banks. XML allows you to edit the files in a text editor. Ideal if you want to publish or share your pattern online, just publish the text!

Features

• 17 fully synthesized instruments
• Perfectly scaled knob ranges
• Enhanced control of module sounds.
• Flexible and dynamic output reassignment that includes Master Out and Trigger Output
• True "disabled/off" mutes and solos for each module: save CPU!
• Fully controllable via MidiCC
• Fast MidiCC assignment with the MidiLearn feature
• External mode (note mode)
• Internal sequencer (pattern mode) with 2 submodes
• User-defined MIDI map (set to General MIDI by default)
• Module velocity control levels
• 96 simple patterns
• 16 extended patterns (12 basic beats and 4 intros/fills) with 4 segments per pattern
• Each segment can be defined with one of the four available measures
• Each step can be defined as normal or accented
• Ridiculously fun "Random" mode
• Touch mode
• Built-in randomizer (module-specific, with occurrence frequency)
• Patterns can be imported and exported as user-readable XML files
• Precise DAW tempo sync
• Internal clock sync: oscillates between 30 and 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 (a 2.0 GHz multi-core system is 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 is not 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.