Manufacturer: GMedia
Price: zZounds
Quick Summary
GMedia’s Imposcar – Not An Imposter
I first saw Imposcar at NAMM earlier this year. GMedia was set up in a booth downstairs alongside Ohm Force, a soft synth developer. Imposcar has been THE soft-synth to have since its release. Why is this the case? Is it because they worked alone for two years to develop the filters? Is it because just roughly 2,000 original Oscar synths were made, making it the most difficult vintage synth to find? Is it because GMedia had the foresight to add Paul Wiffen, one of the original Oscar synth’s creative powers and key sound designer? Or is it because, in addition to replicating the Oscar, GMedia enhanced the hardware synth’s initial capabilities without altering its core operation? Of course, the Imposcar is causing a stir for all of these reasons, so let’s have a look. The First Edition
I’ve longed to get my hands on an original Oscar since I saw a photo of one in the late 1980s. Anything that looked so different had to sound different, too. I’ve never had the opportunity to play with an Oscar synth, but I’ve heard it on recordings by Underworld and Ultravox. Furthermore, as stated in the instructions, almost everyone has “heard” an Oscar synth because it produced the bass sound for the Band-Aid project “Do They Know It’s Christmas.” The Oscar was (and still is) a one-of-a-kind synth in that it was a monophonic synth with digital oscillators and a fantastic filter section with fascinating “separation” and “filter drive” controls. The technological “revolution” of polyphony and MIDI (MIDI wasn’t on the original units – but was rapidly added) hurt the Oscar a little. It was a bit like a fish out of water back then. Nonetheless, if the GMedia Imposcar is any indication, the Oscar had to be one of the greatest sounding synths around, which explains its current cult status.
The Imposter?
GMedia’s Imposcar is nearly identical to the hardware version, with a few minor differences. On OS X, I was using the AU version with Logic as the host. Installation was simple, and all I had to do was drop the preset banks into the appropriate folder to get started. Presets aren’t my favourite thing, especially on a soft synth that mimics a synth that was designed to be programmed. But I will admit that the Imposcar comes preloaded with some fantastic presets from the likes of Paul Wiffen (who created patches for the original Oscar), Billy Currie from Ultravox, and a slew of other artists. Another advantage of the presets is that they give you a decent notion of what Imposcar can achieve, as this soft synth can produce a wide spectrum of sounds.
The Oscar was a different-looking synth, and the Imposcar can be a little difficult to navigate at first, but after a few minutes and a few glances at the highly useful and well-written manual, you’ll be fine. My only criticism is that the value/position of the knobs and encoders can be difficult to discern due to their small size. GMedia has a dynamic contextual field that displays the name of the preset or the value of whichever encoder your mouse is lingering over, which is fantastic.
The Basics
Imposcar is a two-oscillator synthesiser. You’ll notice that they’re labelled OSC rather than VCO right away; this is because the original Oscar used digital rather than analogue oscillators. Triangle, Sawtooth, Square, and PWM are all included, as well as Variable Wide Lead, Double Pulse, Gritty, Full Organ, Harpsichord, Strong Lead, UserWave 1, and UserWave 2. That brings the total to thirteen, which covers all the bases and more.
One of the best features of Imposcar is the ability to experiment with Additive Synthesis using UserWave 1 and 2. Select UserWave 1 or 2 and then W1 or W2 on the Edit Mode knob to bring up a neat little grid where you can draw your own wave (setting the level for up to 24 harmonics) or start from one of Gmedia’s predefined waves. This was present in the original Oscar, but it wasn’t as convenient or straightforward to use as it is with Imposcar. The ability to work with Additive Synthesis greatly widens Imposcar’s sound creation capabilities, and I was able to create some fantastic pad sounds as well as some extremely unique bass sounds.
Along Came Poly
One of the best things about Imposcar is that it retains all of the original Oscar’s originality while adding features that weren’t available in the hardware version. Polyphony is one of the most important of these. While playing the Imposcar in monophonic mode was my favourite setting, you had to appreciate the ability to switch between up to sixteen polyphonic modes.
Under Control
If you don’t already own a control surface of some sort and you plan on buying Imposcar you might as well budget for some CC knobs. Not because there are a ton of virtual knobs, it’s just that Imposcar is a soft-synth that begs to be tweaked –especially the filters. Set-up for this is easy, you simply change the mode to CC, click the „L“ under the encoder you want to assign, twirl your knob, and you’re done.
Speaking of the Filter section, Imposcar has one of the best I’ve heard. Which is a good thing as this was one of the only analog sections of the original Oscar, and one of its definitive characteristics. Basically, you have two 12dB filters that can be combined in series to make a 24dB filter. Imposcar goes beyond the original LPF, BPF, and HPF of the Oscar by adding LP, BP, and HP at 24dB, LP, BP, and HP 2-pole mode, as well as combo‘s like LP/BP, LP/HP, BP/HP. You also have a Q/Resonance control and the real killer –a Separation knob. This gives a ton of variety to the filter because you can „separate“ the cutoff frequencies of the two 12dB filters. The filter is so cool that the only downfall is I wish I could pass external audio thru it. Luckily Gmedia has licensed the filter so we will see it appear in other instruments from the likes of Spectrasonics.
Another nice extra for the Filter section is the Filter Drive –basically an overdrive. This was something incorporated into the original Oscar when Paul Wiffen noticed keyboard players sending their synths thru guitar distortion pedals and such to muck up the sound.
And The Oscar Goes To
The fact that Imposcar is so tweakable is one of the reasons it is such a great soft-synth in my opinion. Take two very flexible (and even user-definable) oscillators, add an LFO section that you can sync in Free mode (which works great in Poly mode), as well as Lock, Clock, and MIDI sync, ADSR controls for amplitude, and the filter section, glide, an arpeggiator, chorus and delay effects, as well as control for how notes are triggered and you’ve got a simple, yet very powerful soft-synth.
In fact, I have a feeling the Imposcar could become many audio junkies’ main synth. The nice thing about it is that it is simple and fun to mess with, yet deep enough –with functions like filter separation and user-definable additive waveforms, to program some very unique sounds. You could spend days coaxing new sounds out of this soft synth, but unlike others, it just seems more engaging and surprising. GMedia definitely has a winner with this one.
What's Up To Other Music Producer:
🎵 Trending Now
- Best Laptops Under 1500 Dollars (Tips & Buying Guide 2022)
- What Are The Main Features Of A Laptop? (13+ Things To Consider Before Buying 2022)
- 5 Best Convertible Laptop Under $500 (2-In-1 For 2022)
- Best Budget Laptop For Watching Netflix & Streaming Youtube (2022)
- Best Laptop For Animation Students And Graphic Designers (2022)
- Best 17 Inch Laptop Under $500 (Budget For Home Office 2022)
- 6 Factors To Consider Before Buying The Best Laptop Backpack (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Best Laptops Under $800 In 2022?
- Best Laptop Under 1000 Dollars (2022)
- Best Fast Laptops Under $300 (Nice For Light Use 2022)
- Best Laptop Under $2000 For 2022
- Pentesting & Kali Linux Laptops (10 Best Cheap Options For 2022)
- Best Laptops Under $400 (2022)
- 8 Best Laptops For Medical Students And Doctors (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- 5 Best 2-In-1 Convertible Laptops Under $700 (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Looking For A Quality Cheap Laptop? Best Laptops Under $200 (2022)
- 9+ Best Laptops For Realtors And Real Estate Agents (Buying Guide & Review 2022)
- Best 2-In-1 Convertible Laptop Under $600 (5 Notebooks Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Avantone CV12 Review 2022: The Best Modern Microphone For Vintage Classic Sound?
- Finding The Best Mid-Range Condenser Microphone? AKG Pro Audio C214 Review 2022
- Looking For A Convenient Smart Home Speaker For Music Streaming? Sonos Play:3 Review 2022
- Are Bose SIE2i Sport Headphones Good? (2022 Review)
- Finding The Perfect Earphone For Outdoor Uses? Skullcandy Inkd Earbuds Review 2022
- Pioneer SE-MJ71-S Steel Wheels Headphones Review 2022
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20 High-Quality Stereo Headphone Review 2022
- Earbuds For Sport: Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Duro Review 2022
- Experience Sound Like Never Before: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones Review 2022
- Logitech Speaker System Z623 Review 2022
- Blackstar HT5R Review 2022: The Best Marshall Amp Alternative
- Sennheiser CX 175 Earphones Review 2022: Cheap Quality Essential That You Should Have
- Sonos Connect: Amp Review (Best Wireless Amplifier 2022)
- Sennheiser CX 200 II Earphones Review 2022
- Are Marshall Major IV On-Ear Headphones Good & Worth It? (Best Comparison & Review 2022)
- Behringer MS16 Computer Speaker/ Monitor System Review 2022
- 5 Best Sweat-Proof Quality Earphones For Athletes 2022
- Loudspeakers Review: Sonos Play:1
- Monster NCredible NErgy In-Ear Headphones
- What Music Gear To Shop On Amazon Prime Day 2022? Best Home Studio Products Deals That You Should Check Out
- Best Amazon Black Friday Deals For Music Producers 2022: A Full Home Studio Shopping List That You Don’t Want To Miss To Improve Your Masterpieces
- Top 2 Best Gaming Monitors Under $200: A Review In 2022
- How To Start A Gaming Channel On YouTube: Get These 5 Essential Equipment 2022
- Best Cheap Budget Laptop For Music Production (2022)
- Best Desktop PC Computer For Music Production & Home Recording (2022)
- 23+ Best Gaming Laptops Under $300 (Review 2022)
- Best Gaming Laptop Under $1000: Buying Guide 2022
- Best Laptops For Producing Music (Review 2022)
- Best Cheap Gaming Laptops Under $500 (Review 2022)
- Best Headphones For Music Production (2022 Review)
- Best Music Production Microphone for Vocals: Top Dynamic Mic Review 2022
- Yamaha CPX1200II Review 2022: One Of The Best Acoustic Guitars?
- How To Be A Successful Producer? Dissecting The Music Industry 2022
🎵 Music Studio Gear
- Best Laptops Under $800 In 2022?
- Best Laptops Under 1500 Dollars (Tips & Buying Guide 2022)
- What Are The Main Features Of A Laptop? (13+ Things To Consider Before Buying 2022)
- 5 Best Convertible Laptop Under $500 (2-In-1 For 2022)
- Best Budget Laptop For Watching Netflix & Streaming Youtube (2022)
- Best Laptop For Animation Students And Graphic Designers (2022)
- Best 17 Inch Laptop Under $500 (Budget For Home Office 2022)
- 6 Factors To Consider Before Buying The Best Laptop Backpack (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Best Laptop Under 1000 Dollars (2022)
- Best Fast Laptops Under $300 (Nice For Light Use 2022)
- Best Laptop Under $2000 For 2022
- Pentesting & Kali Linux Laptops (10 Best Cheap Options For 2022)
- Best Laptops Under $400 (2022)
- 8 Best Laptops For Medical Students And Doctors (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- 5 Best 2-In-1 Convertible Laptops Under $700 (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Looking For A Quality Cheap Laptop? Best Laptops Under $200 (2022)
- 9+ Best Laptops For Realtors And Real Estate Agents (Buying Guide & Review 2022)
- Best 2-In-1 Convertible Laptop Under $600 (5 Notebooks Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Avantone CV12 Review 2022: The Best Modern Microphone For Vintage Classic Sound?
- Finding The Best Mid-Range Condenser Microphone? AKG Pro Audio C214 Review 2022
- Looking For A Convenient Smart Home Speaker For Music Streaming? Sonos Play:3 Review 2022
- Are Bose SIE2i Sport Headphones Good? (2022 Review)
- Finding The Perfect Earphone For Outdoor Uses? Skullcandy Inkd Earbuds Review 2022
- Pioneer SE-MJ71-S Steel Wheels Headphones Review 2022
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20 High-Quality Stereo Headphone Review 2022
- Earbuds For Sport: Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Duro Review 2022
- Experience Sound Like Never Before: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones Review 2022
- Logitech Speaker System Z623 Review 2022
- Blackstar HT5R Review 2022: The Best Marshall Amp Alternative
- Sennheiser CX 175 Earphones Review 2022: Cheap Quality Essential That You Should Have
- Sonos Connect: Amp Review (Best Wireless Amplifier 2022)
- Sennheiser CX 200 II Earphones Review 2022
- Are Marshall Major IV On-Ear Headphones Good & Worth It? (Best Comparison & Review 2022)
- Behringer MS16 Computer Speaker/ Monitor System Review 2022
- 5 Best Sweat-Proof Quality Earphones For Athletes 2022
- Loudspeakers Review: Sonos Play:1
- Monster NCredible NErgy In-Ear Headphones
- What Music Gear To Shop On Amazon Prime Day 2022? Best Home Studio Products Deals That You Should Check Out
- Best Amazon Black Friday Deals For Music Producers 2022: A Full Home Studio Shopping List That You Don’t Want To Miss To Improve Your Masterpieces
- Top 2 Best Gaming Monitors Under $200: A Review In 2022
- How To Start A Gaming Channel On YouTube: Get These 5 Essential Equipment 2022
- Best Cheap Budget Laptop For Music Production (2022)
- Best Desktop PC Computer For Music Production & Home Recording (2022)
- 23+ Best Gaming Laptops Under $300 (Review 2022)
- Best Gaming Laptop Under $1000: Buying Guide 2022
- Best Laptops For Producing Music (Review 2022)
- Best Cheap Gaming Laptops Under $500 (Review 2022)
- Best Headphones For Music Production (2022 Review)
- Best Music Production Microphone for Vocals: Top Dynamic Mic Review 2022
- Find Every Music Piece On YouTube 2022: A Part Of Your Life
🎵 Headphone Recommendation
- Sennheiser RS160 Wireless Stereo Headphones Review 2022
- Headphone Maker’s Unlimited Music Service: Beats Music Review 2022
- Best Headphones For Music Production (2022 Review)
🎵 Earphone Recommendation
- 5 Best Sweat-Proof Quality Earphones For Athletes 2022
- Monster DNA Over-The-Ear Headphones Review 2022
- Sennheiser CX 175 Earphones Review 2022: Cheap Quality Essential That You Should Have
🎵 Microphone Recommendation
- Finding The Best Mid-Range Condenser Microphone? AKG Pro Audio C214 Review 2022
- Are You Finding The Best Mic For Your Home Recording Studio? Tips For Selecting A Microphone 2022: Tip 2
- Home Studio Gear: When To Use A Multi-Pattern Microphone? 2022
🎵 Speaker Recommendation
- Loud Speakers Q Acoustics Concept 20 Review 2022
- Get 5.1 Surround Sound With Sonos Speakers: An In-Depth Analysis 2022
- Sonos Connect Review 2022: Best Stereo Sound For Home Music Streaming?
🎵 Guitar Recommendation
- How To Select The Perfect Bass Guitar? 6 Things You Should Consider In 2022
- The Perfect Guitar For Beginners: Fender DG-8Sz Review 2022
- What The Funk Is With Gibson Firebird V 2010 VS? A General Review On The Electric Guitar In 2022
🎵 Online Music Streaming
- Is Pandora Internet Radio Good For Streaming? The Pros & Cons In 2022
- How To Make Money On Youtube With Music? 3 Steps To Start Off Your Business In 2022
- A Legendary That Changed The Music Industry: Napster, The European Rhapsody 2022
🎵 Recommended Laptop For Music Production
- Best Desktop PC Computer For Music Production & Home Recording (2022)
- Best Cheap Budget Laptop For Music Production (2022)
- Best Cheap Gaming Laptops Under $500 (Review 2022)
🎵 Drum Kits Recommendation
- Mapex Voyager Review 2022: Is It Good For Beginners?
- CB Fusion Review: The Ultimate Drum Kit For Entry-Level Drummers 2022
- Home Music Production Tips & Tricks: Reason 2.5 Drum Fills Tutorial 2022
🎵 Music Production Plugins
- Waves SSL 4000 Plugin Bundle Review 2022: Worth The Money For Music Production?
- Beats By Dr. Dre Review 2022: Over-rated And Overpriced? Or Worth It?
- Is Google Play Music Good? Challenge In Using This Music-Streaming Platform In 2022
🎵 Beginner's Home Music Production Tips
- How To Master Audio Mixing At Home Music Studio? Reason Subtractor Tutorial: The Basics, Tips & Tricks 2022
- Looking For Some High-Quality Free Tools To Start Producing Music? Useful Music Production Software Plugins For Beginners 2022
- How To Choose The Right Studio Kit For You (Or As A Gift)? Tips On Buying Music Production Gear 2022
🎵 Music History Overview
- 10 Iconic Musicians Who Lost Their Hearing
- How To Get Caught While Pirating Music Online? 2022
- How To Be A Successful Producer? Dissecting The Music Industry 2022
🎵 For Gaming