Most MPE synths start from oscillators. Novum from Tracktion starts from a recording. Drop in a sample, and the plugin builds a layered, evolving instrument around it, with full MPE support. It is not a brand-new release, but it remains one of the more distinctive ways to play sampled material expressively, and it is worth another look if your controller sends per-note pressure, slide, and glide.
One sample, six layers
The core idea is simple. You drag and drop an audio file onto the interface, and Novum splits it into up to six independent layers. Each layer gets its own timbre, filter, envelope, effects, and modulation controls. That means a single field recording or instrument sample can become a thick, shifting pad in one layer and a tight, articulate texture in another.
For MPE players this matters because each layer can respond differently to the same gesture. Pressing harder on one note can open a filter in one layer while another layer stays steady, so your hand movements shape the balance of the whole sound rather than just its volume.
Timbre Flower: exploring variations visually
Novum's signature interface element is the Timbre Flower. Variations of a layer's sound are mapped onto selectable dots arranged around the original, so you can move between related timbres without digging through menus. It is a quick way to audition changes, and it pairs naturally with the idea of expressive control: you are exploring a space of sounds, not a list of presets.
Another workflow detail is worth noting. You can lock a sample in place while you browse and combine presets. That lets you keep your own source material and swap the processing around it, which is a practical way to audition many treatments of the same recording.
Why it suits MPE controllers
Sample-based instruments are often where MPE falls short, because many sample libraries only respond to velocity and a single modulation wheel. Novum was designed with full MPE in mind, so slide, pressure, and pitch glide from controllers such as the Expressive E Osmose, ROLI Seaboard, or LinnStrument can be routed to the modulation system.
Some practical starting points:
- Pressure to filter cutoff on your brightest layer, so a firmer touch reveals more detail.
- Slide to layer balance or effect send, turning vertical finger movement into a mix control.
- Glide on a sustained layer for natural pitch movement while a second layer stays centered for stability.
Practical details
According to Sound On Sound's coverage at launch, Novum runs as AU and VST3 on macOS and VST3 on Windows 10 and 11, with native support for Apple M1 and M2 processors. It launched at $179 with an introductory discount. Prices and offers change, so check the official product page for current details.
Things to keep in mind
As with any sample-driven instrument, results depend heavily on your source material. Long, evolving recordings tend to work better for layered pads than short percussive hits. Also remember to confirm your host is passing MPE data through correctly; our guide to MPE in your DAW covers the usual setup pitfalls, and the MPE specification page at MIDI.org is a good reference if you want the details of how zones and channels work.
The takeaway
Novum shows that MPE is not limited to subtractive and wavetable engines. If you already have a library of recordings, field captures, or instrument samples, it offers a fast route to turning them into playable, pressure-sensitive textures. For composers and sound designers who want something less conventional than a standard preset-driven synth, it is a plugin worth trying in demo form and spending an evening with.