Våld Labs Tresse is a new dual-layer 39-engine Synthesizer plugin for macOS, Windows, and soon iOS with a built-in generative sequencer.
The beloved open-source Mutable Instruments Plaits algorithms are used in many projects. You can find them in open-source projects as well as in commercial products. And of course, AI tools use them.
The latest project to use these algorithms is the Tresse Synthesizer from the new company Våld Labs.
Våld Labs Tresse
Tresse is a new dual-layer Synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows. An iOS version with iPadOS is coming soon. I’ve been following the developers for a while now and was able to test the iOS version as a beta.
Since the website and interface aroused my suspicion of AI use, I asked Våld Labs whether Tresse was vibe-coded. The developer said he can code, and he does, but AI simplifies and accelerates certain tasks. AI was used to a certain extent.
Each layer (1 and 2) has 8 voices and features 39 different macro-based synthesis engines. 24 algorithms are based on the Mutable Instruments Plaits code, and 15 are newly developed by Våld Labs.
Among the 15 new ones, you can find Karplus-Strong, sympathetic strings, a 64-mode modal resonator, CZ-style phase distortion, bytebeat, wavefolder, complex FM, Drawbars, and granular. All engines share the same core UI controls.
Each layer also features its own Oberheim SEM-style morphing filter, based on the open-source work of Vadim Zavalishin and Andy Simper. Plus, you have two ADSR envelopes (amp and filter), drift, and master detune.
Portamento, chorus, and a bipolar crush/distortion stage are also available per layer. You can play them in polyphonic, mono legato, or up to 8-voice unison.
Extra modulation provides three multi-wave LFOs with 50 different targets across layers, filters, effects, mixer balance, and sequencer parameters.
Yes, Tresse also features a built-in multi-FX processor: delay (digital, tape, ping-pong, Lo-Fi) and reverb (hall, room, plate, and shimmer).
Generative Sequencing With Automation
The many engines are a special feature of the Våld Labs Tresse synth; another is the built-in generative sequencer engine. It uses the same generative approach as its upcoming Vekte MIDI sequencer plugin.
It offers seven distinct generative algorithms: wave interference, Euclidean, random walk, logistic map, cellular automata, Kaprekar, and Fibonacci.
Each pattern can have up to 32 steps with step durations from 1/32 note to two bars, plus density, probability, swing, humanize, note length, strum, ties, chords, four playback directions, and 12 scales. It also includes an 11-mode arpeggiator.
For extra movement, it also houses two tempo-synced parameter automation lanes, using the same generators as the note sequencers. Good: you can drive both engines with one sequencer or use an independent sequencer per layer with the Join and Split function.
For those who prefer hardware synths, Våld Labs is also working on a Treesse hardware synth version. The developer says that the development began as a hardware synth.
They aim to release it in Q1 2027 as a 3-voice polyphonic desktop Synthesizer, running on the ESP32-S3 chip and a custom PCB.
First Impression
I’ve been able to follow the development over the last two months, as I’m participating in the beta test of the iOS version. In July, the synth still seemed quite unfinished, and the engine had noticeable delay.
Over the last few weeks, the synth has been fine-tuned and is now a fun and comprehensive Synthesizer with many sound options.
Våld Labs Tresse is available now for an introductory price of 19,99€ instead of 29,99€ until September 30, 2026. It runs as a standalone and VST3 and AU plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows. An iOS version is coming soon.
More information here: Våld Labs