Overview
UVI presents Drone! Designed for composers, sound designers, and musicians, Drone is a creative instrument that delivers constantly evolving textures and atmospheres, from deep and powerful low-end ambiences to rich and shimmering environments.
Outfit a dual-layer sample synth with hundreds of included long-format samples, turn them into mesmerizing textures with the IRCAM Granular engine, add depth, grit, and detail with built-in effects like Swarm, Feedback Loop and Harmonics, and easily craft movement to taste with a customizable XY controller, and Chaos or LFO modulators. Drone is a fully-featured tool expressly designed to create rich and detailed sonic environments and sound effects with endless movement and variety.
In Depth
Workflow
At a high-level Drone is a multilayer sample/granular synth with unison, feedback loop, harmonic modulator, manual and automated parameter animation, professional-quality bus effects, a 32-step gate sequencer, true surround sound engine*, and native MPE integration, fueled by an exclusive library of long-format samples designed specifically for drone and soundscape creation.
Whether you're looking to quickly browse presets for inspiration or craft your own sound from concept, Drone's interface is structured to provide what you need when you need it.
 | Sound ExplorationThe high-level MAIN page is the ideal place to browse presets, explore the included sample library, and make broad-stroke changes. When you're ready to dig deeper, the full range of controls are available in dedicated Edit, FX, Modulation and Settings pages. |
Dual Sample/Granular EngineThe EDIT page houses the full set of Source 1, and Source 2 sample layer controls, the XY pad, LFO/Chaos modulator, and the Swarm and Feedback Loop effects. Quickly browse the 500+ samples by category or hit the Randomize button until you find the perfect one, choose between conventional Sample or IRCAM Granular engines, adjust level, pitch, and attack and release times and shape. |  |
 | XY AnimatorThe XY pad lets you manually control and animate your sound, and is a great tool for purposed sound design and cinematic movements. The Y axis controls the mix of per-voice effects (configurable on the FX page), while the X axis can blend Source 1 and 2 in a few different ways including typical crossfade and filtered modes. |
 | Chaos ModulationDirectly below the XY pad is the Modulator, which provides automated motion to your sound in either the predictable XY LFO mode, or dynamic Chaos mode. In XY LFO mode, you have a fully-customizable LFO for each axis, with variable shape, speed and depth, with unipolar/bipolar range and switchable phase. Chaos mode animates the XY position randomly, using only Speed and Depth inputs, which can make fantastic automation targets. |
Swarm & Feedback
Below the Source 1 and Source 2 editors are Swarm and Feedback Loop. Swarm is a Unison voice effect, providing up to 8 voices and a range up to 48 semitones. Feedback Loop allows from subtle to infinite looping with Frequency Shifting, Delay Time and Drive contribution, capable of creating incredible depth and variety over time.
Powerful Effects
The FX page is divided into two sections, Keygroup Effects (top), and Bus Effects (bottom). Keygroup effect level is controlled by the Y-axis of the XY pad (visible at the top of the page). Three effects are available including Distortion, Harmonics, and Filter, and their sequence can be changed using the (<>) arrows.
| Distortion is a multi-mode effect providing Tube, Tape or Fuzz-style distortion with input, output, and drive controls. Harmonics is a novel harmonic modulator, providing independent gain control and LFO modulation over each order of harmonics (I-VIII). With a little distortion this can radically alter your sound over time. | Filter is a switchable LP/HP filter with sweepable frequency. Modulatable with the 'FX Mod' knob, you can easily move the filer frequency based on the Y-axis. Bus effects include Tape Delay with feedback, saturation and host-sync or free-running rates, Sparkverb algorithmic reverb with independent low and high frequency decay multipliers, and a bus limiter. |
Gate SequencerThe MOD page features a capable Gate sequencer, allowing you to create sequences up to 32-steps long. Independently set the sequence speed, shape (smooth), and depth. The sequence can run freely or in retrigger mode, and a large collection of presets is included. Pitchbend depth and Modwheel mapping for conventional controller keyboards can be configured at the bottom of the page. |  |
 | Expressive ControlThe SETTINGS page is arranged in 3 sections: Program, MPE, and Pan. In 'Program' you can adjust the global polyphony, velocity curve, root note, and assign velocity as a modulator for Gain, Filter, Harmonics or Distortion. In 'MPE' you can control parameters for X, Y, and Z channels, setting semitone range for X, and mappings for Y and Z. In 'PAN' you can set the panning for each channel based on the instrument configuration (stereo, quad, or 5.1*). |
Sound, Designed
At the heart of Drone is an exclusive sound library created by UVI and the renowned sound design Nicolas Becker (movie credits incl. Gravity, Arrival and Ex-Machina) arranged into 4 categories, Acoustic, Digital, Organic, and Synthetic.
| Acoustic sounds include orchestral sounds from UVI, and an exclusive sound set by Nicolas Becker created using theremins, waterphones, crystal bowls, bass guitar, reamping of EMT reverbs, bass amps, a Space Echo and more. Digital sounds include savagely augmented Max/MSP patches and noise samples, glitched, chopped, slowed down, frozen, and otherwise mangled to the extreme with digital techniques. | Organic sounds include surround field recordings of cities, nature, and underwater ambiences, sometimes processed to be more tonal and playable chromatically. Synthetic sounds include exclusive recordings of synths such as the Korg Radias, Access Virus Ti2, Black Corporation Deckard's Dream, and Schmidt Eight Voice. |
A deep and inspiring sound design tool with endless potential for evolving soundscapes, detailed textures, and evocative ambiance, Drone is a unique and powerful instrument perfect for film, games, music and more.
SPECS
- 17.52 GB (FLAC lossless encoding, was 50.04 GB in WAV)
- 3,332 Samples (1,666 stereo, 1,666 Surround), 320 Presets
- 48 kHz. Recording at 96 kHz
License: 3 activations per license on any combination of computer hard drive or iLok dongle
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Runs in UVI Workstation version 3.0.11+, and Falcon version 2.0.7+ iLok account (free, dongle not required)
Internet connection for the license activation
18 GB disk space
Supported Operating Systems:
- Mac OS X 10.9 to macOS 10.15 (64-bit)
- Windows 8 to Windows 10 (64-bit) 200 MB of disk space
Hard Drive: 7,200 rpm recommended or Solid State Drive (SSD) 4GB RAM (8 GB+ highly recommended for large UVI Soundbanks)
COMPATIBILITY
Supported Formats: Audio Units, AAX, VST, Stand-alone
Tested and Certified in: Digital Performer 8+, Pro Tools 11+, Logic 9+, Cubase 7+, Nuendo 6+, Ableton Live 8+, Studio One 2+, Garage Band 6, Maschine 1 & 2, Tracktion 4+, Vienna Ensemble 5, Reaper 4+, Sonar X3, Main Stage 3, MuLab 5.5+, FL Studio, Bitwig 1+, Reason 9.5+
Download Sizes
| Version | Compressed Download Size |
| Plug-in/UVI Download includes | |
| Product Download and Registration: Website | |
| UVI Workstation User Guide: 2 MB | |
| UVI Workstation for Mac OS X: 306 MB | |
| UVI Workstation for Windows: 302 MB | |
| UVI Workstation for Windows (x64): 302 MB | |
*When ordering the download product from Big Fish Audio you will be given one or more links for each of your product purchases. The links will be active for 24 hours. During this time you should download the file and expand it. You can return to your Big Fish Audio account at any time and download your products. You will find your products in the "My Products" area of your account page.
License Agreement
The Following End User License Agreement is included with Drone. This License is only valid for the individual who has purchased an unopened, new and lawfully made copy of Drone from a dealer or distributor authorized by Big Fish Audio.
"COPYRIGHT LAWS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN STRENGTHENED. IT IS IN YOUR BEST INTEREST TO READ AND FOLLOW THIS AGREEMENT.
This copy of the Sounds & Software (the Product) are licensed to you as the end user. Please read this Agreement carefully.
You cannot transfer ownership of these Sounds and Software they contain. You cannot re-sell or copy the Product.
LICENSE AND PROTECTION
1. License Grant. UVI, brand (UVI) grants to you, subject to the following terms and conditions, a non-exclusive, nontransferable right to use each authorized copy of the enclosed Product.
The enclosed product is the property of UVI and is licensed to you only for use as part of a musical performance, live or recorded. This license expressly forbids resale or other distribution of the sounds and software included in the Product or their derivatives, either as they exist on disc, reformatted for use in another digital sampler, or mixed, combined, filtered, resynthesized or otherwise edited, for use as sounds, multisounds, samples, multisamples, wavetables, programs or patches in a sampler, microchip or any hardware or software sample playback device. You cannot sell the Product content or give it away for use by others in their sampling or sample playback devices. In the event UVI terminates this Agreement due to your breach, you agree to return the original and all other copies of the software and documentation to UVI. UVI reserves all rights not expressly granted to you.
2. Protection of Software. You agree to take all reasonable steps to protect this product and any accom- panying documentation from unauthorized copying or use. You agree not to modify the enclosed product to circumvent any method or means adopted or implemented by UVI to protect against or iscourage the unlicensed use of copying of the enclosed Product.
3. Ownership. As between you and UVI, ownership of, and title to, the enclosed digitally recorded sounds (including any copies) will be held by UVI. Copies are pro- vided to you only to enable you to exercise your rights under the license. Only this license is purchased by you.
4. Term. This Agreement is effective from the date you open this package, and will remain in full force until termination. This Agreement will terminate if you break any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement. Upon termination you agree to destroy and return to UVI all copies of this product and accompanying documentation.
5. Restrictions. Except as expressly authorized in this Agreement, you may not rent, sell, lease, sublicense, distribute, transfer, copy, reproduce, display, modify or time share the enclosed product or documentation. THE SOUNDS IN THIS INSTRUMENT ARE GUARANTEED TO BE 100% COPYRIGHT CLEAN © UVI.net.
All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders. UVI.net is registered trademarks of Univers Sons, SA"
"COPYRIGHT LAWS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN STRENGTHENED. IT IS IN YOUR BEST INTEREST TO READ AND FOLLOW THIS AGREEMENT.
This copy of the Sounds & Software (the Product) are licensed to you as the end user. Please read this Agreement carefully.
You cannot transfer ownership of these Sounds and Software they contain. You cannot re-sell or copy the Product.
LICENSE AND PROTECTION
1. License Grant. UVI, brand (UVI) grants to you, subject to the following terms and conditions, a non-exclusive, nontransferable right to use each authorized copy of the enclosed Product.
The enclosed product is the property of UVI and is licensed to you only for use as part of a musical performance, live or recorded. This license expressly forbids resale or other distribution of the sounds and software included in the Product or their derivatives, either as they exist on disc, reformatted for use in another digital sampler, or mixed, combined, filtered, resynthesized or otherwise edited, for use as sounds, multisounds, samples, multisamples, wavetables, programs or patches in a sampler, microchip or any hardware or software sample playback device. You cannot sell the Product content or give it away for use by others in their sampling or sample playback devices. In the event UVI terminates this Agreement due to your breach, you agree to return the original and all other copies of the software and documentation to UVI. UVI reserves all rights not expressly granted to you.
2. Protection of Software. You agree to take all reasonable steps to protect this product and any accom- panying documentation from unauthorized copying or use. You agree not to modify the enclosed product to circumvent any method or means adopted or implemented by UVI to protect against or iscourage the unlicensed use of copying of the enclosed Product.
3. Ownership. As between you and UVI, ownership of, and title to, the enclosed digitally recorded sounds (including any copies) will be held by UVI. Copies are pro- vided to you only to enable you to exercise your rights under the license. Only this license is purchased by you.
4. Term. This Agreement is effective from the date you open this package, and will remain in full force until termination. This Agreement will terminate if you break any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement. Upon termination you agree to destroy and return to UVI all copies of this product and accompanying documentation.
5. Restrictions. Except as expressly authorized in this Agreement, you may not rent, sell, lease, sublicense, distribute, transfer, copy, reproduce, display, modify or time share the enclosed product or documentation. THE SOUNDS IN THIS INSTRUMENT ARE GUARANTEED TO BE 100% COPYRIGHT CLEAN © UVI.net.
All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders. UVI.net is registered trademarks of Univers Sons, SA"