Rob Papen Inspiration Soundware has introduced PowerChord, a unique guitar plugin designed to allow users to create impressive power chord groove sequences with ease. This plugin, which goes beyond traditional guitar playing, offers a dynamic approach to generating power chord grooves that could make even seasoned guitarists envious.
According to Rob Papen, PowerChord enables users to create “fantastic power chord grooves and much more.” Before diving into the features, it’s important to note that power chords, also known as fifth chords, are a staple in rock music. These chords consist of the root note and the fifth, often with octaves, and are typically played with distortion or overdrive on electric guitars. PowerChord is aptly named for its focus on recreating these essential elements of rock music.
Unlike traditional sampled loops, which can be repetitive and restrictive, PowerChord allows users to actively engage in an interactive experience that fosters creativity. The plugin features a Sequencer PLAY MODE where users can create phenomenal power chord grooves. It offers access to 12 solo guitar sounds, such as Grunge PowerChord, PowerChord Drop-D, and PowerNote (single notes), as well as 41 stacked guitar models based on those solo sounds. One notable sound is the RG PowerChord, which mirrors the distortion from Rob Papen’s RG plugin, another tool for creating rhythmic guitar grooves.
PowerChord is billed as a grunge guitar groove synthesizer, with grooves created using four 32-step sequencers (A, B, C, and D), each playable within specific MIDI note ranges. For each sequencer row, users can customize various features, including step control (on/off), semi offset, stroke types (long stroke, ghost stroke), velocity settings, ratcheting, and filter decay/release settings, among others. Sequencer controls for swing, smoothness, speed, and retriggering enhance the overall creative process.
In addition to these guitar-focused features, PowerChord includes a range of synthesizer tools for further sound sculpting. Users can access 25 analog-modeled filter types, ring modulation, and amp modulation modes. The MOD MATRIX offers eight modulation slots, while the EQ section includes both a fixed EQ and a five-band parametric EQ with a low cut filter. PowerChord also includes three high-quality effects blocks (FX 1, FX 2, and FX 3) arranged in serial mode, with 34 available effect types. These effects range from amp simulators, chorus, and delay, to more unique options like comb filters, talk box, and tape flanger. MIDI tempo-based settings are available in most effects, offering flexibility, with the option to bypass individual effects or the overall effect chain.
For those familiar with Rob Papen’s other products, PowerChord features the RIBBON CONTROLLER, which was first introduced in the BIT-2 synthesizer. This controller allows users to dynamically manipulate multiple parameters at once using a mouse or external MIDI controller. The controller also has a SPRING BACK feature with tempo-based quantization and bipolar modes.
PowerChord also offers a Manual PLAY MODE, which gives adventurous users the freedom to manually play different stroke types like STROKE, LONG STROKE, and GHOST STROKE. Rob Papen concludes with a statement that perfectly encapsulates the plugin’s potential: “PowerChord will never replace a real guitarist, but, then again, a real guitarist can’t replace PowerChord due to the unique sounds it can create!” This innovative tool is capable of producing power chord grooves that even experienced guitarists might envy.
