Fanan Team introduces the free Bella bells and mallets virtual instrument for Windows.
Bella employs a chord-driven step sequencer to “create a vast [array] of instrumental phrases.
The developer explains that these phrases can be utilized “in many musical events like songs, EDM, experimental music, ringtones, or even smartphone notification sounds. You can also create interesting transitions or background accompaniment.
Bella features eight bell and mallet models along with “traditional synthesis features.
Fanan Team provides a ‘no talking’ demo of Bella on the product page, showcasing the instrument’s sound by cycling through various presets.
The instrument includes a lo-hi filter and portamento (gliding) effect.
Additionally, there is an effects section that features wah, space-based reverb, and delay.
Fanan Team emphasizes that the real fun with Bella begins with the step sequencer.
The sequencer can follow “any kind of played chord and create complex arpeggios, while synced (or not synced) to the DAW’s tempo and time signature.”
The sync time button aligns with the DAW’s time signature, while the BPM syncing button matches the DAW’s BPM.
Users can save programmed sequences to an independent file and load them with any preset.
Fanan Team notes: “Overall, Bella focuses on simplifying the programming process and creating new musical events with ease.”
To my ears, Bella has a retro vibe. The sounds would naturally fit throwback music, ambient, soundtrack work, sound design, and particularly video game soundtracks and effects.
Listening to some of the presets made me envision a retro-style platforming game like Fez.
The Bella Zip file is 68.2 MB, and you can access the file in two clicks from the product page without needing to provide any personal information.
Bella is compatible with VST and VST3 formats.
Bella is the latest addition to the extensive array of plugins available on the Fanan Team website.
The site offers 20 free plugins, downloadable from the Packs & Purchase page.
Fanan Team also offers affordable plugins, which can be purchased in three bulk packs priced at $17, $20, and $30.
Many of the paid plugins are full-featured versions of the developer’s free plugins.
