Virtual ANS 3 is a software simulator designed to bring the unique Russian synthesizer ANS to your computer. This fascinating photoelectronic musical instrument was created by Evgeny Murzin between 1938 and 1958. The ANS allows users to draw music in the form of a spectrogram, or sonogram, without the need for live instruments or performers. This innovative approach to sound has attracted many famous composers, including Stanislav Kreichi, Alfred Schnittke, and Edward Artemiev, who used it in their experimental music compositions. You can even hear its sound in Tarkovsky's movies, like Solaris, The Mirror, and Stalker.

Virtual ANS 3 enhances the original capabilities of the ANS by providing a full-featured graphics editor software. With this simulator, you can convert sound to image, load and play pictures, and draw microtonal and spectral music. It empowers users to create some truly unusual and deep atmospheric sounds, making it ideal for anyone passionate about innovative sound experimentation.

The app features an unlimited number of pure tone generators to help you craft unique sounds. It also includes a powerful sonogram editor, where you can draw the spectrum and play it simultaneously. You can convert any sound—from a WAV file or even a microphone or line-in—into a sonogram image and back again, offering a seamless sonogram conversion tool.

For those who use MIDI devices, Virtual ANS 3 provides MIDI device support. It features a polyphonic synth mode, complete with MIDI mapping capabilities, allowing for a versatile and interactive music-making experience. The app supports various file formats, including WAV with uncompressed PCM format, PNG, JPEG, and GIF. It also integrates with Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) and is compatible with Audiobus, broadening its utility for musicians and sound designers.

All of these features make Virtual ANS 3 a great tool for both new and experienced users wanting to explore experimental sound design. The app not only carries the legacy of the original Russian synthesizer ANS but also introduces many new features compared to version 2.3, offering even more options for sound creation.

If you’re looking to explore the unique world of sound and music with a tool that encourages creativity, Virtual ANS 3 is perfect for you. Whether you are a musician, a sound artist, or simply someone who loves to experiment, this app can help you unlock new possibilities in your musical journey.