Fanan Team has recently unveiled Bella, a free bells and mallets virtual instrument for Windows.
Bella is powered by a chord-driven step sequencer designed to create a vast [array] of instrumental phrases.
According to the developer, these phrases are versatile and can be used in various musical contexts like songs, EDM, experimental music, ringtones, or even smartphone notification sounds. Additionally, it allows for the creation of interesting transitions or background accompaniments.
Bella comes equipped with eight different bell and mallet models and includes “traditional synthesis features.”
The Fanan Team has posted a ‘no talking’ demo of Bella on the product page, highlighting the instrument’s sound through various presets.
The instrument offers a lo-hi filter and a portamento (gliding) effect.
Furthermore, Bella includes an effects section with wah, space-based reverb, and delay.
Fanan Team points out that the true excitement with Bella starts with the step sequencer.
This 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 adopts the DAW’s BPM.
Users have the option to save programmed sequences to an independent file and load them with any preset.
Fanan Team comments: “Overall, Bella focuses on simplifying the programming process and creating new musical events with ease.”
In my opinion, Bella has a retro feel. The sounds are well-suited for throwback music, ambient tracks, soundtrack creation, sound design, and especially video game soundtracks and effects.
Hearing some of the presets made me think of a retro-style platformer game like Fez.
The Bella Zip file is 68.2 MB, and it’s available for download from the product page with just two clicks, no personal information required.
Bella supports VST and VST3 formats.
Bella is the latest addition to Fanan Team’s extensive plugin collection.
The website features 20 free plugins available for download from the Packs & Purchase page.
Fanan Team also offers budget-friendly plugins, available in three bulk packs priced at $17, $20, and $30.
Many of the paid plugins are enhanced versions of the developer’s free plugins.