One of the most respected names in plugin design has just opened its synthesizer to polyphonic expression. According to KVR Audio, FabFilter has released Twin 3 v3.10, a free update for existing customers that adds MPE and Note Expression support along with more than 200 new factory presets.
What MPE support means in Twin 3
Twin has always been known for its deep modulation and clear interface, but until now it treated a chord as a single block: one pitch bend, one pressure value, one mod wheel for every note. With v3.10, each note can carry its own expression. With MPE enabled, pitch bend is applied per note by default, so sliding one finger on a controller bends only that note while the others hold steady.
The update also introduces Timbre and Lift as modulation sources for MIDI input. Timbre corresponds to the vertical slide gesture on most MPE surfaces, while Lift reflects release velocity, the speed at which a finger leaves the key or pad. These sit alongside the pressure source, so the familiar trio of strike, press and slide can now drive Twin's filters, oscillators and effects individually for each voice.
For anyone using a standard (non-MPE) keyboard, nothing breaks. FabFilter describes the update as fully backwards compatible, and it installs over an existing version using the latest Twin 3 or Total Bundle installer.
Per-note expression for plugin users
Twin's modulation system is one of its strengths: you can drag a source onto nearly any parameter and shape the amount visually. That workflow now extends to per-note sources. Practical ideas to try with an MPE controller such as the Expressive E Osmose, the ROLI Seaboard, the LinnStrument or the Intuitive Instruments Exquis:
- Pressure to filter cutoff so each held note opens up independently as you lean into it.
- Slide (Timbre) to oscillator mix to move between layers within a single chord.
- Lift to release time or an effect send, giving a note a longer tail when you lift gently and a short, dry stop when you snap away.
The result is a synth that feels less like a pad machine and more like an instrument you play with the whole hand.
Presets that already behave
A new feature is only useful if sounds exist to show it off. The update adds over 200 new presets from sound designers bManic, Bigtone and Christian Laffitte. Just as important, existing factory presets have been updated so they work with an MPE controller out of the box. That matters, because many players have been burned by "MPE-compatible" synths whose presets ignore per-note data until you spend an hour assigning modulation.
An arpeggiator fix worth noting
The release also resolves timing drift and repeated note triggering in the arpeggiator when it receives large numbers of MIDI controller messages. This is a real concern for MPE users, since an expressive controller can stream hundreds of pressure and slide messages per second. A stable arpeggiator under that load is a quiet but welcome improvement.
Availability
The update is free for existing Twin 3 customers. KVR's product database lists Twin 3 at $149, though the announcement does not give a price for new purchases, so check the FabFilter website for current pricing and the demo version.
Why this matters for the MPE ecosystem
When a developer with FabFilter's reputation adds MPE, it signals that per-note expression is now treated as a baseline expectation rather than a niche feature. For players, that means one more premium synth that reacts to touch, and one more reason to check whether your favorite plugin has quietly added support. If you rely on an older version, it is worth installing the latest build and testing it with your controller before your next session.