Search results: Synthesis

Review: Most of the time you expect Terence Fixmer to deliver a steely strain of techno which reliably moves monolithic crowds in any temple you care to mention, but on this album for Novamute he's purposefully opened his palette to the EBM and industrial sounds which sparked his imagination as a teenager. It's instantly apparent on the abrasive jackhammer sonics of opening track 'Test of the Times', while 'In Synthesis' comes on with the sort of tough but sexy arpeggios you'd readily associate with Nitzer Ebb or Front 242. There's still a dancefloor functionality in these tracks, but pure techno is not the order of the day, and the results are thrilling from start to finish.

Review: Sound Synthesis returns to Eudemonia with yet another four squelchy sonic stasis-pods for us to climb into. No fluff, all chuff, we kick off with 'Music Love Eternity', a low-vocoded robot murmuration set to a confident acid burble and festooned synth tops; then there's the dripping wet 'Ghost Particles', the highlight, with its tremblingly cold backing washes; then on the B comes 'Cosmic Dance' and 'New Sonic Spaces', which continue to revel in cheesy awe and wonder at the sheer expanse of the beyond.

Review: Girls In Synthesis' album Sublimation marks a daring departure from their previous works, showing a band unafraid to explore new sonic territories. With their third album, the London-based innovators redefine their sound, delivering an album that is both dark and angular yet infused with pop sensibilities. The lead single 'Lights Out' offered the first listen into the band's evolution, blending Barrett-esque vocals and guitar melodies with a high-intensity blitz reminiscent of Faust Tapes. Divided into two distinct sections, the track captures the essence of late-night anxiety and transitions seamlessly into a driving, drum 'n' bass-infused rhythm. Recorded at Sick Room Studios with engineer Owen Turner, the album reflects a departure from the band's DIY ethos, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the creative process. Tracks like 'Deceit' and 'We Are Here' are on the melodic side of Girls In Synthesis, while maintaining their signature intensity. Lyrically, the band delves deep into themes of anxiety, self-reflection, and human relationships, eschewing superficial sloganeering for poetic introspection. Girls In Synthesis offer a unique sound within the alternative music spectrum.

Review: Delia Recordings is a new micro-label from Nottingham that launches into the world with this very tidy new album, Then Horizon Is On The Horizon. It's a various artists collection of absorbing works curated, mixed and produced by lifelong gear collector Matt Horobin and it comes on vinyl and CD and includes postcards. The tracks are all taken from three upcoming albums the label is working on by artists Brown Fang, Torn Sail and Shrinkwrap, and bridge the gap between the local evolving Balearic scene and Laurel Canyon escapism. Gentle grooves, downbeat dub and delicate drones all feature.

Review: Distant Worlds welcomes back Sound Synthesis for a second outing of warm, melodic electro. The longstanding producer commands stark attention with his unique blend of snappy drums, unaffected synth sequencings and ample headroom ekes, all of which combine to reveal an increasing, slow-burning sophistications as the tracks develop. 'Unification Of Harmony' refuses to prepare us for its sci-fi bass-contrapuntal gut-punch of emotion occurring after its breakdown, while 'Dear Ballacid' gets generative with things, utilising wompy Reeses and rattling, randomised topper elements.

Notes: Part of Boss's 200 series, the SY-200 is the latest in a range of guitar synth pedals dating all the way back to the 1970s. Plug in any guitar or bass and layer synth sounds over the raw tone. A versatile and creative way to explore new sounds.

Supplier's Notes:
A World of Synth Tones at Your Feet

Offering a universe of rich, analogue-inspired polyphonic tones in a small footprint, the SY-200 makes it simple to weave BOSS's expressive guitar and bass synth technology into all of your musical journeys. Building on the fun, instant-gratification experience of the acclaimed SY-1, this blue inspiration machine features an expanded sound set, more tone-shaping possibilities, and 128 memories for storing your sonic creations. Two onboard footswitches provide deep real-time performance control, and you can take things even further with external footswitches, an expression pedal, and MIDI.

A Massive Library of Expressive Synth Tones

The SY-200 transforms your guitar or bass into a versatile analogue-flavoured synth, ready to infuse your music with dynamic, compelling, and evocative new voices. This streamlined stomp gives you 171 total sounds organized in 12 intuitive categories, along with adjustable parameters for customizing the tone and response. And with 128 memory locations, you're able to store your favourite sounds and instantly recall them while performing.

Build Custom Sounds Fast

With the SY-200's informative display and hands-on controls, it's quick and easy to call up sounds and balance the direct and synth levels. All the preset synth tones have been dialled in by the BOSS engineers to be inspiring and playable right away. But if you want to go deeper, you can tweak three different parameters for each sound via dedicated knobs.

Flexible Connectivity

The SY-200 smoothly integrates into your setup in a variety of ways. Patch it in your chain like a regular pedal, or use the send and output jacks to route synth and straight guitar sounds to different destinations. And with the send/return loop and level knobs, it's possible to craft unique hybrid sounds by blending one or more pedals in parallel with different synth voices.

Powerful Real-Time Control

The SY-200 provides a massive range of control options while taking up minimal space on your pedalboard. Two customizable footswitches offer multi-functional operation with press-and-hold functionality, allowing you to control synth on/off, memory scrolling, pitch bend, synth hold, and more. Expanded control is possible via external footswitches or an expression pedal, and MIDI I/O is also available to interface with other MIDI-equipped pedals and devices like the ES-8 and ES-5 loop switchers.

Plug-and-Play and Latency-Free

You can use the SY-200 with any guitar or bass-just plug in with a standard 1/4-inch cable and start creating. Thanks to custom DSP and the latest BOSS innovations, you'll enjoy latency-free performance that's a natural extension of your instrument, letting you play freely without altering your normal technique in any way.

Supercharge Your Music with a Diverse Range of Sounds

The SY-200 is loaded with a large library of synthesizer tones to inspire new ideas and bring fresh voices to your music.

LEAD-A wide range of sounds suitable for single-note soloing.
PAD-Full tones that work great with chords, from layered pads to synth brass and more.
STRING-Classic analog-style strings, including layered voices and sweeping textures.
BELL-Percussive synth sounds with metallic resonance.
ORGAN-A large selection of organ sounds, including many with rotary-style modulation.
BASS-Fat synth bass sounds, including filtered and sub-octave tones.
DUAL-Fat synth tones with stacked oscillators.
SWEEP-Dynamic sounds with expressive and engaging movement.
NOISE-Classic analog-style synth noise. Great for percussive sounds and dramatic effects.
SFX-A variety of synth sound effects, including explosive one-shot sounds, animated pitch/filter voices, and more.
SEQ-Pulsating sounds with rhythmic pitch or filter changes.
ARPEGGIO-Generate rhythmic arpeggios based on the notes you play.

Specifications

Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz
AD/DA Conversion24 bits
Processing: 32-bit floating point

Modes: 12 modes
LEAD, PAD, STRING, BELL, ORGAN, BASS, DUAL, SWEEP, NOISE, SFX, SEQ, ARPEGGIO

Memory: 128
Nominal Input Level: INPUT, RETURN: -10 dBu
Maximum Input Level: INPUT, RETURN: +7 dBu
Input Impedance: INPUT, RETURN: 2 M ohms
Nominal Output Level: OUTPUT, SEND: -10 dBu
Maximum Output Level: OUTPUT, SEND: +7 dBu
Output Impedance: OUTPUT, SEND: 1 k ohm
Recommended Load Impedance: OUTPUT, SEND: 10 k ohms or greater
Bypass: Buffered bypass

Controls:
ON/OFF switch, MEMORY/CTL 1 switch
TYPE knob, MEMORY knob, 1 knob, 2 knob, 3 knob, D. LEVEL knob, E. LEVEL knob, VARIATION knob
MENU button, EXIT button

Display: Graphic LCD (132 x 32 dots, backlit LCD)

Connectors:
INPUT jack, OUTPUT jack, SEND jack, RETURN jack: 1/4-inch phone type
CTL 2, 3/EXP jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) jacks: Stereo miniature phone type
DC IN jack
USB port: USB micro B-type (program update only)

Power Supply: Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 3, AC adaptor (sold separately)
Current Draw: 230 mA

Expected Battery Life Under Continuous Use: Alkaline: Approx. 5 Hours
* These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Accessories: Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
Leaflet "To obtain the Owner's Manual"
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 3
Rubber foot x 4

Options (sold separately)
AC adaptor: PSA-S series
Footswitch: FS-5U
Dual footswitch: FS-6, FS-7
Expression pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5
MIDI/TRS connecting cable: BMIDI-5-35, BMIDI-1-35, BMIDI-2-35, BCC-1-3535, BCC-2-3535

Size & weight

Width: 101 mm / 4 inches
Depth: 138 mm / 5-7/16 inches
Height: 63 mm / 2-1/2 inches
Height (including rubber foot): 65 mm / 2-9/16 inches
Weight: 630 g / 1 lb 7 oz
Weight (including battery): 700 g / 1 lb 9 oz

0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

Review: 'Workout' is a driving hard anthem with a relentless beat, ideal if you are looking for prime time techno. Veteran electro/techno fusionists The Advent deliver a remix that adds a chunkier, more loopy dimension, creating a powerful dancefloor weapon. Rodiaz takes a different approach with 'Space Methods', incorporating industrial sound effects and sci-fi elements into a hard-hitting techno groove. The Slam mix intensifies the track with a harder edge and a hypnotic loop, meaning that overall, this EP offers a dynamic blend of hard techno, a perfect addition to any techno enthusiast's collection.

Review: There is some serious electro talent on this new EP from Fanzine, starting with now US-based, UK-favourite Carl Finlow. His machines are in fine fettle once more as crisp, kicking electro rhythms are overlaid with bright, silvery, pixelated melodic fireworks on the sublime 'Organoiods'. Hoax Believers get more gritty with the sheet metal snares and in-your-face arps of 'Short Circuit' while Sound Synthesis offers something moody and unsettling on their 'Vertex43'. Univac will make your eyes water with the abrasive textures of 'H Beat.'

Notes: Journey to New Sonic Frontiers

With the SY-1, it's never been easier to infuse your creative arsenal with BOSS's legendary guitar synth technology. This amazingly expressive tool is filled with 121 ultra-responsive sounds, all distilled down into a BOSS compact pedal that slides easily into any setup. Best of all, it's as simple to use as a standard stompbox, so you don't need any background in synth programming to bring a new world of sonic textures to your music.

SY-1 SYNTHESIZER Sound Tryout

Get interactive with Boss' custom TonePedia player and explore hundreds of sound variations. Select your instrument, tweak and choose pedal settings.

Expressive Synth Sounds, No Programming Needed

The SY-1 transforms any guitar or bass into a versatile synthesizer that's fun, inspiring, and ready to play. Backed by advanced tech first developed for the SY-300, this super-cool pedal delivers a huge selection of analogue-style synth sounds while occupying minimal space on your board. What's more, all the sounds are polyphonic, allowing you to play both single notes and chords.

Plug-and-Play and Latency-Free

The SY-1 can be used with any guitar or bass via a standard 1/4-inch cable, providing an easy, plug-and-play experience. Thanks to custom DSP and the latest BOSS innovations, the SY-1 offers latency-free performance that's a natural extension of your instrument, letting you to play freely and organically without altering your normal technique in any way.

A Universe of Synth Sounds Inside

With its 11 categories and 121 total sounds, the SY-1 puts an enormous array of synth colours at your fingertips. Expressive leads, sweeping pads, layered organs, fat basses, and more are all on tap, plus a variety of rhythmic synth patterns that are a blast to jam with. And with the grab-and-go Tone/Rate and Depth knobs, you're able to adjust any synth voice just how you like, including changing the pitch on some sounds.

At Home in Any Rig
As a standard BOSS compact, the SY-1 drops into a serial pedal chain like any other stomp. But with the send/return loop and dedicated mix controls, it's also possible to blend one or more pedals in parallel with the SY-1's synth voices. For example, you can patch drive pedals in the loop, and then send the combined output to mod, delay, and reverb pedals for overall processing. The send can be used as a direct out as well, enabling you to route synth and guitar sounds to separate destinations.

Enhance Performances with Real-Time Control
The SY-1 offers a numbers of ways to make your synth performances even more dynamic and expressive. Pressing and holding the pedal switch sustains the last-played synth sound, allowing you to jam with regular guitar over the top. You can also connect an external footswitch for tap tempo and octave-shift effects, or plug in an expression pedal for continuous Tone/Rate control.

SY-1 Sound Types

LEAD 1/2 - A wide range of sounds suitable for single-note soloing.
PAD - Full tones that work great with chords, from layered pads to synth brass and more.
BASS - Fat synth bass sounds, including filtered and sub-octave tones.
STR - Classic analogue-style strings, including layered voices and sweeping textures.
ORGAN - A large selection of organ sounds, including many with rotary-style modulation.
BELL - Percussive synth sounds with metallic resonance.
SFX 1/2 - A variety of synth sound effects, including explosive one-shot sounds, animated pitch/filter voices, and more.
SEQ 1/2 - Pulsating sounds with rhythmic pitch or filter changes.

Specifications

Nominal Input Level: INPUT, RETURN: -20 dBu
Input Impedance: INPUT, RETURN: 2.2 M ohms
Nominal Output Level: OUTPUT, SEND: -20 dBu
Output Impedance: OUTPUT, SEND: 1 k ohms
Recommended Load Impedance: 10 k ohms or greater
Bypass: Buffered bypass

Controls: Pedal switch, GUITAR/BASS switch, TYPE knob, VARIATION knob, TONE knob, DEPTH knob, EFFECT knob, DIRECT knob
Indicator: CHECK indicator (Serves also as battery check indicator)

Connectors:
INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
OUTPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
SEND jack: 1/4-inch phone type
RETURN jack: 1/4-inch phone type
EXP/CTL jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
DC IN jack

Power Supply: Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61), AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)
Current Draw: 115 mA

Expected battery life under continuous use: Alkaline: Approx. 2 hours
*These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Accessories: Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information"), Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)

Options (sold separately):
AC adaptor: PSA series
Footswitch: FS-5U
Dual footswitch: FS-6, FS-7
Expression pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5

Size & weight

Width: 73 mm / 2-7/8 inches
Depth: 129 mm / 5-1/8 inches
Heigh: 59 mm / 2-3/8 inches
Weight (including battery): 450 g / 1 lb

Notes: The history of India's first electronic music studio founded in 1969 at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad by David Tudor.

A book companion to the compilation album The NID Tapes: Electronic Music in India 1969-1972 released by State51.

Subcontinental Synthesis explores the history of India's first electronic music studio, founded in 1969 at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad with the support of the composer David Tudor. The essays and writings unravel the narrative and context surrounding the studio as well as the work of the Indian composers who created groundbreaking recordings during its four years of activity.

The texts reflect on the role of electronic music within a post-independence India, considering its interconnections with experimental design, radical pedagogies, and the international avant-garde, as well as the encircling conditions of Western ideological soft power within the global expansion of Modernism.

Contributors:

Geeta Dayal, Alannah Chance, Matt Williams, Shilpa Das, Jinraj Joshipura, You Nakai, Rahila Haque, and Paul Purgas. Foreword by Budhaditya Chattopadhyay

Notes: Serious synth options here, with a 24-voice polyphonic, four-part multi-timbral design based on the iconic PPG wavetable approach, updated and blended with analogue filters. An absolute powerhouse of an instrument.

Supplier's Notes:
The 3rd Wave desktop module a powerhouse wavetable synth with 24-voice polyphony and 4-part multi-timbral capability that's like having four independent synthesizers at your fingerprints.

It has all of the power, all of the polyphony, all of the multipart capability, all of the I/O, and all of the awesome sound quality of the full keyboard version.

Each of its 3 oscillators per voice can be any of these 3 choices:
A classic PPG 8-bit wavetable with all the original processing
A high-resolution anti-aliased 96KHz wavetable
Analogue modelled waveforms with spline interpolation

Create up to 64 custom wavetables of your own using the built-in Wavemaker. With the sample-to-wavetable capability, you can connect an audio source to the audio input and generate a wavetable at the touch of a button.

Classic legacy, modern sound

While the 3rd Wave has roots in the classic digital wavetable synths of the past, it takes that concept into the 21st century with a lush, expansive sound that's a product of its expanded wavetables and warm, organic-sounding analogue filters, 4 independent parts, and 24 voices.

It boasts not only a punchy, Dave Rossum-designed 2140 analogue low-pass filter with variable saturation, but a second, SEM-style state-variable filter (low-pass, high-pass, notch, and band-pass) for additional tone-sculpting. Run both filters in series for harmonically complex textures.

4-part multi-timbral

With 24-voices, the 3rd Wave has enough power for the most note-intensive performances.

And that polyphony really comes into play with its ability to layer up to 4 independent parts or split zones -- each with a completely different sound, sequence, and dual effects.

Each part has independent panning, volume, and a dedicated stereo physical output. Use the multiple outputs and part placement to create spatial audio mixes.

Modulation matrix

The secret weapon of any synth is its mod matrix, and the 3rd Wave doesn't disappoint.

With 16 assignable slots, 12 additional fixed-source slots, 27 sources, and 114 destinations, it has the flexibility of a modular.

And all of this power is per multipart. That means up to 4 independent layers of sound, each with its own mod matrix.

Sequence notes, songs and parameters

The 3rd Wave's sequencer is an inspiring tool for both composers and sound designers because it is pattern-based and can sequence notes, songs, and parameter changes.

For composing and performing, enter notes and chords in real time with or without quantization for maximum groove and arrange up to 24 patterns of up to 32 measures in length into songs just as easily.

Sound engine

3 High-resolution Digital Oscillators Per Voice

64 total user wavetable positions with 48 wavetables that contain 64 waveforms per table (32 legacy PPG waves with room for another 16 of this type)
32 original 8-bit wavetables from the PPG 2 series instruments with room for 16 more user created 8 bit wavetables
7 high-resolution modelled analogue waveforms (sine, saw, triangle, supersaw, pulse, white noise, pink noise)
VCO sync
Free-running oscillators
Linear FM
6-stage wave envelope per oscillator with variable time and position that can be looped
Optional wave flow section that allows for no wavetable as well as no waveform interpolation
Upper wavetable mode as with the original PPG 2 series
Unison, poly unison, and chord unison mode with variable voice count

Analog Low-pass Filter (per voice)

Dave Rossum designed, classic, 2140 low-pass resonant filter
24 dB per octave slope
variable saturation amount
optional resonance compensation

State-Variable Filter (per voice)
12 dB per octave slope
Continuously variable between low-pass, notch, and high-pass, operation with optional band-pass mode

4 ADSR+ Delay Envelopes
Filter, Amplifier, plus 2 additional envelopes switchable between exponential and vintage PPG-style response
Freely assignable to multiple modulation destinations

4 Low-Frequency Oscillators
Triangle, sawtooth, reverse sawtooth, square, pulse 1, pulse 2, pulse 3, and random (S&H)
Variable delay
Note reset
Syncable to master clock BPM

2 Digital Effects
BBD, stereo delay, tape delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion pedal, rotating speaker, ring mod, room reverb, hall reverb, super plate reverb - most modelled on famous hardware devices
Syncable to master clock BPM
Parameters modulatable via mod matrix

Wave maker tool

Built-In Custom Wavetable Maker

"Sample-to-wave" functionality. Connect an audio source to the 3rd Wave's Audio In port, press "Make Waves" and the synth samples the audio to create a custom wavetable
Samples to convert can also be brought in as a 96 kHz wav file through USB
Store up to 32 custom wavetables
64 waveforms per wavetable
Accepts pitched or un-pitched material as input
96 kHz sampling rate
16-bit resolution
1024 cycles per waveform, converted automatically to cover entire keyboard range
Flexible wave-sampling length

Sequencer

Performs both Note and Parameter Sequencing
1 song per multi-part
24 sequences per song
32 measures per sequence
Variable quantization resolution per sequence (32nd, 16th, 8th, quarter, half, whole note, or quantization off)
Swing

Arepggiator

1 Arp per Multi-part
Up, down, up/down, and assign modes
Variable range (1, 2, or 3 octaves)

Mod matrix

16-slot Modulation Matrix Per Multi-Part

16 slot modulation matrix with 27 mod sources and 114 mod destinations
12 additional fixed-source mod paths
Modulation assignment buttons enable quick and easy modulation routing
Mod Matrix runs at audio rates
Sequencer can record and play mod parameter changes in real time

Controls

77 knobs and 39 buttons enable deep, comprehensive editing with minimal menu diving
Pitch and Mod Wheels
Full-sized, five-octave, semi-weighted, premium Fatar keyboard with velocity and aftertouch

Programs

500 factory programs. User rewritable

In/out

4 Stereo outputs (2x 1/4" phone jack per part)
Headphone out (stereo 1/4" phone jack)
MIDI In, MIDI Out, and MIDI Thru
USB port for bidirectional MIDI communication
Audio Input for creating user wavetables from external audio source (1/4" phone jack)
Sustain/footswitch input
Volume pedal input
Expression pedal input

Power

1 universal IEC AC power inlet for internal power supply

Review: Long-standing Dutch acid-electro outpost Zodiak Commune are back with another trip into the creepy underbelly of the scene guided by the combined powers of Sound Synthesis and Acidulant. On the A-side of the record, the pair join forces for a collaboration they call Raim, in which they deliver creepy pads, edgy arpeggios and slamming beats aplenty. 'Zenhiser 303' in particular has a seductively dystopian tone which will be perfect for when you want to take the party somewhere darker. On the flip, Acidulant goes it alone for the downright nasty machine funk of 'Institutionize Planet X' while Sound Synthesis creates a widescreen extension of the A-side vibe with the epic 'Protect Our Freedom'.

Review: The ever-prolific Sound Synthesis is usually found dealing in a classic strain of electro, but on this appearance for the burgeoning AmenTec label he's switching things up with a foray into blistering jungle. On 'Electrical Synpases' he more than proves himself up to the task, creating a monster of a track which will send limbs flailing as soon as the drop hits. 'Emigdela Network' finds an interesting fusion of electro synthesis and ragga jungle touches, while on the flip we get some interesting remixes from Cridge & Powder and Tone Def delving into the machine funk you might have reasonably expected on the A side.

Review: Beyond his prolific body of original work under myriad guises, Gerald Donald has gifted the electro world many a superlative remix. At all times, his pioneering strain of machine funk from the days of Drexciya remains at the forefront of the sound, and so as Belgian label WeMe gather together this compilation of key reworks from the Donaldsphere, it's just as relevant to consider this a compilation of Drexciyan magic you might not have stumbled across before. Whether as Heinrich Mueller, Dopplereffekt or Rudolf Klorzeiger, Donald brings his unique cybernetic qualities to tracks from Ultradyne, Cisco Ferreira and Duplex amongst many others. A particular highlight is the emotive future-synth-pop of his remix of Rough Days For Diamond Trade, while the slow creep of his version of White Car's 'Now We Continue' is equally show-stopping.

Notes: A serious, serious synth. PPG-esque wavetable synthesis with huge 24-voice polyphony, dual analogue filters and four-part multitimbrality. Incredible sound, incredible versatility.

Supplier's Notes:
The 3rd Wave is a powerhouse wavetable synth with 24-voice polyphony and 4-part multi-timbral capability that's like having four independent synthesizers at your fingerprints.

Each of its 3 oscillators per voice can be:

A classic PPG-era wavetable
A high-resolution complex wavetable
An analogue-modelled waveform
Create up to 64 custom wavetables of your own using the built-in Wavemaker. With sample-to-wavetable capability, you can connect an audio source to the audio input and generate a wavetable at the touch of a button.

Classic legacy; modern sound

While the 3rd Wave has roots in the classic digital wavetable synths of the past, it takes that concept into the 21st century with a lush, expansive sound that's a product of its expanded wavetables and warm, organic-sounding analogue filters

It boasts not only a punchy, Dave Rossum-designed 2140 analogue low-pass filter with variable saturation, but a second, SEM-style state-variable filter (low-pass, high-pass, notch, and band-pass) for additional tone-sculpting. Run both filters in series for harmonically complex textures.

4-part; multi-timbral

With 24-voices, the 3rd Wave has enough power for the most note-intensive performances.

And that polyphony really comes into play with its ability to layer up to 4 independent parts or split zones - each with a completely different sound, sequence, and dual effect.

Each stereo part has independent panning, volume, and a dedicated stereo physical output.

Modulation Matrix

The secret weapon of any synth is its mod matrix, and the 3rd Wave doesn't disappoint.

With 16 assignable slots, 12 additional fixed-source slots, 27 sources, and 114 destinations, it has the flexibility of a modular.

And all of this power is per multipart. That means up to 4 independent layers of sound, each with its own mod matrix.

Sequence notes; songs & params

The 3rd Wave's sequencer is an inspiring tool for both composers and sound designers because it is pattern-based and can sequence notes, songs, and parameter changes.

For composing and performing, enter notes and chords in real time with or without quantization for maximum groove and arrange up to 24 patterns of up to 32 measures in length into songs just as easily.

Specs

Sound Engine

3 High-resolution Digital Oscillators Per Voice
64 total user wavetable positions with 48 wavetables that contain 64 waveforms per table (32 legacy PPG waves with room for another 16 of this type)
32 original 8 bit wavetables from the PPG 2 series instruments with room for 16 more user created 8 bit wavetables
7 high-resolution modelled analogue waveforms (sine, saw, triangle, supersaw, pulse, white noise, pink noise)

VCO sync

Linear FM
6-stage wave envelope per oscillator with variable time and position that can be looped
Optional wave flow section that allows for no wavetable as well as no waveform interpolation
Upper wavetable mode as with the original PPG 2 series
Unison mode and chord mode with variable voice count

1 Analogue Low-pass Filter

Dave Rossum designed, classic, 2140 low-pass resonant filter
24 db per octave slope
variable saturation amount
optional resonance compensation

1 State-Variable Filter

12 db per octave slope
Continuously variable between low-pass, notch, and high-pass, operation with optional band-pass mode

4 ADSR+ Delay Envelopes

Filter, Amplifier, plus 2 additional envelopes switchable between exponential and vintage PPG-style response
Freely assignable to multiple modulation destinations

4 Low-Frequency Oscillators

Triangle, sawtooth, reverse sawtooth, square, pulse 1, pulse 2, pulse 3, and random (S&H)
Variable delay
Note reset
Syncable to master clock BPM

2 Digital Effects

BBD, stereo delay, tape delay, chorus, phaser, flanger, distortion pedal, rotating speaker, ring mod, room reverb, hall reverb, super plate reverb - most modelled on famous hardware devices
Syncable to master clock BPM
Parameters modulatable via mod matrix

Wavemaker Tool: Built-In Custom Wavetable Maker

"Sample-to-wave" functionality. Connect an audio source to the 3rd Wave's Audio In port, press "Make Waves" and the synth samples the audio to create a custom wavetable
Samples to convert can also be brought in as a 96 kHz wav file through USB
Store up to 32 custom wavetables
64 waveforms per wavetable
Accepts pitched or un-pitched material as input
96 kHz sampling rate
16-bit resolution
1024 cycles per waveform, converted automatically to cover entire keyboard range
Flexible wave-sampling length
Imports Serum wavetables

Sequencer: Performs both Note and Parameter Sequencing

4 parts per sequence
24 sequences per preset
Up to 32 measures per sequence
Variable quantization resolution per sequence (32nd, 16th, 8th, quarter, half, whole note, or quantization off), that is settable in real time
Variable swing

Arpeggiator: 1 Arp per Multi-part
Up, down, up/down, and assign modes
Variable range (1, 2, or 3 octaves)

Mod Matrix: 16-slot Modulation Matrix Per Multi-Part

16 slot modulation matrix with 27 mod sources and 114 mod destinations
12 additional fixed-source mod paths
Modulation assignment buttons enable quick and easy modulation routing
Mod Matrix runs at audio rates
Sequencer can record and play mod parameter changes in real time

Controls

77 knobs and 39 buttons enable deep, comprehensive editing with minimal menu diving
Pitch and Mod Wheels
Full-sized, five-octave, semi-weighted, premium Fatar keyboard with velocity and aftertouch

Programs

500 factory programs. User rewritable

In/out

4 Stereo outputs (2x 1/4" phone jack per part)
Headphone out (stereo 1/4" phone jack)
MIDI In, MIDI Out, and MIDI Thru
USB port for bidirectional MIDI communication
Audio Input for creating user wavetables from external audio source (1/4" phone jack)
Audio Input can also route audio through the filters, output chain, and effects
Sustain/footswitch input
Volume pedal input
Expression pedal input

Power

1 universal IEC AC power inlet for internal power supply
Operates worldwide on voltages between 100-240v, 50-60 Hz, 65 watts maximum power consumption

Dimensions

Shipping Box Dimensions: 44 x 20 x 13 inches, 35 lbs
Synth Dimensions: 38.5 x 14.25 x 5 inches, 27 lbs

Review: More hand-stamped headiness from Keith Farrugia AKA Sound Synthesis on his own Orbital Mechanics imprint. In keeping with the Maltese producer's trademark sound, what's on offer is an attractive, highly accomplished blend of electro, glassy-eyed underground electronica, acid and ambient techno. Our pick of an extremely strong bunch is closing cut 'Memory Re-Generation', a deep, melodious and loved-up affair in which TB-303 acid lines and gorgeous melodies bubble away atop tight electro beats, warm bass and ultra-dreamy chords. There's plenty to get the pulse racing elsewhere across the EP too, including the lovely - and hard-to pigeonhole - opener 'Don't Let Go' and the tighter, tougher electro club jam 'Let The Music Take Control'.

Review: Renowned Maltese producer Sound Synthesis has always been an adept electro specialist, unafraid of pushing the genre to its furthest limits. Braindance analogia and rave ghosts all crop up on this melodic, admittedly emotional new long EP, recalling a much breaksier Bicep, for those who like their dance music a bit rawer than what its most obvious channels have to offer. It's all thanks to SS's penchant for analog synthesis and vintage hardware - heads know no end of classic machines were used in the formation of his sound. This is a statement of real passion.

Review: An exciting four tracker from Eudaimonia Records here, presenting the simple task of exploring the outer reaches of the world we find ourselves in through the lens of acid. Both time-honoured and fresh-faced artists appear on this selectors' compilation and their tracks recall everything from the more space-agey, low-register corners of acid electro to the sunnier, arpier, R&S-style breaks.

Review: Berlin record label System Error's sub-label Fresh Tunez lays out the mission statement for its newest FRESH series with the vinyl debut of Parisian producer and DJ Paul Tellimerg with a fresh four-track EP. The opening track 'Alpha Synthesis' is a midtempo tech house groove that evokes the sound of his acid techno contemporaries like Manami's liquid 'Lizard Den'. The retro-futuristic progressions are dualistic on the two sides, Side A being the forward-thinking tech-raver counterpart to Side B's more retro-feeling tunes. 'Watchmen' has proven itself as a fan favourite, the industrial influence giving it a dark undertone that feels right at home in a dark club with its thumping technological rhythms. In stark contrast, 'Person to Person' is a more zany vocal number featuring some tongue-in-cheek percussion stings (think Dragon Ball Z aligned), the vocal itself being framed as The B-52's more reserved sibling.

Review: As any dedicated electro obsessive will happily tell you, Keith Farrugia has been delivering killer cuts - most aimed squarely at peak-time dancefloors - as Sound Synthesis for well over a decade. Even so, the sleazy, energetic and acid-fired bangers he's put out on the Orbital Mechanics imprint, which he founded in 2021, have been 'next-level' good. If you have doubts about this assertion, check out Farrugia's latest EP. It begins with a chunk of grandiose, urgent, TB-303-heavy sci-fi electro (the incredible 'Dark Objects') and ends with the creepy, aggressive and frankly breath-taking 'PSM'. In between, you'll find the melancholic, bittersweet brilliance of 'FH Machines' and the starry, mid-set delight of the surprisingly uplifting 'Perpetual Motion'.

Notes: 1010's Nanobox range expands with the Razzmatazz, a tiny drum machine with FM synthesis, sampling and a built-in sequencer. Small but powerful, with built-in MIDI and touchscreen control.

Supplier's Notes:
Create the juiciest beats and tastiest rhythms with Nanobox Razzmatazz, a mini drum sequencer that combines powerful FM synthesis and sampling. Featuring advanced voice architecture, razzmatazz puts a huge range of percussive sounds at your fingertips-from deep and gritty kick drums to searing snare hits and crisp hi-hats. Perform using 8 touchscreen pads or your favorite midi controller, and craft up to 16 rhythms using an innovative visual sequencer that allows you to see all pad states and steps simultaneously. Shape the sound of each pad by combining any variation of two FM oscillators and a WAV file-plus two filters, two envelopes, a resonator, a snap generator, and three additional effects.

You can even choose from four unique types of distortion to create incredibly distinct and powerful drum sounds. Enjoy massive analogue drum sounds and an innovative feature set, all in a compact package that goes anywhere.

Technical Specs

Includes 120 presets and 112 wave files
8 pads that can support 2 FM Oscillators and WAV file each
Sample memory per WAV of 30 seconds
Power: USB-C connection 5V, 500mA
3.5mm audio input and output
Maximum input and output level: 2Vrms
DAC and ADC resolution: 24-bit
Internal resolution: 32-bit
Sample rate: 48kHz
MIDI Input: 3.5mm Type A/B auto sensing
MIDI Output: 3.5mm Type B
Clock Input: 1,2, 4, 8, 12 or 24 PPQ selectable
MIDI support: Note On/Off, Velocity, Pressure, Mod Wheel, Aftertouch, assignable CCs, program changes and clock
H x W x D: 1.5" x 3.75" x 3"
Weight: 0.25 lbs.

What is included:

Nanobox | razzmatazz mini drum sequencer with FM synthesis and sampling
MicroSD card with presets and wav files
Color matched USB power cord
Type B TRS MIDI To MIDI 5 Pin DIN adapter
Quick Start Guide

Review: Since launching two years ago, Bristol's We're Going Deep label has consistently delivered some of the deepest and most atmospheric club tracks around. The music they champion is, as many in the West Country would no doubt confirm, "proper deep". That's certainly the case with the tracks on the label's seventh multi-artist extravaganza. Acid Test regular Tin Man kicks things off with a touch of TB-303-doused proto-house minimalism ('I Said Acid'), before Rai Scott takes us 50 leagues below the sea on the ultra-deep, drowsy and hypnotic house cut 'I'll Meet You on the Dancefloor'. Over on side B, Sound Synthesis's 'Necessary Order' is a simply breath-taking trip into deep electro territory, while Roger Van Lunteren's EP-closing contribution is a deep (and deeply psychedelic) acid house trip.

Review: The Maltese machine funk specialist himself Keith Farrugia is back once more with yet more of his impeccable electro business as Sound Synthesis. This time the prolific producer is shoring up on Burnski's Infiltrate label with four cool and deadly cuts which build on his previous drops for 20:20 Vision, Furthur Electronix, Orbital Mechanics and more besides. From the nervy sci-fi flex of 'Motor Space Maps' to the playful fun n' games of 'Back In Time', Farrugia knows exactly what he's doing within the electro blueprint, and his tracks are reliably punchy warm - a true master at work.

Notes: This is a special one. Seven-voice, four-part multitimbral analogue goodness from this boutique Argentinian brand. Stunning sound and depth, combining vintage fatness with contemporary precision.

Supplier's Notes:
The GS e7 is a subtractive synthesis polyphonic analogue synthesizer. The sound generation is carried out in a total analogue way. Each voice has two voltage controlled oscillators (VCO), a noise source, a mixer, a voltage controlled filter (VCF) and a voltage controlled amplifier (VCA). The control signals are digitally generated by a microcontroller, which is capable of processing three low frequency oscillators (LFO) and two envelopes (EG) of the ADSR type. In addition, it incorporates an effects processor with chorus and delay.

The GS e7 interface was designed to be simple and intuitive.

It also has MIDI connections, USB, balanced stereo audio outputs, headphone output and CV inputs.

*** Please note: This synthesiser comes with a US type A mains lead with UK plug adapter. ***

Specs

Polyphony: 7
Multitimbral: 4 parts
Oscillators: 2 voltage controlled analog oscillators (VCO) with sub-oscillators. Hard sync.
Oscillator Waveforms: Triangular, Saw-Tri, Sawtooth, Pulse with PWM. It is possible to mix the pulse with the other waveforms.
Filter (VCF): 24dB / Oct low pass filter (4 poles) with resonance control.
Envelopes: 2 (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release), Velocity to Attack
LFO: 3
LFO waveforms: Triangular, Ascending ramp, Descending ramp, Square, Sample and Hold
Effects: Chorus, Delay
Presets: 512 programmes, 128 multi
Conennections: MIDI IN, MIDI OUT, MIDI Thru, USB, Pitch CV, Cutoff CV, Gain CV, Ext input, Audio Out (L/Mono, R, 1/4" TRS balanced), Headphones
Power supply: DC 12V 3A
Dimensions: 520mm x 190mm x 108mm
Dimensions (with packaging): 620mm x 290mm x 230mm
Weight: 4.6 kg (estimated)

Review: Started in 2019, still motions is a Post Rock band from Phoenix, Arizona. The idea behind the music is to harbor emotions and feeling through sounds, creating stories for the listeners without words. still motions released their first record, Mirrors, in May, 2020 and quickly caught the attention of the scene. It was named a top 10 release of 2020 by multiple music outlets, and received numerous outstanding reviews.

Review: Jacopo Latini is an Italian producer just breaking through with some choice releases on Mood Waves and Conceptual Moods. He's back on the former label with a lush new 12" of progressive house that leads in with the epic strains of 'Rumore Bianco' - the kind of track to get a crowd swooning thanks to its emotive, plaintive tone. 'Illusion' leans in a little more on the bassline, but there's no shortage of melodic flourishes on top and the subtle fleck of trance we're used to hearing in house music these days. 'Rumore Rosso' is a punchier affair, while 'Synthesy (Acid Dub)' sports a more explicitly 90s flavoured demeanour

Review: Keith Farrugia is the man known in electro circles as Sound Synthesis. He is a topicality craftsmen who deals in dreamy chords and forlorn grooves that come with careful acid details. He has a vast array of analogue hardware in his studio and here he takes part in the largest project Electro Records have ever done: 36 vinyl records produced by all of the key talents who they deem to be right at the forefront of the current electro scene. He kicks it off in class fashion with an array of tunes as good for listening to as they are dancing too, with far-sighted melodies, devastating baselines and super elegant arrangements that get you on your toes.

Review: 'Dwell Time' focuses on the moments in between. Expanding on Satie's Furniture Music, which explores the role of music as a backdrop, Dwell Time explores the moments in between active and passive listening. A sound that maintains a unique balance of properties can start as an active relationship that slowly dissolves into the background and accompanies a listener over its course. The Dwell Time signal remains completely analog, utilizing homemade tape samples and hardware synthesizers to encourage the listener to move between the different states of listening. Produced by Rafael Anton Irisarri and Mastered by Taylor Deupree.

Review: In 2018, unknown artist James Infiltrate dropped an album of smart electro tunes that get everyone talking. It turned out to be an alias of James Burnham aka Burnski aka the Constant Sound boss aka Instinct, who is one of the most visible and prolific artists of recent years. Now some of the cuts from that album get choice remixes - AlexJann flips 'Flash' into a caustic electro banger with bright synths and twisted bass. Stojche goes for a lurching, loopy, scintillating and loopy remix of 'Isolate' that takes you to the stars and the flip offers up an acid laced electro cruiser from Sound Synthesis and Relpek mix of 'Reconnect' that is melodic and mysterious.