New releases last eight weeks: Studio Equipment

Notes: A lovely creative approach to generative synthesis. Dual voices with triangle/square wave oscillators, shift register and envelopes can be patched via banana cables to create unique grooves and drones.

Supplier's Notes:
Double Knot v3

The Double Knot v3 is a small generative synthesizer with two voices and corresponding sequencers. This instrument has a simple architecture which is capable of a wide variety of sounds, including rhythms and drum patterns or textural and grating noise sounds. The interface is made up of knobs, switches, and banana plugs for patching. The two voices of this device each consist of a triangle/square wave oscillator, a shift register sequencer, an enveloper, and a voltage controlled amplifier. A clock sets the tempo of the shift registers.

The voices of the Double Knot are pre-wired, in a linear chain of functional blocks. The patch points are available to route modulations, influencing the simple linear voices. The game of this device is to investigate the relationships between the elements of the synth using the knobs, switches and patch-points.

FAQ

How many banana cables do I need? and what length?

8 or 10 cables around 12" long is a great start.

Can I patch this with my other synth?

Only what is safe for this synth. The banana ports of this device can handle max +/- 8V at all inputs and outputs assuming at least a 1k output impedance in the other device. The response range of the voltage inputs is ~1.2v - 8V (range of a TL07x powered by 9V).

Is this synth good by itself, or does it rely on other devices to be useful?

Some good sounds can be had using this device and a handful of banana cables.

Notes: Excellent polyphonic hybrid synth module from Michigan Synth Works, based on the Mutable Instruments Ambika. Six digitally generated voices are processed through a Polivoks-derived low-pass filter. Also available with Roland-style Shruthi SMR4mkII filter.

Supplier's Notes:
Xena is a rework of the legendary Mutable Instruments Ambika DIY synthesiser. Now fully machine assembled with an updated layout and an improved modern power supply. Available with all original 3 voice cards and compatible with 3rd part operating systems as well as a new AS3109 (modern reissue of the original Roland filter chip) filter

Xena Features:

6 voices with individual outputs, one Mix output (Mono)
2 digital oscillators per voice, with 36 oscillator algorithms/wavetables.
1 sub-oscillator, also configurable as a transient generator.
Pre-filter overdrive and bit-crushing effect.
Analogue 4-pole filter (or 2-pole multimode filter depending on the type of voicecard used) and VCA.
3 ADSR envelopes, 3 patch-level LFOs, 1 voice-level LFO.
Modulation matrix with 14 slots and 4 modulation modifiers.
1 arpeggiator, 1 note sequencer and 2 step sequencers per part.
Flexible mapping of the 6 voices. A single patch with 6 voice-polyphony, 6 independent mono parts, 2 layered patches with 3-voices polyphony, a 3-voice unison bass line on the lower half of the keyboard with a 3-voice unison lead on the upper half... all are possible!
MicroSD storage allows the storing of a life-long of patches, programs and multis, along with the history of editing operations for undo/redo.
Easy to change voice cards
Case size: 10.5"x6.5"x1.75"

Filter Options:

The device is available with the original 3 Mutable voice cards (more will be added later one). Mixing voice cards is possible but not recommended.

SMR Filter: This filter uses the same topology as the Shruthi SMR4mkII. It is a low pass 4 pole OTA-C filter. Its is a smooth "Roland-ish" type filter.
4P Filter: This filter uses the same core as the Shruhti 4-Pole Mission but only offers the LP4 output. The 4P filter is perhaps a a bit fuzzier than the SMR type.
SVF Filter: This filter board features a 2-pole state variable filter with low-pass, band-pass and high-pass modes. It is half of the Shruthi SVF Filter.

Includes:

Xena Desktop Synth
12V DC universal (100-240V) Power Supply
Preformatted SD card