Tags: Paraphonic synthesisers

Notes: The lovable oddball of the Arturia range, this brilliant hybrid synth combines versatile wavetable and digital oscillators with analogue filters. Touch keyboard gives uniquely expressive control.

*** New firmware update (26th October 2021) *** Arturia are happy to announce another major new firmware update for MicroFreak, bringing massive new creative functionality for users free of charge.

Firmware V4.0 elevates this hybrid desktop synthesizer's status as a sound design powerhouse even further:
New WaveUser sound engine
Allows for user wavetables(!!)
64-new presets
Sequencer Unison & Chord Voices
Faster Oscillator Encoder Response
....and more!

This update, plus ALL the of previous updates (see Vocoder & Noise Engineering oscillators etc.) cement the MicroFreak as one of the most interesting, powerful and flexible synthesizers on the market, whilst maintaining excellent value for money.

Supplier's Notes:

A synthesizer like no other, MicroFreak is a peculiar, exceptional instrument that rewards the curious musician. It blends wavetable and digital oscillators with analogue filters. It features a unique poly-aftertouch flat keyboard. It adds controlled randomness to sequences. This isn't a revolution, it's a mutiny.

This out-there little music machine features a versatile digital oscillator so you can create rare and interesting sounds with ease. Modes like Texturer, KarplusStrong, Harmonic OSC, and Superwave give adventurous musicians the chance to explore totally new, unheard possibilities. Like having dozens of synths in just one instrument, both wild-eyed newcomers and seasoned professionals will fall in love with MicroFreak's flexible, powerful synth engine.

Physical modelling, wavetable synthesis, virtual analogue, there is nothing as complete and exciting as the MicroFreak oscillator on the market. It's hard to believe from such a small synth, but here it is, ready for you to explore. Excite your creativity and reward your curiosity with a large, diverse sound palette. MicroFreak features 11 awesome oscillators, 4 bespoke Arturia engines, and 7 modes from our friends at Mutable Instruments.

Inspired by the trailblazing 12-dB Oberheim SEM filter, you can make MicroFreak's filter scream or whisper to taste. The filter is state-variable, and can even auto-oscillate! You can use this is any way you like, from taking the edge of the razor-sharp wavetable sounds, or automating the cut-off by modulating it with keyboard pressure or the in-built sequencer.

Record up to four automations, edit notes per step or use the innovative Spice and Dice sequencer functions to find happy accidents. Add randomization to create evolving, original patterns, and virtually rewire and reconfigure its signal chain and controls with the 5x7 modulation matrix.

Notes: The Subsequent 37 is a (2-note) paraphonic analogue synthesizer that builds upon the award-winning design of the ultra-powerful Sub 37 Tribute Edition. Its control panel is home to 40 knobs and 74 switches, placing a vast array of analogue sound-design tools and onboard sequencing options immediately at your command. The Subsequent 37 improves upon its source through the implementation of a number of user-requested sonic and functional enhancements. Each enhancement maintains the magic and character of its predecessor while also providing access to new dimensions of sound and improved playability.

The SUBSEQUENT 37 mixer section has double the headroom of that in the Sub 37 Tribute Edition. This provides access to a new range of classic clean tones in both mono and duo performance modes. Leveraging the mixer's newfound flexibility, gain-staging in the Ladder filter has been reshaped to boost harmonic saturation and analogue compression, resulting in an overall richer low end. Completing the sonic evolution of the SUBSEQUENT 37 is a re-tuned Multidrive circuit that extends well beyond the grit and growl of the original Sub 37.

"We are really excited to incorporate community feedback into the evolution of an instrument. Adding CV interconnectivity was the starting point, but we have also increased the headroom in the mixer and significantly extended the range of Multidrive, giving the Subsequent 37 CV expanded sonic capability and modular control." - Cyril Lance, Moog Chief Engineer

In addition to the sound engine augmentation, each SUBSEQUENT 37 comes with an upgraded keybed for improved playability, a high-powered headphone amplifier strong enough to drive the most demanding headphones, and a software plugin/editor for both Windows and Mac platforms.

Specifications

Sound engine: Analogue
Polyphony: Selectable monophonic or paraphonic (can be poly-chained)
Keybed: 37 note semi-weighted with after pressure
LCD: 128 x 64 pixel LCD with white backlight
Controllers: Pitch bend, mod wheel, after pressure, velocity
Sound sources: 2 variable waveshape oscillators, 1 square wave sub oscillator, 1 analogue noise generator, 1 external input/filter feedback
Oscillator calibration range: 22hz-6.8khz. Note range at 8' = 18 - 116
Glide module: Assign to osc1/osc2/both. Type - LCR, LCT, EXP, gated, legato

Notes: Solid experimentalism at an excellent price, the vocoder-equipped version of Arturia's hybrid MicroFreak offers 14 digital oscillator options, analogue filters and 16 vocoder modes, plus a uniquely expressive polyphonic touch keyboard.

Supplier's Notes:
The uniquely unpredictable MicroFreak but not as you know it. 14 digital oscillator modes, velvety analog filters and heaps of modulation/randomization controls, supercharged with wild vocoding abilities.

The Vocoder engine

Arturia have created an entirely new 16-band mode to transform your voice in the Freakiest way possible. The vocoder engine features 3 waveforms - sawtooth, pulse width and noise - while the Tim-bre and Shape knobs adjust the response of the 16 frequency bands.

MicroFreak Vocoder Edition goes beyond robot vocals. 16 new presets give you instant access to android translations, crystalline harmonies and vibrant formant sequences galore. Connect an ex-ternal sound source like a drum machine or synth via the headphone socket for glitchy sound pro-cessing.

Step up to the mic

A simple, removable mic attachment that lets you sprinkle your voice into the mix. A gooseneck design means quick position adjustment, with easy connection straight into the headphone socket alongside your cans. The utility menu lets you set your preferred mic gain and noise gate settings.

A new dress code

First impressions make a difference. MicroFreak has always been out to make a statement, and the Vocoder Edition is no exception. The control panel has been given a makeover. The center strip boasts a bold new Swan graphic, while a sleek white finish makes this limited edition Freak stand out from the crowd - as if it didn't already.

The Freak within

Behind the revamped appearance and microphone attachment is the same lovable maniac that set the synth world spinning. Sparkling digital and wavetable oscillators collide with warm analog filters. A unique poly-after-touch PCB keyboard combines with a distinctly freaky arpeggiator & sequencer. Bathe your mix in sonic hysterics with the erratic mod matrix or the unique Spice & Dice randomizers.

Included Software: MIDI Control Center

Notes: A beautifully realised instrument drawing on West coast and East coast synthesis concepts to create something new and beguiling. Three oscillators, smooth filter and Buchla-style dynamics controller.

Supplier's Notes:
Taiga Paraphonic Modular Synthesizer

Taiga is a complete, modern, modular instrument that allows us to explore beyond the boundaries of a traditional analog synthesizer. The sound of Taiga can be attributed to three uniquely Pittsburgh innovations. A trio of huge analog oscillators, the unmistakably smooth sound of the Pittsburgh Filter, and the warmth of the unique Dynamics Controller. These enable you to not only create sounds that would be traditionally expected from an analog synthesizer, but also to explore new sonic textures and performance possibilities.

Taiga oscillators

Waveforms generated by the three Taiga oscillators stretch beyond the basic geometric shapes and sounds associated with analog synthesis. Taiga waveforms pass through up to three proprietary, cascading waveshapers designed to precisely manipulate their symmetry and harmonic content. In addition, each oscillator includes a robust six-stage wave folder to add even more complexity and depth to the diverse sonic palate of Taiga.

The Pittsburgh Filter

The Pittsburgh filter has defined the sound of Pittsburgh Modular from the moment it was introduced. A signature gummy and relaxed sound with no dead spots that has been tweaked to perfection. It offers a warm, smooth sweep through the full frequency range and a sweet resonance that does not roll off the low end. This generation of the Pittsburgh filter is specifically designed to ensure a remarkable interplay with Taiga's oscillators.

Pittsburgh Dynamics Controller

Pittsburgh's new Dynamics technology imparts Taiga with a uniquely organic depth and presence. By simultaneously managing both amplitude and harmonic content, the Pittsburgh Dynamics Controller expands beyond the one-dimensional VCA found in other synthesizers. It does this by utilizing new advancements from traditional low pass gates to add additional definition and dimension to the voice of Taiga.

When used in low pass gate mode, sounds shed harmonic content and become warmer as they decrease in volume. This mimics how sound waves react to their environment. Because of this connection, the Taiga sounds more natural or complex compared to other instruments.

Analogue Echoes

Echos is a beautifully dark analog delay tuned to enhance the source material by repeating it over and over. Echos utilize a pair of bucket brigade delay chips to produce a classic voltage-controllable analog delay effect that helps to place the sounds of Taiga in a simulated environment.

Open Architecture

Taiga has an internally defined signal path. Patch cables are not necessary to begin exploring. Attach a midi keyboard and plug the output into a speaker or DAW and Taiga is ready to go with a robust but familiar workflow. When your ideas grow beyond the pre-defined signal path, a 60 point patch bay opens up a fully modular instrument with access to an even deeper set of features and tools.

Complete Set of Modular Tools

Taiga includes a host of fully modular, analog, and digital synthesis tools to support and enhance its core functionality. Analog tools include a flexible dual mixer, a pair of plucky four-stage envelope generators, noise, and sample and hold. Digital tools cover external MIDI, arpeggiator, clock sync'd modulation tools, and a robust collection of random generators. The Taiga toolset is deep enough for any type of sonic exploration.

Taiga features and other info:

Paraphonic synthesizer with unique additive elements

Fully patchable - use Taiga's components as separate modules with external devices or reroute its internal patching.
Controllable via MIDI, CV, and integrated pseudo random sequencing mode
Clock-synced arpeggiator
3x Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer developed 100% analog oscillators
Oscillator waveforms - sine, triangle, and saw - Waveforms can be combined
3x Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizer 6 stage wave folder/shaper circuit - folds inputted waves back onto themselves to increase harmonic content
Oscillators include frequency modulation (FM)
Noise generator - pitched somewhere between pure white and pink noise. Perfect for percussion or adding a bit of edge to a sound.
Variable state, multi-mode "Pittsburgh No-Dead-Spots" filter (lowpass, bandpass, highpass, modes can be combined)
Sample & Hold circuit
2x Analog ADSR / envelope generators
Pittsburgh dynamics section - an alternative to an envelope generator and a VCA, the dynamics controller is a Pittsburgh Modular invention that adds a dimension of control over a vactrol-less lowpass gate circuit, adding release time. (read more on this in the user guide)
Dual range analog LFO with square and triangle wave outputs.
LFO Range High: 2 Hz to 500 Hz Low: 41 seconds to 5 Hz
Dual Channel Mixer - 2 channel mixer and a 3 channel mixer joined together, capable of mixing both audio or control voltages.

Notes: Reissued version of one of Dreadbox's back catalogue synths, the Erebus is a paraphonic design with two VCOs, a characterful low-pass filter, built-in delay and updated snappy envelopes.

Supplier's Notes:
Dreadbox's most unique sounding analogue synthesizer is finally back, warmer and snappier than ever!

All you synth lovers, the time has come to dive into the Erebus...

All Analogue Paraphonic Synthesizer
Faithful Reproduction of the Erebus V1
2 Oscillators with 2 Waveforms each
Separate Glide controls and Hard Sync function
2-pole Low Pass pre-fed Filter
1 ADSR envelope and a AR Amp Envelope
Snappier than the V1

OTA VCA
Lo-Fi Delay effect
Wide Range LFO
15 patch points for an astonishing and spectacular modular experience
Compact, USB powered, Eurorack Format (42HP)

Ethereal & Dreamy

Warm sounding Oscillators
Classic Dreadbox Filter
Snappy Envelope Generators
Lo-Fi Delay effect to expand your sound
CV outputs: Envelope, LFO, Mod Wheel, Gate, CV1, CV2
CV inputs: Osc1, Osc2, Echo, Cutoff, CV, Gate, LFO Rate, PW, VCA

Specifications & Connections

USB powered (1.5 Watts)
50 Playing hours with 20,000mA portable power bank
MIDI IN via DIN5
14 MONO TS Jack Out

Dimensions: 21.5 x 13 x 6.5 cm
Weight: 1 kg

Requirements:

USB-A Adapter (5v) with 1000mA or more
MIDI device or keyboard that is equipped with DIN5 midi output
Monitor, Amp or Headphones

Included in the box:

Erebus Eurorack module
42 HP case
1x DIN5 to 3.5mm adapter
1x Ribbon cable

Notes: A nice middle ground between old-school analogue and modern convenience here. The Motas-6 features a fully analogue six-voice paraphonic signal path, all controlled by digital elements for preset storage, modulation and sequencing.

Supplier's Notes:
Motas-6 is a very powerful and flexible analogue paraphonic synth with digital control. It has three voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) including hard-sync options, analogue phase-modulation and a sub-oscillator. Each VCO has several waveforms that can be freely mixed and modulated and each VCO can be assigned to track notes in various ways for paraphonic playing. The mixer takes the signals from the 3 oscillators, noise source and external input and outputs to the filters. The mixer output will distort (intentionally) with the highest input levels and there is a boost mode for even greater distortion. An analogue noise source with selectable white/pink response has its own control for input level into the mixer.

Motas-6 has a unique 'vector morphing' feature allowing you to morph between 4 patches of your choice in real-time using external MIDI controllers or CV inputs. There are 5 instant-access patches available at any time (in RAM memory). In vector morphing mode dual external controllers allow the active patch to morph in 2-dimensions between the first 4 presets. On exit from this mode the resulting patch settings are stored to the 5th preset automatically.

There are has masses of modulation options. Each and every rotary knob parameter has independent modulation settings from key, velocity, 4 modulation sources (from MIDI and CV/gate inputs) as well as from its own EG (Envelope Generator) and LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) - a total of 33 independent EGs and LFOs! There are also 4 global EGs and 4 global LFOs with individual amount settings for each parameter.

Motas-6 has very powerful filtering capabilities. There is a 6-pole voltage-controlled low-pass filter (VCF) with adjustable resonance to self-oscillation (with selectable 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6-pole outputs), a 2-pole high-pass voltage-controlled filter and a second 4-pole resonant low-pass VCF (similar in design to that of a certain silver box from the '80s). The inputs and outputs of the filters can be connected together in various ways to give a huge range of filtering possibilities.

It has a built-in pattern sequencer. 1-bar patterns of notes and parameter change data can be stored and chained to together into a 2 track sequence. In the sequence each pattern can be transposed, repeated and delayed. 15 patterns are active at any one time (56 patterns can be saved to non-volatile memory arranged in 7 banks of 8 patterns). 16 sequences can be saved (2 banks of 8 sequences). Not only does the saved sequence contain all 15 RAM patterns, also the 5 complete RAM patches are also saved ensuring that every detail of the sequence is captured. It also has a built-in arpeggiator that can be synced to internal or external clock (MIDI or CV/gate). Options including hold-modes, direction, note-range, swing, pattern, note-length and delay. The settings are stored with the patch.

The output voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA) stage has a choice of analogue clipping/distortion options: dry, soft clip, hard clip, soft clip + hard clip, dry + soft clip + hard clip. External audio can be routed into the mixer with its own level control. However, when nothing is plugged into the external audio input socket an audio feedback loop from after the final VCA is fed into the mixer instead. Audio monitoring options include real-time oscilloscope, spectrum analyser, volume level and MIDI input monitor displayed on the fast and bright OLED display.