Tags: Desktop synthesisers

Notes: Reinventing the virtual analogue synth for the 21st century, the Vibes is a digital demon. True stereo signal path, resonant oscillators, Serum-compatible wavetables and heaps of creative potential.

Supplier's Notes:
Small form, big heart

True Stereophonic Digital Synthesiser with 24 Stereo Voices

With its 24 stereo voices, powerful XVA Engine, full Audio Mixer, improved Clip Launcher, comprehensive Drum Engine and the new Resonator Oscillator, Vibes becomes a new class of synthesizer, that helps you to reach your full creative potential.

True stereo

The true stereo signal path allows for sounds, that have never been possible before.

Oscillators that resonate

The new Resonator Oscillator together with the existing Wavetable Oscillator open up a new world of sonic potential.

Sketching, writing performing

The only synthesiser you need for writing and performing your compositions.

Mix it all together!

Mix internal sounds and stereo input with the Digital Audio Mixer integrated into the Vibes!

One preset, eight different flavours

Store your ideas and recall them in an instant with Variants

Engine specs

Based on Mayer EMI's powerful XVA Audio Engine the Vibes is preset compatible with the MD900 and comes with the following feature set:

24 shared Stereo Voices
4 Synth-Parts + 14 Drum Instruments

Stereo structure per voice

2x Oscillator with 3 different models

Algorithm Oscillator

8 different Waveforms (PD_SIN, VA_SWEEP, and more)
Morphing and Modulation capabilities

Wavetable Oscillator

More than 50 preset wavetables
Wavetables consisting of up to 256 single-cycle waveforms with 2048 samples per cycle (Serum format compatible)
Spectral effects (spectral morph, harmonic shift, ... and more)
Up to 4x stereo unison

Resonator (physical modelling)

64 bands
Attack/Decay based exciter
Different Algorithms to define Band Profile

1x Sample / Noise Oscillator
Configurable loop modes and loop points
Single- or Multi-Samples

2x Stereo Multimode Filter with more than 10 different Models
4x ADSR Envelopes
3x LFOs (MIDI synchronized, standard & user defined shapes)
1x Waveform Shaper with different Algorithms
Modulation Matrix with 24 slots (25 source and 40 destination options)
Oscillator Mix and Filter Routing

ARPEGGIATOR and STEP SEQUENCER per Synth Part

Clip launcher

7 tracks (4 Synth-Parts, Drum Track, 2 Midi Tracks for external Instruments) with up to 8 clips per track
Polyphonic MIDI Sequencer with recording and quantization capabilities
Drum Pattern and Sequence Editor
Support of external Performance Controllers (e.g. Launchpad, APKmini) via USB

Synth and live effect stacks

4x Stereo Multi Effect Stack (1x for each Synth Part)
2x Stereo Live Multi Effect Stack in the Audio Mixer
Reverb, Stereo Delay (midi synchronized), Compressor, JChorus6, ... and more)

Digital audio mixer

19 Stereo Input Channels, 2 Stereo Output Channels
Bus, Headphone and Effect Send
Balance, Pan, Limiter functionality

MIDI connectivity

MIDI Control, Note On-Off, Pitchwheel, Polyphonic Aftertouch
Transport Send/Receive
Clock Send/Receive

Webinterface

Up-/ Download of user defined Presets, Performances, Wavetables, Samples, Sequences
Accessible via Wi-Fi or Ethernet

Others

14 GB internal Memory available for Presets, Wavetables, Samples, Performances and MIDI Sequences

Hardware specs

Control elements

5" Colour capacitive Touch-Screen (Resolution 800×480 pixel)
4 display related and 1 Main Encoder
20 Navigation and Menu Buttons
One Knob Section (morphing of multiple parameters together)
3 Synth-Part related Macro Encoder (Multicolour LED Rings)
3 Filter related Encoder (Multicolour LED Rings for Filter CutOff, Resonance and Amount)

Housing

Size (W x D x H): 322mm x 174mm x 76mm
Weight: 2kg
Metal Housing with walnut wood front and back
75mm x 75mm VESA Mount

Inputs/outputs

Power Switch
Power In 12VDC, 2.5A
3x USB-A Port (max. 500mA)
Ethernet (100Mbit)
Sustain Pedal-In: 6,3 mm TR Jack
Expression Pedal In: 6,3 mm TR Jack
DIN MIDI In / Through / Out
Stereo Line-In: 6,3 mm TRS Jack (24bit, 48Khz)
Stereo Line-Out: 6,3mm TRS Jack (24bit, 48Khz)
Stereo Headphone Out: 6,3 mm TRS Jack (16bit, 48Khz)
2,4/5GHz Wifi

Package contents

Vibes MD850
Power Supply 12VDC (including Plugs for EU, UK, US, AUS)
Quick Start Manual

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