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: Stellar edition of the fantastic MicroFreak adds new features as well as a limited-edition paint job. Digital voices feed into the analogue filter to create a versatile hybrid sound engine.

Supplier's Notes:
MicroFreak Stellar is a hybrid synthesizer that combines digital oscillators, analogue filters, quirky modulation, a uniquely flat PCB keybed, and expressive sequencing with a subtly out-of-this-world aesthetic design.

Interplanetary synth explorer

Discover the same loveable hybrid beast that sent the synth world into a spin, but primed for launch and ready for an interplanetary sonic voyage. MicroFreak Stellar features the same inspiring, bonkers sound but embellished with a unique space-age design.

Digital, wavetable, sampling, granular...

Treat yourself to only the weirdest & most wonderful paraphonic synth sounds with MicroFreak's multimode sound engine. Choose from numerous algorithms, including Wavetable, Chord, 4 new Sample & Granular engines and many more, and immediately customize your patches with 4 intuitive con-trols and real-time visual feedback.

Multi-mode analogue filter

Unlock truly unique hybrid tones by combining MicroFreak's digital sound engines with a crunchy resonant analogue filter, inspired by the classic Oberheim SEM. With low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass modes, you can make this 'Freak whisper, scream, or launch into self-oscillating orbit.

Modulation matrix

Quickly rewire MicroFreak's architecture and delve deep into complex sound design with its modulation matrix, offering up to 7 simultaneous destinations and 5 sources, including an ADSR envelope, cycling envelope, and 6-shape LFO.

Sequencing & randomization

Blur the lines between sequencing & arpeggiation and create spontaneous melodies, motifs, and rhythmic patterns on the fly. MicroFreak encourages musical exploration, expression, and evolution with its unique Spice & Dice randomization feature, ribbon controller, and 4 lanes of automation.

A unique keybed

Change the way you play and unlock fresh musical expression with MicroFreak's distinct PCB keyboard. It's flat, it's fast, and it's fit for everything from lightning-fast solos to instant arp creation; not only is it pressure sensitive, but it offers poly-aftertouch too!

What's in the box

Box content

MicroFreak Unit
Universal PSU
Registration card
2x MIDI port adapters

Instrument dimensions

Size : 12.2 x 9.2 x 2.2 inches (311 x 233 x 55mm)
Weight : 2.3 lbs. (1.02 Kg)

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: Flagship model in IK's Uno Synth range, the Pro X adds extra synth power to the three-oscillator analogue design, with plenty of hands-on control and sequencing power.

Supplier's Notes:
Freedom of sound

Paraphonic dual filter analogue synthesiser

Embark on a liberating sonic adventure with UNO Synth PRO X, a powerful analogue synthesizer that'll ignite your creativity and elevate your music to new dimensions. Prepare to be inspired as you explore a world of infinite possibilities, where technology meets the timeless allure of analogue warmth.

Get creative

Featuring three discrete wave-morphing oscillators, the UNO Synth PRO X invites you to explore a vast sonic landscape. Unleash your imagination with PWM, sync, FM, and ring modulation capabilities: Your sonic palette knows no bounds.

Unrivalled sound sculpting

Discover a new realm of sonic possibilities with the UNO Synth PRO X's dual-filter design, combining classic OTA and SSI-chip-based filters. Immerse yourself in the moment as you weave intricate textures and shape your sound to perfection. Dive deeper into sonic exploration with the 16-slot modulation matrix enabling you to create intricate and evolving textures.

Sound connection

Take complete control over your music with over 30 hands-on controls, providing immediate access to your sound-shaping tools. With USB, MIDI, CV and Gate in/out options, integrating the UNO Synth PRO X into your setup is effortless.

4 kinds of effects

With 10 studio-quality FX in three slots and an analogue drive, your music will further come to life with warmth and character.

3 effects slots + analogue drive
Vintage chorus and uni-vibe
5 different delays
Hall, plate and shimmer reverbs

From sequencing to arranging

Unleash your creative potential, easily creating complex ever-evolving sequences. Try the 10-mode arpeggiator, equipped with a pattern designer to bring your melodies to life. New horizons are just around the corner with the Bassline mode, along with legato, mono and paraphonic modes, offering unprecedented expression of your musical ideas.

Advanced paraphonic 64-step sequencer
Per-step parameter recording with up to 48 parameters
Sequence randomizer that follows the scale you select
Parameter automation per step and real-time
10-mode arpeggiator with pattern designer
New Bassline mode plus legato, mono and paraphonic modes

Seamless DAW integration

With 256 user-editable presets the UNO Synth PRO X is a playground for sonic fun and exploration. Effortlessly sculpt save and recall your own custom sounds recapturing every moment of your creativity. And with the included Editor/Librarian software providing seamless control from your Mac or PC anything becomes possible. The Editor works as both a standalone application and as a plug-in inside your favourite DAW. This means you can program and play the UNO Synth PRO X just like a virtual instrument.

Designed for portability
The UNO Synth PRO X is not only a fun sound-design partner but also the perfect musical companion on the go, adapting to any environment. From backpack to mainstage, new sonic destinations will always be within reach.
Ultralight and ultraportable
PSU or USB battery pack power supply
Balanced stereo and headphone outputs

Custom travel bag available

Whether you're a seasoned sound designer or on the way to becoming one, UNO Synth PRO X is here to travel physically and sonically wherever you go.

UNO Synth PRO X Specifications

Sound generation
3 discrete wave-morphing oscillators
3 super-fast envelopes with loop and retrigger options
PWM, sync, FM and ring modulation
Dual-filter design, OTA and SSI-chip based
12 studio-quality FX in 3 slots + analogue drive

Performance tools
Advanced paraphonic 64-step sequencer
10-mode arpeggiator with pattern designer
New Bassline mode plus legato, mono, paraphonic
Audio input to filters and FXs or pass-through

Complete controls
Over 30 hands-on controls
16-slot modulation matrix
256 user editable presets
USB / MIDI / CV / Gate in/out
Backlight control and onboard factory preset restore
Advanced software control for Mac/PC

Ready for travel
Ultralight and ultraportable
PSU or USB battery pack power supply
Balanced stereo and headphone outputs
Editor/Librarian included
Optional gig bag available

Dimensions
Size (W x D x H): 33.3 x 15 x 5 cm, 13.11 x 5.91 x 1.96 in.
Enclosure: Plastic
Weight: 800 g, 1.76 lb
Power: iRig PSU-3A (included) or USB (5V/1.5A, 7.5W or above)

Package includes
UNO Synth PRO X
1x USB-C to USB-C Cable - 60 cm, 23.6 in.
Power Supply Unit
Quick start guide
Registration card

NOTE: USB power has inherent ground noise, so when connecting the UNO Synth directly to your computer via USB, you may hear more noise and interference than when the synth is connected to a USB wall charger or running via batteries. With the direct computer connection, you can reduce the USB ground noise and other interference by either using a USB isolator or a custom TRS cable into a balanced input on your preamp or audio interface where the ground is not connected at the balanced input side.

UNO Synth Pro Editor Compatibility

Computers
64-bit application. Requires a 64 bit CPU and Operating System.

Macr (64-bits)
Minimal: macOS 10.15 or later.

Windowsr (64-bits)
Minimal: Windows 8 or late

Notes: Keyboard version of IK's three-oscillator, dual-filter analogue synth. Classy purist analogue tones with some nice modern features like a step sequencer and effects. Also available in a cheaper, capacitive keyboard version.

Supplier's Notes:
Next generation analog for everyone

UNO Synth Pro gives you the power to create nearly any analog synth sound you can imagine. With its unique dual-filter, 3-oscillator paraphonic design, 256 presets, 64-step sequencer, studio-grade effects, expanded connections and much more, UNO Synth Pro breaks new ground for music makers.

Available in two form factors to suit all players' needs- stage-ready with metal housing and premium keybed; or ultra-portable, USB-powered with capacitive keyboard- UNO Synth Pro offers everyone the next generation of analog sound design in a smart format that fits any space or budget.

3 analog oscillators offer continuously variable waveshape, including pulse-width modulation. Oscillators can be hard-synced for more harmonically-complex tones, and oscillator FM (frequency modulation) lets you shape everything from bell-like sounds to screaming industrial tones. UNO Synth Pro even includes ring modulation for wobbly, sci-fi sound, and a white noise generator for a wide range of percussive sounds and epic rises.

Recreate famous synth sound sources or forge entirely new ones - UNO Synth Pro has the tools you need.

In addition to the original UNO Synth's 2-pole OTA multimode filter, UNO Synth Pro adds a new 2/4-pole SSI LP filter with self-oscillation. The dual filters can be used in series or parallel, with invertible phase, for a total of 24 possible filter combinations.

In short, the UNO Synth Pro can recreate the filter sound of the most famous classic synths as well as deliver fresh new options to the limits of your imagination.

UNO Synth Pro offers 2 full ADSR envelopes, one dedicated to the filter and the other to amplitude, with both available as sources to modulate everything from oscillator pitch and waveshape to LFO speed or even other envelope stages.

2 LFOs (low-frequency oscillators) can create classic synth vibrato, wah and tremolo as well as do more complex modulations including audio range FM.

And a 16-slot modulation matrix makes routing all these a breeze. You can quickly and easily design even the most sophisticated modulation scheme, with both internal and external sources, including MIDI controllers.

IK's experience in modeling analog studio effects is decades long. For UNO Synth Pro, you'll find a super warm and organic true-analog overdrive, plus 12 studio-quality effects in three simultaneous slots: modulation, delay and reverb. External signals can also be routed through these effects, with pre-effects filtering for maximum flexibility.

UNO Synth Pro provides an enhanced version of the original's long-lasting capacitance-sensing keys along with pitch and mod strips for enhanced expression. And it adds firm-touch rubber pads for the control sections, plus LED-backlit indicators and an LED display for key information, making it easier than ever to use UNO Synth Pro live on stage or in deep programming sessions in the studio.

UNO Synth Pro offers 256 user-editable presets, each capturing the full state of the sound engine from oscillators to effects.

An onboard 64-step sequencer offers both step and real-time recording, with automation for up to 40 parameters, letting you create incredibly intricate and evolving soundscapes. You can even write CV and gate automation.

And a 10-mode arpeggiator makes it easy to create intricate patterns and runs plus a new "chord mode" that takes advantage of UNO Synth Pro's paraphonic design.

UNO Synth Pro offers two noiseless, balanced stereo outputs as well as headphone out, for superior audio quality in any situation.

USB and 5-pin DIN MIDI In and Out make it easy to integrate with other synths, Mac/PC and mobile devices, and its assignable CV/Gate connections lets UNO Synth Pro interact effortlessly with your Eurorack or other modular system.

And now, audio input allows access to the filter and FX section for external signals, in addition to the original thru-put for daisy-chaining multiple units together without using a mixer.

Free Editor

Free UNO Synth Pro Editor for Mac/PC and iPad now available for all purchasers to download. This gives you access to all the advanced features 'under the hood' to manage presets and to easily create your own directly from your computer. Full details on the editor here: https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/unosynthpro/?p=editor

Software Promo
All purchasers of UNO Synth Pro can now claim 2 free software downloads from IK's SE or CE product range: AmpliTube 5, SampleTank

Dimensions:
Size (W x D x H): 55 x 30 x 7 cm, 21.65 x 11.8 x 2.75 in.
Enclosure: Metal/plastic
Weight: 5.8 kg, 12.8 lb
Power: Power PSU

Package includes:
UNO Synth Pro
1x Micro USB to USB Cable
Power Supply Unit

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: ZeKit is a 4 voice paraphonic microsynth, featuring a simple step sequencer, various digital waveforms, an analog VCF, VCA and two AR analog envelopes.

The instrument can be controlled using MIDI (notes & clock) and has both a sync and audio inputs. External audio sources can be mixed in or be processed through the VCF / VCA.

ZeKit is available in fully assembled version

This comes with the high quality aluminium case.

A universal power adapter is available as an option.

Please reuse any compatible 5V to 9V DC adapter you already have.

All Fred's Lab instruments are manually assembled in Germany.

ZeKit is an ultra-compact paraphonic monotimbral hybrid synth with 4 voices.

These are the detailed technical specifications of the machine.

Sound Engine
Digital part
Additive sawtooth synthesis
8 mono waveforms / 8 para waveforms
Filter tracking and glide modes
16bit / 250 kHz DAC

Analog part

12dB / Oct low & band-pass VCF
2 resonance level chill / acid
Optocoupler VCA
Analog A/D & A/R envelopes
Envelope looping and re-triggering

Sequencer

96 step sequencer, with up to 4 notes per step
External sync - MIDI clock or Sync (+ start / stop) over 3.5mm jack
16 user programmable patterns
Live pitch transposition and transition of the patterns

Controls

6 knobs - Cutoff, Attack, Decay, Accent, Release and Level
3 toggles - LP/BP, CHILL/ACID, VCF/MIX
7 switches - Wave, Options, Motifs, Sequencer controls

Connectivity

MIDI input - DIN5
Power input - 2.1mm jack 5V to 9V DC
Line / Headphones output - 6.35mm TRS jack
Clock & Sync input - 3.5mm TRS jack
Audio input - 3.5mm TRS jack

Mechanics

Dimensions: 127 x 92 x 56 mm - (w x d x h)
Weight: 315 grams
Power: 350 mW
AAA Battery holder (optional)