SOS
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Creamware Elektra virtual modular Creamware have something in store for modular synthesis fans who have a decent computer but not the cash to build up a hardware modular synth system. Their forthcoming Elektra is a modular synthesis DSP system for PCs and Macs, consisting of both software and DSP hardware. The Elektra software boasts more than 140 modules, which can be freely interconnected with virtual patch cords via a graphical user interface. The module library contains oscillators, envelope generators, effects, pattern sequencers, and many more elements. The modules offer the possibility of virtual analogue, FM and sample-based synthesis. Samples can be loaded into the Elektra software in WAV, AIFF and Akai S1000 formats. They can then be used as the basis of a synthesizer, instead of or in addition to traditional 'analogue' waveforms. Step and pattern sequencer modules can be used for the creation of virtual drum machines, or even to compose complete tracks inside a synthesizer patch, and Elektra instruments are fully remote-controllable via standard MIDI controllers. Elektra is compatible with the company's Pulsar Modular Synthesizer v2 and is easily expandable with new modules and patches which will be available for download from the Creamware web site. The hardware component of the Elektra system is centred around a PCI card (shown above) hosting three Analogue Devices SHARC DSPs. This allows the modular synth to be played just like a hardware instrument, without imposing too great a load on the host CPU. The card features four inputs and outputs (stereo analogue plus stereo S/PDIF) offering 24 bit, 96kHz quality. An optional breakout box called the Luna 2496 can be added for eight additional analogue I/Os. An optional 16-channel ADAT interface can also be attached to the Elektra card, and the I/Os of the Elektra board can be used by other software applications too. The system comes with ultra-fast drivers for ASIO, ASIO 2.0, EASI, MME, DirectSound, Sound Manager and GigaSampler. The drivers can also be used to directly record the outputs of a modular patch to any hard disk recording system running on the same computer. The Elektra system is scheduled to be available in late summer or early autumn this year. Its UK retail price has still to be finalised, though it looks set to be around £450.
Analogue Systems Sorceror
Since SOS last reviewed Analogue System's modular setup (January '99) they've added a reverb/chorus module, a joystick module and a spring reverb module to their line-up. Coming later this year are a comprehensive MIDI-to-CV converter with display, a gate/trig delay, and an 8-channel CV-to-MIDI converter.
If you've got a tenner going spare and are keen to hear the excellent Doepfer modular synth system (reviewed July '98) in action, EMIS boss Andy Horrell's CD, Switched On Doepfer, might be of interest to you. The music on the CD was created entirely with a "modest" A100 system, multitracked using Emagic's Logic Audio Platinum. Eight tracks are featured, comprising six classical pieces by the likes of Handel and Haydn (obviously referencing Wendy Carlos' Switched On Bach), plus two original compositions. Andy Horrell says he hopes the CD will demonstrate that "modular systems can be used for all styles of music, not just for way-out sound effects, as seems to be a common conception." The CD, on the Synclub label, is available from EMIS for £10, plus 70p postage. The Synclub web site has MP3 clips of the tracks. EMIS are also the company to contact if you want information on Doepfer products, as they're the UK distributors for the Doepfer line.
| Friday 5th December 2008 |
Analogue System's new Sorceror analogue synthesis system (shown below) comprises a 49-note keyboard in an American walnut casing with plenty of space for modules of the purchaser's choice (168HP, to be precise, if you like to measure your available room in Horizontal Pitch, the standard measure for modular synth components). Modules from Analogue Systems' Integrator synth, Analogue Solutions Concussor systems and German manufacturers Doepfer will all fit the Sorceror, and it comes complete with a power board for Concussor and Doepfer modules. Also included is an Analogue Systems RS220 joystick and an RS330 keyboard control panel with five MIDI controller outputs (including velocity, aftertouch, mod wheel, and expression, all simultaneously accessible). MIDI In, Out and Thru are also provided, as are a row of five key CV outputs to send 1V/octave signals to any fitted modules, and another row of outputs to provide two gates, two triggers and one S-Trig pulse. A retail price hadn't been set for the Sorceror at the time of writing, but it should be shipping as you read this. Later in the year, a larger version of the synth, called the Leviathan, will also be released.
Doepfer modular on CD