CHROMAGENE is an all analog, stereo polyphonic synthesizer with two halves. One half is an 8 voice 2 VCO polysynth where every oscillator can be tuned independently or transposed together, the other half is a polysynth that uses the Ring Modulated output of each pair of oscillators as its signal source.
This wide range of sound sources along with two analog filters and an on-board sequencer give Chromagene a wide palette of tones and textures.
Inspired by the earliest polysynths of the 1970s, it is fully polyphonic
(all 16 notes can be played at the same time), can be tuned to any scale or tuning,
is multi-timbral and touch sensitive.
The instruments key contacts are Immersion Gold plated and non-corrosive.
At the top, there are 16 tuning controls for the 8 pairs of oscillators. Each tuning control has a momentary pitch bend touch sensor below, so you can articulate each note individually. The top row of tuning controls (VCO-1) also shifts the oscillator below it, but the second row of tuning controls are independent. This allows you to preserve the tonal relationship by using the top tuning controls, or change it by detuning VCO-2.
These tuning controls allow you to tune the 8 pairs of oscillators to any scale, from a standard equal tuning to any microtonal, non-western or even unison tuning.
VCO-1 has a Pulse Width Modulation control and each set of oscillators has a master tuning control and an individual LFO control.
The 8 analog ring modulators take the VCO signals and multiply their output. VCO-2 is converted to a triangle pre-ring-modulator so that the ring modulated signal is fully continuous and not binary like pseudo-ring-modulators in some synths. This means you can create virtually any waveform by carefully tuning the input VCOs, and an endless variety of tones can be generated for each note individually.
The two filters, which can be panned from mono to full stereo using the panning control, are all-analog all-transistor low-pass VCFs, with individual cutoff, resonance and envelope-mod controls. The envelope amount controls go from negative (inverted) to positive. VCF-1 has mixer controls for VCO-1 and 2, and VCF-2, which is for the Ring modulated notes, has LFO cutoff modulation and Panning.
The 16 independent envelope generators have Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release controls.
The sequencer can be internally or externally clocked. Custom sequencer configurations can be set up, get in touch.
The synthesizer is built into a hand-made wood case.
Specifications
16 note polyphonic, multi-timbral
16 voltage controlled oscillators, tuneable to any scale
8 ring modulators (true ring mod, not xor)
All analog. Class A audio path
2x transistor filters with cutoff, resonance, env mod +/-, lfo/panning controls
16 VC Envelope Generators (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release)
24 VC Amplifiers (1 per oscillator + 1 per ring modulator)
Oscillator LFO modulation
Pulse Width modulation
Touch-sensitive pitch bends
16-note gold plated touch sensitive keyboard
In built sequencer, internally or externally clocked
Top row of keys illuminate to show sequencer position and key presses
Can run on an external standard type 9v battery (please ask for a special adaptor cable if required)
Dimensions: 27 x 22 x 5 cm
Inputs and Outputs:
2x 6.35mm (1/4 inch) audio output sockets (LEFT/MONO + RIGHT)
1x 6.35mm (1/4 inch) external CLOCK input socket
2.1mm 9v centre negative power input socket
Optional extras:
1x 6.35mm (1/4 inch) external RESET input socket (+45 GBP)
More key LEDs, other CV inputs also possible, please enquire - genesynths at gmail dot com
£1,055 special introductory price.
NOTE This is a pre-order. Delivery will be approximately one month after you pre-order (date confirmed via email).
Synth uses a standard guitar pedal type power supply (9v tip negative), I no longer include the power supply as I receive orders from lots of different countries, but I am happy to advise on power supply models.
FAQ:
- on the pre-order there is an option to add a clock reset, is that in addition to an external clock input? with the reset option does that start the sequence from the first step again or does it just “snap” the clock back into sync?
Yes the chromagene has an external CLOCK input socket as standard (which overrides the internal clock with whatever clock signal you put in), the optional extra is the external RESET input socket which, as you guessed, resets the sequence to the first step again
- will it move along in the sequence per gate if i send it an irregular clock/gate sequence?
Yes I can send you a clip of it moving to an irregular clock - it's very cool