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fwedewe « An exciting instrument »
Published on 10/23/14 at 07:384-octave keyboard
2 oscillators + 4 + 2 LFO envelopes with a configurable multi pan and loopable + 1 + 1 multimode filter filter 6dB / oct + effects + template optimized for any modulation
The instrument is very well built, looks very solid (it's really heavy for a keyboard of this size) and is beautiful with its orange color, special screen printing and wooden sides.
UTILIZATION
The handling of such an instrument requires some prior knowledge in analog synthesis and wavetable synthesis. Once these two parameters are controlled in part, this synthesizer provides a good overall ergonomics, thanks to the many potentiometers accessible and well laid out and the menus clearly defined. All this contributes to the rapid creation of rich and interesting sounds.
A handbook may be necessary to discover some features such as the possible modulations on certain types of filters. Overall, it is possible to do without.
SOUNDS
The world of sound wave table is special but so interesting and rich. The multitude of sounds you can get out encourage research and creativity. The scanning of the waves is a key point of this synthesis which results in constant motion sounds.
The overall sound is a bit "cold" but the dynamics of this keyboard is still a very good level (especially if very powerful FM !!! a filter is used). Both follow the same oscillators selected, unlike Blofeld wave table, which may be sometimes damage. Similarly, the addition of a third oscillator, the basic waveforms such as the Q model of the brand, sometimes lacking as it would sit a little on the bass. However, these limitations shall not prevent quickly get the sounds of a very high quality with rich and dynamic textures.
On filters, the first is kind of multimode. It also allows, select the eternal LP, HP, BP, 12dB or 24dB in / oct, but also adds other types such as FM filter or Waveshaper that will have a direct influence on the harmonic spectrum of sounds . By selecting and modifying a key parameter affecting the start-up sound will win additional harmonics. However, it should not be abused, according to the table and surge / waves choice (s), because the effect can be devastating. But this setting adds real value to this synthesis as experiments are even more numerous. The second filter, a slope of 6 dB / oct and only LP or HP, has a much more limited interest. It may possibly gently remove some harmonics to slightly tweak a sound. Personally, I never use it.
LFOs are classic and customizable at will.
Envelopes are four in number. As the Q, graphically there is no visual difference between the filter housing and that the amplitude of only a small stroke of the two separating means. When you put a red knob to the Cutoff, there may be a small distinguishing mark between these two parameters - any personal appreciation. No big worries in absolute terms but sometimes it happens that my fingers are involved on the wrong dial (Virus is a damn better on this side). Aside from this concern, totally minor, we must emphasize the interest of two additional shells, especially that with 8 sides: it allows any kind of complex modulation and can become, by closing one of these sections, a third LFO in the form of wave which is defined. This allows for dramatic effects in terms of sound.
The modulation matrix to assign a large number of settings and poses no limitation in terms of connections. Only your mind certainly experience a limit in the interconnection of modules.
OVERALL OPINION
The MicroWave xtk is an exciting synthesizer. Rich in its sonic possibilities, with its sound engine, some of his originals and a variety of modulations limitless filters, it can effectively escape from the usual world of "Sin / Tri / Saw / Sq." Certainly a bit "cold" by its generally metallic sound, because of wave embedded tables, it requires a different approach and requires spending time to get out an interesting sound and great wealth (much like a Yamaha DX7). Out sound "Pads" type can not be obtained as easily as other synthesizers but by being persistent, not only can be achieved, but in addition, it can transcend by creating a scalable texture. And this is where we discover the personality so specific to this instrument. A collector to own who is passionate
2 oscillators + 4 + 2 LFO envelopes with a configurable multi pan and loopable + 1 + 1 multimode filter filter 6dB / oct + effects + template optimized for any modulation
The instrument is very well built, looks very solid (it's really heavy for a keyboard of this size) and is beautiful with its orange color, special screen printing and wooden sides.
UTILIZATION
The handling of such an instrument requires some prior knowledge in analog synthesis and wavetable synthesis. Once these two parameters are controlled in part, this synthesizer provides a good overall ergonomics, thanks to the many potentiometers accessible and well laid out and the menus clearly defined. All this contributes to the rapid creation of rich and interesting sounds.
A handbook may be necessary to discover some features such as the possible modulations on certain types of filters. Overall, it is possible to do without.
SOUNDS
The world of sound wave table is special but so interesting and rich. The multitude of sounds you can get out encourage research and creativity. The scanning of the waves is a key point of this synthesis which results in constant motion sounds.
The overall sound is a bit "cold" but the dynamics of this keyboard is still a very good level (especially if very powerful FM !!! a filter is used). Both follow the same oscillators selected, unlike Blofeld wave table, which may be sometimes damage. Similarly, the addition of a third oscillator, the basic waveforms such as the Q model of the brand, sometimes lacking as it would sit a little on the bass. However, these limitations shall not prevent quickly get the sounds of a very high quality with rich and dynamic textures.
On filters, the first is kind of multimode. It also allows, select the eternal LP, HP, BP, 12dB or 24dB in / oct, but also adds other types such as FM filter or Waveshaper that will have a direct influence on the harmonic spectrum of sounds . By selecting and modifying a key parameter affecting the start-up sound will win additional harmonics. However, it should not be abused, according to the table and surge / waves choice (s), because the effect can be devastating. But this setting adds real value to this synthesis as experiments are even more numerous. The second filter, a slope of 6 dB / oct and only LP or HP, has a much more limited interest. It may possibly gently remove some harmonics to slightly tweak a sound. Personally, I never use it.
LFOs are classic and customizable at will.
Envelopes are four in number. As the Q, graphically there is no visual difference between the filter housing and that the amplitude of only a small stroke of the two separating means. When you put a red knob to the Cutoff, there may be a small distinguishing mark between these two parameters - any personal appreciation. No big worries in absolute terms but sometimes it happens that my fingers are involved on the wrong dial (Virus is a damn better on this side). Aside from this concern, totally minor, we must emphasize the interest of two additional shells, especially that with 8 sides: it allows any kind of complex modulation and can become, by closing one of these sections, a third LFO in the form of wave which is defined. This allows for dramatic effects in terms of sound.
The modulation matrix to assign a large number of settings and poses no limitation in terms of connections. Only your mind certainly experience a limit in the interconnection of modules.
OVERALL OPINION
The MicroWave xtk is an exciting synthesizer. Rich in its sonic possibilities, with its sound engine, some of his originals and a variety of modulations limitless filters, it can effectively escape from the usual world of "Sin / Tri / Saw / Sq." Certainly a bit "cold" by its generally metallic sound, because of wave embedded tables, it requires a different approach and requires spending time to get out an interesting sound and great wealth (much like a Yamaha DX7). Out sound "Pads" type can not be obtained as easily as other synthesizers but by being persistent, not only can be achieved, but in addition, it can transcend by creating a scalable texture. And this is where we discover the personality so specific to this instrument. A collector to own who is passionate