In this week’s episode of Synth Journal, we check out the new bassline engine for midiphy’s zetaSID module, the intriguing Doboz DVNA chord and texture synth, and a modern replacement CPU card for your trusty Fairlight CMI.
Synth Journalmidiphy zetaSID Gets a Bassline EngineDoboz DVNA: Chord and Texture SynthesizerFreshwater Instruments FI50A CPU Card: Take Your Fairlight CMI to the 21st Century
midiphy zetaSID Gets a Bassline Engine
zetaSID · Source: midiphy
Earlier this year, midiphy released the zetaSID Eurorack module: a powerful synth voice based on the MIDIbox SID synthesis engine. Offering six LFOs, eight modulation paths, two envelopes, four wave sequencers, three independent arpeggiators, and a powerful trigger matrix, the 4 HP module is great on its own. However, the real fun starts when you link multiple units via phybus. Two zetaSIDs make a stereo voice, and you can even poly-chain up to twelve modules and throw in a nexusMIDI expansion module to create a polyphonic instrument with up to six stereo voices. The modules can be individually detuned for fat unison sounds.
zetaSID was already a very versatile synth voice that went far beyond nostalgic chiptune timbres. But it just got even better! midiphy has released the firmware update 1.5 for zetaSID, adding a brand-new bassline engine for 303-style bassline sequencing. The new engine offers a step sequencer with eight 16-step patterns and per-step note, octave, gate, slide, and accent. An additional, freely assignable parameter can also be sequenced per step.
On another note, midiphy has also announced that zetaSID is now back in stock, so if you’ve been waiting for a chance to add this module to your rack, now is the time!
midiphy zetaSID is available directly from the manufacturer for €199.98. The new firmware is available for download from the midiphy website.
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Doboz DVNA: Chord and Texture Synthesizer
DVNA · Source: Doboz
Chord synths are all the rage right now. And that’s no coincidence: By opening up new ways to approach harmony and structure, chord synths can jump-start your creativity in ways you didn’t think were possible. They’re simply a great way to break free from the constraints of your usual repertoire of licks, melodies, and chords. And the new DVNA by Doboz is no exception.
DVNA is a compact synth designed to deliver rich harmonic textures without overthinking it. Instead of standard keys or buttons, it’s got a capacitive, illuminated keyboard with 12 contact pads. Each key produces a full chord or interval of your choice using the synth’s four oscillators. And as the keys are touch-sensitive, they’re also an expressive modulation source.
DVNA · Source: Doboz
The built-in quantizer can be locked to one of 25 scales, and there are various tuning modes for anything from fixed chord voicings to free microtonal tuning. DVNA also offers morphing systems for the oscillator mix and panning, as well as a stereo multi-mode filter, overdrive, and reverb and delay effects.
Doboz DVNA is now available from the manufacturer for €370.
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Freshwater Instruments FI50A CPU Card: Take Your Fairlight CMI to the 21st Century
Freshwater Instruments FI50A CPU Card · Source: Freshwater Instruments
Got a Fairlight CMI that could use a hardware boost? The FI50A CPU Card from Freshwater Instruments is just what you need. The card fully replaces the original computer section of the vintage sampler while preserving the character and workflow you’re used to. This means that your Fairlight CMI will look and feel just like the original, but with a significant power boost. Fantastic!
The CMI mainframe compatible 8” card is equipped with a 78-contact connector for the CMI CPU bus. It boasts a quad-core ARM CPU running Linux plus a separate RTOS that handles real-time effects, channel cards, and MIDI/keyboard I/O. There’s also an SD card slot for loading external sound libraries and software updates, as well as a display port with up to 4K resolution. Legacy CRT screens and light pens can be connected to the CMI-compatible 10-pin connector.
With the FI50A CPU Card, you get the best of both worlds: the characteristic sound and workflow of the iconic Fairlight CMI, but with all the amenities of the modern world, including waveform upload over Wi-Fi, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, and more. If you’re one of the lucky owners of an original Fairlight CMI, this upgrade is definitely worth considering. Freshwater Instruments says that the installation is straightforward and reversible, so you can always go back to the original if you prefer.
You can find more information about the Freshwater Instruments FI50A CPU Card on the developer’s website.
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