The SYNTRX is somewhat similar to the modular synthesizer – here you can modulate any available “module” with another, and possible connections are
almost limitless. The mixer/splitter matrix allows the mixing of up to 16 signals to one output and likewise – because all inputs and outputs are buffered -
split one signal to up to 16 destinations. Let’s take a closer look at individual “modules” in order to fully understand all the functionality of the synthesizer.
OSCILLATOR 1 is primarily an audio rate
oscillator and without an external CV applied, it
generates sine and sawtooth waves at
frequencies from 1Hz to 10kHz and has a +-1
oct switch. Both waves are mixed before being
routed to the patch matrix with an adjustable
level for each wave. Furthermore, the sinewave
has a manually adjustable waveshape.
If an external CV is used, Oscillator 1 is
controlled via CV1 input.
Set the master frequency of Oscillator 1
Flip a switch to change the pitch of Oscillator
1 for +-1 one octave instantly
Set the sinewave signal level
Set the sawtooth wave signal level
OSCILLATOR 1
100
90
8
0
7
0 60 50 4
0
30
20
OSCILLATOR 1
LEVEL
LEVEL
SHAPE
+1 OCT
-1 OCT
1Hz
10 Khz
OSCILLATOR 3 is functionally similar to
Oscillator 2, but it’s primarily a low frequency
oscillator that goes into audio range, and
without an external CV applied, it generates
pulse and triangle waves at frequencies from
0.05 Hz to 500 Hz. Both waves are
independently available on a patch matrix with
an adjustable level for each wave and both
waves have a manually adjustable wavesh-
ape. Oscillator 3 can be free running or
controlled via an external CV (key follow). On
the patch matrix, the triangle output shares the input with the Sample&Hold output.
Use the switch on the Sample&Hold module to select the output, which is routed
to the matrix! Set the master frequency for Oscillator 3
Adjust the waveshape for both waves simultaneously
Use the switch to choose between a free running or CV controlled mode
Set the pulsewave signal level
Set the triangle wave signal level
3
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0,05Hz
500 Hz
100
90
8
0
7
0 60 50 4
0
30
20
OSCILLATOR 3
LEVEL
LEVEL
SHAPE
FREE
KEY FOLLOW
SQUARE
TRIANGLE
OSCILLATOR 2
100
90
8
0
7
0 60 50 4
0
30
20
OSCILLATOR 2
LEVEL
LEVEL
SHAPE
FREE
SYNC VCO1
1Hz
10 Khz
OSCILLATOR 2 is primarily an audio rate
oscillator and without an external CV applied, it
generates pulse and triangle waves at frequen-
cies from 1Hz to 10kHz. Both waves are mixed
before being routed to the patch matrix with an
adjustable level for each wave. Both waves
have a manually adjustable waveshape.
Oscillator 2 can be free running or synchronized
to Oscillator 1. If the external CV is used only on
CV1 input, Oscillator 2 is controlled via CV1
input, but if CV2 is used, it takes over control of
Oscillator2
Set the master frequency of Oscillator 2
Adjust the waveshape manually; it simultaneously
affects both waveshapes
Use the switch to synchronize Oscillator 2 to Oscillator 1
Set the pulsewave signal level
Set the triangle wave signal level
TRAPEZOID
AD
ASR
SIGNAL
TRAPEZOID
OFF
DECAY
ON
ATTACK
MANUAL
SYNTRX has a distinct looping envelope generator, functionally
similar to the one found on the EMS Synthi, and called a TRAPE-
ZOID, because the envelope shape reminds one of a trapeze.
The Trapezoid generates control voltages to control events on the
SYNTRX – the amplitude of the signal, the pitch of the oscillators,
the cutoff frequency of the filter, the reverberation mix, etc. By
default it’s a looping envelope generator with 4 stages – attack,
on, release (decay), and off.
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A
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All stages are manually adjustable and the decay stage is also voltage controlled, so the decay time of the envelope can be varied
automatically. If the OFF control is set to more than 9, looping is terminated, and a new envelope circle can be initiated by pressing
the ATTACK button next to the joystick controller. If SYNTRX is used with an external CV/Gate signals (connected to the CV and
Gate inputs correspondingly) or a MIDI keyboard or sequencer, in most cases looping must be switched off (OFF control all the way
clockwise), otherwise, when the gate is off, the envelope will start looping. Also, with the external gate signal applied, the ON knob
will have no effect – the ON time is defined by the gate length. The AD/ASR switch allows one to select between the full
attack-on-release-off envelope (ASR) and the attack-decay envelope, where ON and OFF controls have no effect, but a decay
stage begins as soon as the attack voltage reaches the maximum level. This is particularly handy to produce sharp, punchy
sounds, and also - when in manual attack mode (pressing the ATTACK button) – to cancel the effect of holding the button for a
longer time. The output level of the envelope generator is adjusted by the TRAPEZOID knob. In other words, it’s a modulation depth
for other “modules” on the SYNTRX.
Besides the envelope generator, the trapezoid unit has a built-in voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA); its control voltage input is linked
to the output of the envelope generator. The audio signal input for the VCA is the ENVELOPE input on the patch matrix, and the
SIGNAL control in the trapezoid unit sets the audio signal level after the VCA output.
Set the ATTACK time for the envelope generator (6ms – 850ms)
Set the ON time for the envelope generator (0-1.5s)
Set the RELEASE/DECAY time for the envelope generator (16ms – 2s)
Set the OFF time for the envelope generator (14ms – 1.3s) and turn the looping off, when the control is set full clockwise
Select between the ASR and AD envelope modes
Set the envelope generator (TRAPEZOID) output level
Set the VCA signal output level
The LED gives visual feedback on the envelope generator status
The JOYSTICK enables one to alter two bipolar control
voltages simultaneously. These control voltages can be
applied to control parameters on other “modules” e.g. the
Oscillator pitch, the Filter cut-off frequency, the VCA gain and
others. The X and Y level controls define the range of control
voltages, where the maximum range is -5V to +5V. The
joystick is connected to pins 15 and 16 on the patch matrix,
and there’s a hidden feature – the control voltage from user
defined MIDI CC messages is added to the one from the
joystick, so you have more versatility in controlling the
SYNTRX.
The Joystick module also features a manual ATTACK button
that controls the envelope generator described above.
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ATTACK
LEVEL
LEVEL
THE “MODULES”
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LAMP ON
LAMP ON
ATTACK
TIME
ATTACK
TIME
ON
TIME
ON
TIME
DECAY
TIME
OFF
TIME
LAMP DIM OR OFF
ATTACK BUTTON
IN MANUAL MODE
TIME
