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SYNTRX has a Zener diode based NOISE GENERATOR that provides full
spectrum white noise. The Noise Generator is not voltage controlled, but
the COLOUR knob allows the emphasizing of the low (LOW setting) or
high (HIGH setting) frequencies of the noise spectrum.
Adjust the COLOUR – frequency spectrum of the noise - manually
Set the noise signal level
NOISE GENERATOR
LEVEL
COLOUR
LOW
HIGH
SAMPLE&HOLD generates stepped control voltages for voltage control of other modules. It has
independent sample RATE control as well as LEVEL control, and two switches – one selects the
input signal, the other – the type of signal that is sent to the patch matrix. The matrix has only 16
inputs, therefore, the Sample&Hold shares the matrix input with the Oscillator 3 triangle input.
Adjust the sample rate manually – from one sample in a few seconds to a low audio rate.
Adjust the output signal level – the control voltage span. Max span is -5V - +5V
Select the input signal for the S&H circuit. The available options are a triangle-sawtooth wave from
Oscillator 3 and Noise. The triangle-sawtooth wave (depending on the waveform knob setting) will
generate staircase-like control voltages on the output. Noise will generate random voltage steps.
Select which signal is routed to the patch matrix! The three position switch selects between a
triangle-sawtooth wave from Oscillator 3 (unaffected by the S&H circuit), S&H output and a mix of
Oscillator 3 and S&H outputs for super random modulations.
SAMPLE&HOLD
S & H
RATE
LEVEL
IN
VCO3
NOISE
S&H
OUT
VCO3
VCO3+S&H
The FILTER/OSCILLATOR is a resonant lowpass filter of unique design. It can be
modulated at audio rate and when the resonance is set to 10, it becomes an
oscillator that produces a pure sinewave. The frequency of the oscillator will depend
on the Frequency knob setting, as well as on the CV applied to the Filter Frequency
input on the patch matrix. The Filter/Oscillator will not track 1V/oct.
Set the cut-off frequency for the lowpass filter. The Filter Frequency control voltage is
added (or subtracted, if it’s negative) to the knob setting
Set the desired resonance level. In settings above 9, the filter will start to self-oscillate
Set the filter signal level
FILTE
R/OSCILLATO
R
FILTER / OSCILLATOR
LEVEL
RESPONSE
FREQUENCY
OSC
LOWPASS
The RING MODULATOR, also known as a Four-Quadrant Multiplier, is a special case of amplitude
modulation - one signal changes the level of (or “multiplies”) the level of the second signal.
Two signals (A and B on the patch matrix) are required in order for the ring modulator to operate (if you
multiply by zero, you get zero). For example, two oscillators running at audio rates or an oscillator and
microphone patched into one of the Inputs on SYNTRX. Depending on the input signal frequency
relationship, the output is a complex set of component tones, being typically metallic, bell-like sounds.
When voice from the microphone is modulated by an oscillator, a robotic speech effect is achieved.
Set the level of the ring modulator output
RING MO
D
ULA
TO
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RING MODULATOR
LEVEL
REVERBERATION
A REVERBERATION effect is achieved by feeding the audio signal through the spring
reverb tank and then picking it up and mixing it with the original signal. As this is actual
spring reverb, not digital emulation, the reverberation unit may make a slight noise,
which can be heard at higher output signal levels. It can also pick up mechanical
vibrations from other sources, and feedback from internal loudspeakers may occur.
Therefore, when using the internal loudspeakers, control their loudness, unless you want
to use the reverberation unit as another sound source.
Fade between DRY (unaffected audio) and WET (processed through the reverb tank)
signals manually! This is also a voltage controlled setting, and control voltage is added to
the knob setting
The reverberation unit on SYNTRX features a manually adjustable amount of spring
feedback. At far CW settings, the module goes into self-oscillation and you can basically
use it as an instrument on its own, even with no audio input.
REVERB
MIX
FEEDBACK
DRY
WET
The OUTPUT AMPLIFIERS are the final treatment for
the audio signal before it’s sent to the internal
loudspeakers, headphones and to the outputs to the
external mixer desk. As there are two output channels
(Ch1 output and Ch2 output on the patch matrix), and
each channel has stereo panning controls PAN (the
manual only control), a user can design advanced
sound landscapes in stereo. The LEVEL controls allow
one to set the output level manually, but there’s a
voltage controlled amplifier on each channel, so the
control voltage from the patch matrix is added to the
manual level settings, providing even more versatility
in sound design.
SR
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LP
MA
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CHANNEL 1 OUTPUT
CHANNEL 2
LEVEL
PAN
LEVEL
PAN
LEFT
RIGHT
LEFT
RIGHT
Both output channels feature an OUTPUT FILTER, which is essentially a
tone control. If the control is at 5 on the dial, the frequency response is
flat. Turning the control counter-clockwise (towards the LOW setting)
boosts lower frequencies, while turning it clockwise (towards the HIGH
setting), boosts higher frequencies. These are manual only controls. Use
the output filter to do the final treatment for the sound for each channel.
RE
TLI
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T
UP
T
U
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OUTPUT FILTER
CHANNEL 1
CHANNEL 2
LOW
HIGH
LOW
HIGH
The SYNTRX has two external audio signal inputs. You can use the
instrument as an FX unit for external signal treatment or to inject the
external signal into advanced patches and generate completely new
sounds. Two identical INPUT AMPLIFIERS are implemented to adjust the
level of the external audio signal and/or to boost it to the necessary level.
The gain switch selects between line level signals on the input and
microphone level signals (this setting is also recommended for guitar
pickups). Select the input amplifier gain and adjust the signal level. You
can also overdrive the signal in the far clockwise settings of the level
controls.
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FIL
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UP
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INPUT
CHANNEL 1
CHANNEL 2
LIN
MIC
The METER is used to monitor both CV and audio signal levels in the
SYNTRX patches. The internal signal levels in the SYNTRX are modular
level, meaning, the normal unattenuated audio signal is 10Vptp. CV
signals may be up to -10V - +10V . Use the switch to select between CV
and audio signal measurement. In the Audio setting, the measurement
starts from the left side of the scale, and the full scale is 12V. In the CV
setting, the centre of the scale is 0 and it indicates both positive and
negative voltages. The maximum range is from -10V to +10V.
RE
TE
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CV
AUDIO
The SYNTRX has two built in speakers for monitoring purposes and crazy
experiments with feedback loops. Use the MUTE/ON switches to turn
them on or off. At louder settings, the speakers may distort the sound
and with spring reverb in action, they will go into feedback loop with the
spring. You can use it as a sound source for future treatments. You may
also want to try playing feedback loops with a microphone connected to
the input and bringing it to the speaker.
Obviously, the best monitoring is achieved with studio monitors or
headphones, so built-in speakers are a nice extra on the SYNTRX.
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