Overview
Basically the Medusa can be split into three main sections for working with the synthesizer and
the Grid controller.
This section of the Medusa is used to program the various parameters and settings for the synth
engine. The screen in this section (referred to as the synth screen in this manual) displays various
information about patch settings (including knob and slider values) while they are being changed
or edited. As for modulation, there are two fixed envelopes (filter and amplitude), plus three
easily assignable envelopes. You also get five assignable LFOs. The concept was to mix analog
•
Section C
That section of the Medusa is used to program, play, and edit the sequencer as well as to configure
various settings for the sequencer and the synth. The screen at the top of this section (referred to
as the seq screen in this manual) displays the assorted menu choices for configuring the
sequencer and synth.
•
Section B
The Grid performance pads
–
the 8 x 8 grid of buttons that can be used to play the synth, program
the sequencer, and select storage locations for Grid data and Medusa programs. Unlike
conventional keyboard synths, the use of the Grid allows you to lock parameters and musical
scales to steps in the sequencer, and then also to use elaborate scale mappings and expression
options to put sounds beneath your fingertips. The Grid and one-press modulation and envelope
assignment make the Medusa a portal to sound design, composition, and performance.
•
Section A
A
B
C
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The synth engine is versatile, the Polyend digital oscillators stack give you metallic edge and
a sonic wavetable enhancement on top of a thick 3-oscillator analog sound. The copious
modulation and multiple envelopes provide loads of sound design possibilities. Since basically
everything is assignable to LFOs or envelopes, you can really go deep with this. Combining digital
control and wavetables with Dreadbox supplied classic analog vibe make the Medusa as much
an all-in-one tool as a polyphonic synthesizer.
After toggling on, your Medusa unit will welcome you with an initial auto-calibration process, the
pads will pulse and there will be a progress bar visible on the top of the middle screen. If for any
reason you feel that the initial calibration
takes too much time, you can break it with a press of the
ENV1 button.
The Synthesizer
Our goal was not to compete with great gear made by other manufacturers. We wanted the
Medusa to be unlike any of the existing tools, both with its unique and expressive controller and
its copious controls and access to sound. Our plan was to make some new field for synth
innovation by merging all this functionality into a desktop form factor and give you a full digital
control over it in order to bring you inspiration.
Medusa might be needy for some at first, and it surely takes some time to get into it. But as you
start to feel comfortable with the sound engine, and adapt to our way of thinking about the Grid
pads (as a performance controller and separate note and parameter sequencer), it starts to be
amazingly rewarding. Once you get there, you'll gain access to a capable and sometimes wild
(especially with the randomisation functions) instrument beneath your fingertips. We feel that
the result of our collaboration is something that's really unique and creative. The combination of
deep digital and analog sound engine combined with the superb Dreadbox filter. Additionally all
its modulation, sequencing and performance possibilities makes the whole new sonic territory
–
something we hope you will want to learn how to practice and play. It's a suitable choice both for
sound designers and instrumentalist.
You can clearly see that the workflow fits spatially. On your left, the Grid which can be configured
for sequencing and performance. You can also use its sequencer as a kind of sketchpad for ideas,
since all the sequences and modulations are saved into presets. On your right, you can sculpt
sounds and make on-the-fly assignments of LFOs and envelopes with just one press. Mix
oscillators and shape envelopes, then dial modulation live atop that.
with digital and noise in different combinations, which you can layer as monophonic lines or
chords, or trigger in turn, with always-accessible mixer controls for each voices.
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