CreamWare Introduces Noah Tactive Modeling Synthesizer
 |
Noah Keyboard Rendering
(Click for a close-up) |
 |
Noah Rack Rendering
(Click for a close-up) |
March 13, 2002CreamWare presents Noah, a hardware synthesizer with unique features and
flexibility. Sound production, effects, step sequencing and
arpeggiation are entirely realized in software and processed by DSPs. Noah
offers all popular synthesis technologies: analog (subtractive), FM, vector
and wavetable synthesis. It also features a completely new physical
modeling technology for guitar and bass sounds with added realism.
An expansion for sampling and PCM sound is available as an option.
Thanks to its advanced DSP technology, Noah for the first time offers
1:1 modeling of existing instruments. At the same time, completely new
synthesis techniques can be realized as well. In contrast to the fixed
architecture of conventional synthesizers, Noah is totally flexible and can
be equipped with additional instruments and synthesis technologies through
software (plug ins). So, Noah is constantly re-inventing itself and will
always remain up-to-date.
"For a long time there has been very little reason for anyone to buy a new
synthesizer", says CreamWare managing director Frank Hund. "There was
simply nothing new out there. Real innovation was taking place almost
entirely in software, and was therefore dependent on a computer
environment. Noah changes that. Noah combines, for the first time, the
innovation and dynamics of software plug-in technology with the advantages
of a traditional instrument."
The basic package supplied with Noah comprises the following 9 instruments:
- minimax: a reproduction of the legendary Minimoog.
- Vectron Player: Inspired by the renowned Prophet VS, vector synthesis produces breathtaking sounds.
- Lightwave: Wavetable synthesizer with 128 waveforms, 2 powerful filters, and a flexible modulation matrix.
- Six-String: Model of a six-string guitar. A new, patented physical modeling algorithm achieves an unprecedented level of sonic nuance and articulated performance realism.
- Four-String: Four-string bass model, based on the same technlology.
- B 3000: Draw-bar organ model in the tradition of the veritable Hammond B3.
- Beatzbox: Analog drum synth/computer.
- Hybriddd: Combines FM and analog synthesis in a unique instrument.
- Vocodizer: 22-band vocoder with integrated synthesizer. Capable of emulating any hardware or software based vocoder.
During Noah's development uncompromising sound quality was given absolute
priority. The DSP plug-in technology allows the realization of most diverse
synthesis techniques in unparalleled quality and variety. Instruments are
not based on static samples, but are modeled exactly and true to the
original.
All instruments are polyphonic, and equipped with sounds created by
well-known sound designers. Even in its basic version, Noah already offers
over 1000 sounds. They can be edited directly on the instrument itself, or
with the included graphical software on a Mac or PC.
Noah has an extensive effects section. More than 30 32-bit algorithms are
available, including a high-quality reverb, modulation and dynamic effects.
A live programmable step sequencer and arpeggiator extend the performance
capabilities even further.
Although Noah does not require a computer, it however offers extensive
integration with external sequencers and the Internet over its USB
interface. Noah instruments can be treated in the computer like plug-ins.
Individual Noah configurations can be created on screen and uploaded into
the synthesizer. New instruments and sounds can be accessed through a PC
directly from the Internet and then loaded and played on Noah.
Noah is available in both rackmount and keyboard versions. The keyboard
offers two 2x40 indicator displays (the rack module has one) and 16
combined infinite control/push buttons for performance control (the rack
version has four). Both versions are equipped with stereo analog inputs and
outputs, 8 individual outputs in ADAT format, MIDI In/Out/Thru, a USB port,
and a slot for Compact Flash data storage.
Noah is hardware expandable via two options: the Noah Performance Option,
which doubles the power of the synthesis engine; and the "Transporter"
Sampling Option, which implements a 64MB sample player for the use of
"virtual expanders". By assembling Akai and Soundfont compatible samples,
users can also create their own virtual expanders - and so access their
personal sounds directly from Noah. Virtual expanders can be stored on
Compact Flash and reloaded into the keyboard's Sample Player.
"The realization of a purely software-controlled, totally flexible
synthesizer has been a dream for a long time", says Michael Ruf,
CreamWare's chief developer. "I think back to legendary experiments such as
the PPG Realizer and the Korg OASYS. Now, finally, the technology has
advanced to the point where these dreams can become reality. Noah takes
these ideas much further, and adds such up-to-date features as
expandability via the Internet, an editing and control software for Mac and
PC, direct integration into software audio sequencers, and a USB
interface."
Noah will be available in the summer of 2002. Although the list prices have
not yet been established, the keyboard version is expected to retail for
under 2000 US $.
For more information, visit their web site at www.creamware.com. | 
