Elektron Releases the SFX-6 Monomachine
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(Click for a close-up) |
February 20, 2004
After the SidStation and the Machinedrum, Elektron now presents
the Monomachine SFX-6, a multiple synthesis keyboard synthesizer and
advanced pattern based sequencer. A selection of synthesis Machines is controlled through a unique drum machine
style sequencer interface and the 37-note musical keyboard.
The Monomachine offers six tracks for synthesis and sequencing. All
tracks are fully independent and accommodate a sound synthesis machine
of choice together with a dedicated effects and delay engine. The
sequencer of the Monomachine extends the traditional note-on/off
commands to direct control over all parameters and envelopes resulting
in a possibility of new found dynamic expression.
Distinguishing the basic synthesis machine
from envelopes, filters and effects, the user can choose a synthesis method from
a selection described below.
The five Monosynths are:
SuperWave takes its inspiration from the analog world. It gives warm
and thick sounds. The SuperSaw and SuperPulse is a paradise of
oscillators and sub oscillators. The Ensemble is specialized in creating
polyphonic textures, chords and harmonies.
SID is based on the synthesis of the legendary SID chip, from the
Commodore 64. The SID-chip was used in the first Elektron synth, the
SidStation. The SID offers one oscillator of high quality MOS 6581
synthesis, complete with ringmod and sync.
DigiPRO offers raw digital waveforms, which can be put into animated
life. DigiPRO is harsh and electrical, and its sound stands out in the
mix. The BeatBox can also be found here. It offers a percussive toolbox
shaped in the traditions of the Machinedrum E12 synth.
FM+ implements frequency modulation algorithms. What sets
FM+ ahead of the competition is the fact that it addresses the
complexity problem normally associated with FM synthesis. FM+ offers a
fine tuned sound control engine which delivers dynamic musical space age
sounds with ease, from an intuitive set of parameters.
VO is the singing voice synthesis engine of the Monomachine.
Offering full control over vocal, consonants and voice type, it is at
your service to sing words in any language or dialect, or maybe form
vocal sounds yet to be discovered.
The Effects
Each Monomachine track is an independent synthesizer, with a specialised
track effects engine. The track effects are always at hand with
dedicated controllers and form a natural extension of the Monosynths to
shape the sound.
The Track Effect System consists of five concurrent effects: 1-band EQ,
24dB Lo/Band/Hi-pass resonant filter with individual Q-control, Sample
Rate Reduction and distortion. Additionally each track offers an
individual tempo-synchronised tape-style delay engine.
Sound Control & Sequencing
The Monomachine features an advanced step sequencer for pattern based music creation. Extending from the traditional note-on/note-off
sequencing, the Monomachine offers immediate control over all sound
synthesis and effects parameters at any pattern step.
The Monomachine separates pitch
sequencing from envelope trigging, offering three individual trig tracks
for amplitude envelope, filter envelope and lfo trigging. Each track is
further spiced with three multi-shaped tempo-synchronised interlaced
LFO's assignable to any of the 56 track-parameters.
Additionally the Monomachine offers a six-voice polyphonic mode, six
tracks of MIDI sequencing, as well as a song arranger for creating full
Monomachine songs. The Monomachine also fits perfect into a live
situation using the multi trig mode or studio environment using multi
map for phrase trigging.
Pricing and Availability
The Monomachine SFX-6
direct from Elektron, and from a limited number of partner
retailers in Europe. All prices include one year full warranty and ten
days money back guarantee.
Pricing:
- Inside the European Union: EUR 1950
- Sweden: SEK 18,000
- US and the rest of the world: USD 1900
The Sweden and Euro prices include sales tax as required by law.
The Elektron retailer partners can be found at this web page:
www.elektron.se/partners.php
For sound clips, you can visit the Monomachine
website at www.monomachine.com
Monomachine SFX-6 Specifications
Sound Control
- 6 Track Internal Sequencer
- 6 Track External MIDI Sequencer
- 64 Step Maximum Pattern Length
- 128x User Programmable Patterns
- 32x User Programmable Songs
- 18x Tempo Synced interlaced LFO's
- 6x56 Parameter Locks per sequencer step
- Full Real-time Control
- Full MIDI Support
Effects
- 6x Tape-style Tempo-synced Delay
- 6x 1-Band EQ
- 6x Resonant 24db lp/bp/hp
- 6x Sample Rate Reduction
- 6x Distortion
- Machine effects for Reverb, Chorus etc
Sound Generating System
- 5x Monosynths
- 10 Individual Synthesis Machines
- 6 Part Mono/Poly Synthesis
- 6 Part Track Effect System
- 6x128 User Programmable Patches
Hardware
- Compact Hi-Q Design
- 110V/220V Operation
- 128x64 Pixel Backlit LCD
- 37-Note Velocity Sensitive Keyboard
- 4-Directional Steel Joystick
- 3x MIDI DIN5P In/Out/Thru
- 6x Separate 1/4" Audio Out
- 2x Separate 1/4" Audio In
- 1x 1/4" Stereo Headphone Output
- Dual DSP System
- User upgradeable flash for OS
- Brushed Aluminium Top
- Steel Casing
- Dimensions: 975x176x55 mm
- Weight: 7.0 kg
For more information, visit their web site at www.elektron.se. | 
