Gotharman’s Zybraz is a 24 voice polyphonic mini desktop Synthesizer based on unique resonator oscillators, wide rang filters and effects.
Zybaz is not a classic VA Synthesizer but is a unique instrument with an interesting feature set. It has two parts (upper and lower with keyboard split point). The core is based on resonator oscillators which are derived from the LD3 but offer now a couple of new parameters including character and brightness.
The oscillator waveform morphs from sine wave to triangle wave to saw wave, to square wave to feed wave. Cool, pulse width works on all waveforms. Very unique is the signal path of Zybaz. These waves can go through a resonator, where the number of resonances, that are fed back inside the oscillator can be adjusted, plus resonator character and brightness. Also available is a noise generator than can also through the resonator, when this is on.
Filters & Effects
The synth engine of Zybaz includes a good number of filters. 8 in total that can be selected for each part. All of these are derived from LD3. Available are LPF1, LPF2, BPF1, BPF2, HPF1, HPF2, FAT, and DESTROY.
8 different effect types can also be selected for each part, 7 are derived from LD3, and one new: Bass Enhancer. You can choose from a delay, roto delay, bass enhancer, variator, bitcrush, distortion, resonator 1 and resonator 2.
Modulation
Each part has 2 envelopes, 1 ADSR, 1 decay. The ADSR envelope alway controls the output VCA, but it can control other parameters at the same time. For each part, you can also activate 2 LFO’s, one for the filter (LFO1) and one for the rest of the parameters. All parameters, except for volume, portamento and EFX output level, can be modulated by up to 4 sources at the same time (LFO, ENV1, ENV2, velocity, Random).
Handy, most parameters can be controlled by MIDI CC’s but all by NRPN’s. IDI CC’s are transmitted, when editing parameters. NRPN’s are transmitted, when using the “Send Preset” and “Send All Presets” functions. Pitch Bend range can be set separately for each part. MIDI Hold Pedal is received.
Presets & Case
The synth offers storage for 8 presets in 8 banks or in total 64. 63 are re-writable presets and Preset 64 is always an initialized presets that give you a neutral start point when creating new sounds. This can’t be written. Before a preset is stored, Zybraz lets you audition the destination preset location, to avoid overwriting a great preset.
The synth engine is built into an all-metal case, metal potentiometers, push-buttons made in Denmark by MultiMec and Cirrus Logic converters.
Gotharman’s Zybraz is available now for pre-order for 539€. The final price will be 599€.
More information here: Gotharman
Wow, besides some nicer and more experitental sounds, the overall timbre is like a cheesy home-organ from the 70’ies 😉
Exactly what I thought! Brought back 70s memories of our cheap organ/keyboard. Might be useful for someone though.