Aly James Lab have released SY-4X Syncussion, available for €51.00.
The Pearl Syncussion SY-1, introduced in the late 1970s, is a legendary drum synthesizer known for its unique sound shaping capabilities and wide tuning range. At the core you find two identical modules each containing two oscillators, a custom filter, two envelope generators, LFO and Sample & Hold, it also got a noise generator. It has been the secret weapon of many.
SY-4X is not only a perfect re-creation of the SY-1’s inner circuit, but it also offers significantly more options. These include four units in one, trigger-controlled ‘mode scanning,’ CMOS circuit ‘defect’ control to enhance harmonics beyond the original, real-time VCF integrator cap offset for dynamic pole movement, fine-tuning envelope response to match your playing style, and additional features like Drum Kit and Keyboard Modes.
SY-4X provides four Syncussion SY-1 modules in one neat package, with some modules featuring additional modifications like noise direct injection or a Custom Mode A (see Modes below). The four modules allow for creating an 8-voice drum kit, four mono synths (coupled voices = 4 oscillators per module), or a four-voice poly synth (4 x 4 oscillators). You can also mix modes, such as three modules in Drum Kit mode and one in mono synth mode (keyboard controlled). In any play mode, you have full control over every voice parameter—sky’s the limit!
The SY-1 features six oscillator modes: they are like internal preset connections: single oscillator, FM, dual oscillator mix, dynamic oscillator mix, FM/Custom Ramp OSC*, and pure noise. These modes provide a wide range of sound possibilities, from deep bass kicks to high-pitched toms and complex noise effects.
The SY-1 features a voltage-controlled oscillator utilizing a TRI core and CMOS 4069 hex inverters. This configuration allows for complex waveform generation through cross-modulation, providing rich and diverse sound textures. The cross-modulation capabilities and extra harmonics inherent from the VCO circuit contribute to the SY-1’s signature sound.
The VCF in the SY-1 is a state-variable filter using 4069 inverters. It stands out due to its unique characteristics (poles spreading), resulting from unequal integrator capacitors and the absence of direct resonance control, offering distinctive filter sweeps and tones.
The VCA utilizes a standard transistor pair-diff opamp setup, ensuring reliable amplification and sound clarity. This configuration contributes to the SY-1’s powerful and punchy audio output.
The SY-1 is equipped with an LFO with square and triangle waveforms for vibrato or audio rate modulation effects, and a sample and hold circuit for random pitch changes with each hit (lovely). The envelope generators EG1 (called SWEEP -trigger independent) and EG2(dynamic -from trigger pulse) offer extensive control, allowing intricate sound shaping.
The module includes tune, decay, and filter cutoff (WIDTH) controls the latter actually controlling the amount of VCF modulation, enabling users to fine-tune the percussive sounds. The pitch sweep feature, with speed, range, and up/down controls, allows for dramatic pitch dives and rises. A notable detail -the decay is not only affected by the decay slider but also by the tune slider.
SY-4X models the unique filter design of the Syncussion. It is a 2-stage low-pass SVF with a twist: the control voltage has more effect on the second stage, which is set to a higher cutoff by design. This causes the two filter poles to spread apart depending on the control voltage, creating an almost vowel-like effect. Both cutoff points have a ratio of roughly 4:1, and the CV is at a ratio of 2.13:1. The SPREAD parameter allows you to change or modulate the frequency ratio, controlling how far apart the poles are set.
Envelope 2 controls the VCA, the filter, and, depending on the selected MODE, the tuning. The envelope generator’s triggering pulse levels vary with attack strength, providing adequate accent to the output. SY-4X has a parameter called HOLD. At its lowest, it mimics the original hardware response, but increasing the value changes the envelope response to something more linear. This can be very useful if you need an almost gated response, or, put another way, more body with an ultra-fast decay.
The original SY-1 was used by artists such as Prince, Kraftwerk, Herbie Hancock, Aphex Twin etc. contributing to its legendary status.
The Pearl Syncussion SY-1 remains a highly sought-after percussion synthesizer for its distinctive analog sound and versatile features. The SY-1 offers a unique and dynamic tool for creating a broad spectrum of percussive sounds. I have heard it used by many adventurous and skilled drummers over the internet and as always this baby got the -secret weapon flag.
Features include:
- Circuit Model: Accurately reproduces the Syncussion design and sound.
- 4 Independent Syncussion modules.
- CMOS based oscillators for authentic tone generation.
- Multi Outputs routing capability.
- Drum Kit or Keyboard Modes.
- Modeled VCF Filter topology, 2-pole spreading low-pass filter with extra user control.
- Up to 60 optional pitch scaling rules to choose from.
- Optional Berserk Mode with 2 types of distortion.
- Most parameters respond to automation.
- Settings and preset browser pages.
- Improved VST3 MIDI support (e.g., can receive MIDI 2.0, enable Ableton Live’s “External Instrument rack” inputs detection, etc.).
- Up to X16 Oversampling
SY-4X Syncussion is available to PC and Mac users (VST3 and AU).
For more information on SY-4X Syncussion, click here:
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