Gamechanger Audio's First Synth Module

US PLASMA Voice introduces a new high-voltage oscillator concept 03/11/23

Gamechanger Audio tells us that after making groundbreaking innovations in the guitar pedal realm, they are now bringing something exciting to the modular synth market with its PLASMA Voice synthesizer module. They say that this latest addition takes their signature high-voltage distortion technology to the next stage by utilizing the full potential of modulating the tube's driver, which means PLASMA Voice is the first PLASMA product that doesn't need an external sound source and is a fully independent voice on its own.

A spokesperson told us, "In the broader context of audio synthesis, the PLASMA Voice introduces a new type of high voltage oscillator, expanding the electronic music sound palette and inspiring limitless creative possibilities."

Here's the full details direct from the company...

How it works:
The PLASMA Voice produces sounds by controlling high-voltage electrical discharges between two electrodes in a custom xenon-filled gas tube. These discharges are converted to analog audio using a specialized rectifier circuit. The result is a diverse range of electrifying tones that vividly capture the character and intensity of a vibrant blue electrical arc.

The PLASMA Voice utilizes a proprietary plasma tube driver and electromagnetic discharge detector to produce 49 transformable SOUNDS across 7 BANKS. These sounds (or rather synthesis engines) are driven by complex digital algorithms, modulating the plasma tube driver and transformer circuit through various techniques such as pulse width and frequency modulation, sample pitch modulation, envelope time stretch, wavefold, crossmod, and suboctave modulation.

Analog Signal Path:
The synthesizer features an analog signal path with a soft clipping drive circuit, bass and treble frequency boost/cut EQ section, analog state variable VCF with selectable 12dB/Oct low-pass or high-pass filter, and an analog output VCA. The VCF and VCA are digitally controlled with internal analog control voltages, and the audio output level can reach +/-8V max.

Controls:
The PLASMA Voice offers a variety of control options, including six center-indent slider potentiometers for parameters like pitch, time, modulation, harmonic content, electric artifact, and cutoff. There are also five center-indent attenuverters for CV inputs. The ALT button allows for alternative slider functions, and there are manual trigger/gate and clutch buttons. An encoder and LED indicator facilitate sound and bank selection and settings navigation.

CV & Trigger:
The module provides 7 CV inputs, one for each slider, and 1 assignable multi-CV input. Pitch CV is 1V/oct with a +/-10V range, while parameter CV has a +/-5V range. It supports trigger and accent inputs with various modes for flexible control.

Settings Options:
Users can configure various trigger and accent modes, assign multi-CV inputs, select MIDI channels, adjust center pitch, set the master octave offset, choose filter modes, and benefit from an auto-save feature for all settings.

MIDI:
The PLASMA VOICE includes a 3.5mm MIDI IN jack with MIDI support for notes, velocity, CC panel control, PC bank and sound change, PC settings change, channel 10 general percussion key map, pitch wheel, mod wheel, and potential firmware updates via MIDI SysEx.

Tech Specs: The module operates on +/-12V DC power (cable included), with a peak power draw of 220mA at +12V (mean 75mA) and 35mA at -12V. It requires 0mA at +5V. The module measures 16HP in width, with dimensions of 81.3 x 128.5mm (depth of 35mm excl. knobs, 54mm incl. knobs) and has a mass of 190g.

Pricing and Availability:
PLASMA Voice is available through Gamechanger Audio's website and across the dealer network. The PLASMA Voice is priced at $499 and is due to arrive by mid-December.

More information: