Modern Synths with that Vintage Hybrid Sound pt2.

I, like many other wigglers - enjoy the sound of a hybrid synth; digital (usually crusty) oscillators tamed by thick, chewy analogue filters. It's a sound that ahem...some people...like more than vintage VCO's! Digital oscillators span a delightfully odd range of wave shapes and can often be combined in novel ways.

So I find it fantastic that many modern synths can offer these magical hybrid sounds, too. Here's part two of our look into modern hybrid synths:

Waldorf M

The Waldorf M is an interesting machine - it's ostensibly a clone of multiple synths:

• Firstly, it features the 8-bit wavetables, basic sound design options (and optional bugs!) of 1989's Microwave 1
• Secondly, it features the 16-bit wavetables and deeper synthesis engine of 1997's Microwave II/XT (except for oscillator FM!)
• Yet, the VCF (SSI 2144) is found in neither machine - it's a clone of the PPG Wave 2.3's VCF.

Despite the mixed heritage, the M has a beautiful 3D quality to it's output and a pleasing low-mid presence. The filter isn't resonance compensated (many vintage synths' aren't either!) but big blue can certainly deliver enigmatic wavetable sounds all day long.

Transitions (small 64KB PCM samples) allow the M to cover Waveterm, Fairlight or even Emulator territory at a pinch. The process of sample/wavetable upload is slightly laborious (you must copy your waveforms to flash, one at a time) but such processes, alongside the RAM shortage, actually add to the vintage charm for me! Remember MIDI sample dump?

If the M sounds "too" nice there are, thankfully, multiple ways of roughing up your sound. The ASIC bug can invoke garbled digital screams if you don't watch your oscillator levels! Whilst this works only in 8-bit mode, Derez is around to trash your 16-bit wavetables too!

Of course, the M contains a treasure trove of modern extras; Experimental synth delights, like many interesting digital filters, audio-rate looping envelopes, unusual modulators and algorithmic oscillators (ported from Braids) might be just the thing if you're after cutting-edge sound design...nevertheless the vintage heart is there if you look for it.

Here's a demo I did of the M a little while ago, I hope you enjoy!

Next time we'll be taking a look at one of Mutable Instrument's earliest designs!

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