Fresh from turning heads and opening ears on both sides of the Atlantic, having showcased Eurorack
module and desktop versions of its DELTA CEP A paraphonic semi-modular synthesizer — serving up nine essential synthesis
‘modules’ melded together to form a potent yet straightforward starting point to the ever-widening world of the Eurorack
small-format modular system — starting with an award-winning appearance at The 2019 NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA
(January 24-27), followed by another head-turning, ear-opening Stateside showcase at Synthplex 2019 in Burbank, CA (March
28-31), then moving closer to home for an appearance at SUPERBOOTH19 in Berlin (May 9-11), before making its well-travelled
way to support SynthFest France 19 in Nantes (7-9 June), cutting-edge sound synthesis specialist Radikal Technologies is proud
to announce all-round availability of its latest creation through a growing global network of authorised dealer.
Radikal Technologies’ DELTA CEP A can
function as a standalone synthesizer or — when removed from the chassis
— a 68HP-occupying Eurorack module forming the
centre of a powerful modular voice. Whichever way it is brought into
play — purchasable as a desktop paraphonic semi-modular synthesizer or
Eurorack paraphonic
semi-modular synthesizer module, the deftly-designed DELTA CEP A is the perfect starting point for any modular user. Undeniably it lives up to the PARAPHONIC-
MODULAR wording boldly blazoned across its featured-packed fascia.
For the benefit of the uninitiated, a paraphonic synthesizer is one where all of the notes generated go through a single filter and VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier)
combination. “Paraphonic
synthesizers can be played polyphonically, because their oscillators
allow for independent pitching according to chords.” So states the
DELTA CEP A owner’s manual, before positing: “Polyphonic oscillator control allows for multiple voices to be played simultaneously, which is ideal for pad sounds. The
DELTA CEP A sounds
particularly good in paraphonic mode, because it consists of two
oscillators per voice, which provide a nice beating effect when two
oscillators
are detuned against each other.”
On
the face of it, a semi-modular synthesizer has hardwired connections
for its most essential sound generating and altering attributes — as
opposed to a modular
synth
system, where the user has to establish all the connections between the
separate modules with patch cables to generate tones and sound effects.
“So much
freedom can quickly become confusing,” claims that owner’s manual. “That’s why semi-modular systems such as the DELTA CEP A have pre-wiring, which greatly
simplifies entry into the world of modular systems and, ultimately, electronic sound generation.” As such, users can play the DELTA CEP A right out of the box, but, of
course, can boldly go a step further and add their own patching.
Perusing the DELTA CEP A’s featured-packed fascia from left to right immediately introduces its uniqueness when pitched headlong into a competitive world where Eurorack edges towards ubiquity. Underpinning that uniqueness is the INTERPOLATOR. In a nutshell, this intriguing section has an ability to store so-called ‘snapshots’ of sound creations into the DELTA CEP A’s internal memory; moreover, users can consequently play those snapshots sequentially, creating cool sonic sequences. Saying that, they can cleverly create smooth transitions from one snapshot to another, allowing for some stunning sound morphing effects! Independent from the INTERPOLATOR itself, the snapshot memories can also be used as preset memories, and are filled with wonderful sounds from Radikal Technologies’ team of skilled sound designers.
DELTA CEP A also packs a well-equipped MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) to CV (control voltage) interface in its aptly-monikered MIDI2CV section —
significant when wanting to use the instrument in PARAPHONIC mode, meaning users can play chords, transforming the DELTA CEP A into the perfect pad and
ensemble section. The MIDI2CV section
helpfully has additional outputs for connecting to external Eurorack
modules, and a dedicated digital bus for controlling
Radikal Technologies’ radical-sounding RT-311 SWARM OSCILLATOR —
an advanced DSP-driven oscillator Eurorack module that, as implied by
name, goes far
beyond the realms of standard oscillator fare, firstly thanks to two
oscillators that can both build swarms of (up to eight) oscillator
‘clones’ capable of being pitched in
musical intervals, chords, clusters, or fat detunes, dutifully backed by
having all parameter settings saveable as interpolatable snapshots,
enabling even more radical
results — directly with notes and chords to layer additional voices in
monophonic and chords mode.
Moving more speedily along, the LFO 1 section features five waveforms, MIDI and clock synchronisation, and an invertible DEPTH control for modulation purposes.
Providing up to eight oscillator clones of its own, DELTA CEP A’s single swarm oscillator is accessed via the SWARM OSC section; PARAPHONIC play mode (allowing four
voices to be simultaneously played), PITCH quantisation, and easy tuning (DETUNING) access are amongst its edited highlights. However, more familiar territory follows
thereafter; the MIXER section
mixes the outputs from the swarm oscillator and the noise source or an
external signal for the filter. Familiarity continues with the powerful
VCF (Voltage
Controlled Filter) section, centred around an analogue 12 dB multimode
filter alongside a stereo digital emulation of that 12 dB multimode
filter, plus a
digital 24 dB lowpass filter. Furthermore, an ADSR section supplies an envelope generator with snappy-sounding curves, together with ATTACK and DECAY voltage
control inputs. Its VCA neighbour can be controlled by either the ADSR envelope or GATE signal, while also providing external inputs for the following FX processor
section — itself really representing the icing on the DELTA CEP A’s advanced audio engine with mind-blowing modulated stereo delay effects, as well as chorus,
flanging, and phasing par excellence!
Encompassing
no fewer than 23 knobs, 14 buttons, 28 RGB LEDs, 14 outputs, and 17
inputs straightforwardly spread across its feature-packed facia, DELTA CEP A duly
delivers on its potent potential for serious synthesis — still further
boosted by adding additional modules. Carefully chosen connectivity
provides users with welcomed
freedom to integrate it into their existing Eurorack small-format
modular system. Or opt to use it as an independent standalone
synthesizer with Radikal Technologies’
desktop-destined alternative, courtesy of the tailor-made chassis — complete with integrated stereo OUTPUT; stereo FX-INPUT; MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU; and DC 12-19V,
2A DC-IN connections, plus onboard ON/OFF switch.
Those transatlantic trade show attendees who witnessed whichever version of the DELTA CEP A in
action or even spent some time trying one out for themselves will
surely be happy to hear that they can consider adding one (or more) to
their own studio or stage setups now that they are available all over
the world from Radikal
Technologies’ growing global network of dealers.
DELTA CEP A is now available for purchase — priced at an RRP of €899.00 EUR/$999.00 USD (Eurorack) and
€1,198.00 EUR/$1,298.00 USD (desktop) — through Radikal Technologies’ growing global network of authorised dealers.
For more in-depth info, please visit the dedicated DELTA CEP A webpage here: https://www.
Watch Radikal Technologies Product Designer Jörg Schaaf’s sonically-stimulating DELTA CEP A video playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/
.
About Radikal Technologies (www.radikaltechnologies.com)
Radikal Technologies was
founded in 1995 as a pro audio equipment distribution company by
present-day President Jurgen Korduletsch.Within a few years the company
moved into
developing its own product designs, starting with the SAC-2K (SAC-2.2)
Software Assigned Controller, an award-winning DAW (Digital Audio
Workstation) control surface, supporting popular
environments like Digital Performer, Logic, Pyramix, and Nuendo.
Next up, a move into electronic musical instruments introduced the
trailblazing SPECTRALIS ANALOG SYNTHESIZER/
BEATMATRIX/FILTERBANK desktop hybrid in 2004, while more recent DSP
(Digital Signal Processing) developments — combined with a relentless
pursuit of perfectionism in the realm of
cutting-edge sound synthesis algorithms — resulted in the aptly-named
ACCELERATOR polyphonic synthesizer keyboard marvel. More recently,
Radikal Technologies has been making its
musical mark upon the ever-expanding Eurorack modular marketplace with
worthy modules drawing upon its illustrious past while looking to the
future.
© 2019 Radikal Technologies GmbH
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