Neutral Labs introduces Elmyra 2 Microtonal Drone Synthesizer
Neutral Labs have introduced the Elmyra 2, a major upgrade over the first version, which was originally conceived a purely open-source project.
The Elmyra 2 is described as “a full-blown semi-modular microtonal workstation for drones and experimental sounds”.
The new instrument can be used as a desktop synthesizer, or as a 42 HP Eurorack module. It features 41 patch points and 31 modulation targets, 4 voices with up to 12 oscillators total, 9-per voice effects, VCF switchable between 4 types (on top of the per-voice LPF and HPF filters), 4 sequencers, a delay, a unique analog shaping/distortion circuit, 2 LFOs, a bunch of utilities, a lo-fi reverb and more.
There is an option to adjust the specific sound characteristics using preset cards (a set of 4 included). In addition, individual components, like diodes or capacitors, can be plugged directly into the front panel to change the sonic characteristics of the synth.
Features:
- 4 independent voices activated by touch or CV
- Wavetable-based complex oscillator engine, up to 12 oscillators in total, 1V/octave compatible
- Chromatic mode makes chords and harmonic sounds possible, microtonal scales supported
- 41 patch points
- 31 modulation targets
- Touchpads with analog envelopes that can be used as modulation sources
- Resonant filter switchable between:
- “Boomy and aggressive” multimode 2-pole state variable filter (low-pass, band-pass, high-pass)
- “Creamy” 4-pole low-pass ladder filter
- Delay with unhealthy amounts of feedback
- lo-fi reverb
- Analog OUCH circuit: a unique combination of destructive distortion, waveshaping and filtering
- Sonic character can be customized by using special preset cards (set of 4 included) or components like diodes that can be plugged into the front panel
- Preset cards can be used with other Neutral Labs modules
- External audio can be processed via audio input
- 9 per-voice modulations and effects:
- Unison detune
- Dual sub-oscillators
- Saturation
- Bitmangler
- Sample rate reduction
- Noise
- High-pass filter
- Low-pass filter
- 2 LFOs: 1 sine, 1 complex morphable
- 4 sequencers with arbitrary step length per voice (up to 128), allows polymetric structures
- Delay time and LFOs can be clock-synced or unsynced (tap tempo is also possible)
- Utilities
- Dual attenuator/buffered multiple/voltage generator
- CV summing circuit
- Case made of plant-based bioplastic and native German oak wood
- Boutique synth handmade in Germany
Elmyra 2 is available as a DIY kit for £277, and assembled as a Eurorack module for $529. Find out details on the Neutral Labs website.
