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At The 2023 NAMM Show, being held in Anaheim, CA April 13-15, Intellijel introduced Cascadia, an advanced, performance-oriented semi-modular synthesizer.

And there’s enough packed in it to appeal to both the modular and wider synth communities

Cascadia is described as “a massive semi-modular system, in a small case, with the footprint of a laptop.” It features a modern analog architecture, with a mix of classic East Coast and West Coast functions. Normalized connections mean you can instantly play it, but you can also patch any of the modules together however you choose.

Cascadia has MIDI in/out/thru/USB, uses Eurorack-compatible signal levels and pro-level audio I/O to interface with the rest of your studio.

Features:

• Two Precision Analog VCOs
  • VCO A is Thru-zero FM-ready with a dedicated Index VCA, Sub Oscillator, PWM and Soft/hard sync.
  • VCO B is a combo VCO/LFO with 4 simultaneous outputs
• Six Channel Waveform Mixer
  • Two patchable (normalled) inputs
  • Noise generator with multiple algorithms.
  • Optional asymmetric soft clipping on the mix output.
• “Liquid-Sounding”, Cascaded 4-Pole Multimode Filter
  • Eight Modes: LP1, LP2, LP4, BP2, BP4, HP4, NT2, Phazor.
  • Additional dedicated outputs for LP4 and HP4.
  • Input Level Knob for fine control of filter input and resonance balance and added drive.
  • Multiple FM inputs and a QM input, all with attenuators.
• Wavefolder Circuit
  • West Coast-style parallel wavefolder. Normalled into the auxiliary input on the VCA in parallel with the filter.
• Dual Digital Envelopes
• ENV A is a versatile east coast style ADSR / AHDSR envelope generator with a hold function and dynamic level/time control. Normalled to the VCA to instantly shape your sound.
• ENV B is a complex, multimode function generator with a West Coast style AR/ASR/Cycling AR, a beat syncable LFO, and Burst generator modes. Normalled to the filter for instant FM without patching.
• VCA A and Output Path
  • VCA A is a linear VCA with auxiliary input.
• Global Output Mixer with overdrive circuit and bypassable asymmetric soft clipping.
• Expansive Utilities Sections
• Sample and hold circuit with white noise normalled to the input.
• Slew/Envelope follower.
• Attenuverter/Mixer with multiple outputs.
• Triple triangle LFO with rate control, rate input and divided outputs.
• Triple buffered multiple.
• Precision adder.
• Signal inverter.
• Bi-polar > Unity level shifter.
• Expression level control for modulation the TRS expression input on an FX pedal.
• Ring Modulator.
• VCA B / LPF (LPG) — Auxiliary VCA and 4-Pole Diode Ladder VCF combination for additional dynamics.
• Easy to access Pitch, Gate, and Velocity CV inputs.
• Pedal Send and Return FX loop with Wet/Dry control, phase inverter and Line/Pedal level switches.
• Output Mixer with Overdrive.
• Eurorack Level Main output with level control for interfacing with other modular gear.
• The Outside world — MIDI, Pedal and Audio I/O
  • Stereo Headphone jack.
  • Balanced Output Jack.
  • Balanced Input routed to a slider and output on the main panel for patching anywhere into Cascadia.
  • TS Pedal FX Send Return and ¼” TRS Expression Out.
  • MIDI DIN In/Out/Thru and USB-MIDI all routed to the MIDI > CV Interface on the top panel.
  • MIDI > CV Interface
  • Deeper MIDI configuration is available with our Intelljel Config App (link below).
  • MIDI Pitch / Velocity Outputs and Learn Button
  • MIDI Gate / Trig Outputs
  • MIDI CC / Mod — Learnable and assignable to any CC on any Channel
  • MIDI LFO — Multimode LFO synced with MIDI or Tap Clock
  • MIDI CLK — Dividable MIDI clock with alternate Tap Clock functionality.
• Cascadia comes ready to play.
  • The normalization behind the panel allows for a ton of exploration, without ever adding a patch cable. Includes everything you need to get started: 14 assorted patch cables, USB-A to USB-C cable, and an international power supply.
• Hands-on interface
  • 101 patch points
  • 34 sliders,
  • 16 knobs,
  • 28 switches,
  • 5 push buttons
  • 36 LEDs
• Additional options for swapping the wooden cheeks for metal side cheeks or a rackmount kit with a storage tray—great for an effects pedal or patch cables.

These features alone – plus the connectivity options and almost ridiculous number of utilities – will keep most modular synth fans happy, but there’s enough appeal in Intellijel’s debut all-in-one synth to appeal to players beyond that, which appears to be one of Intellijel’s aims with Cascadia. It look very cool, is packed to the rafters and looks like it will give you everything in one box – and some.

Cascadia is available now for $2,149.

At The 2023 NAMM Show this week, Eventide Audio debuts the H90 Effects Pedal (its next-generation Harmonizer) and its innovative instrument/sequencer, Misha.

First announced in November last year, the H90 Harmonizer is Eventide’s follow-up to the H9 Max Harmonizer. The H90 is loaded with over 60 effect algorithms and hundreds of program combinations, curated for a variety of instruments and genres. The pedal’s multi-core architecture gives the H90 the power to run two powerful algorithms at once. Its features include flexible routing options, an intuitive UI designed for players and a built-in tuner.

Being introduced for the first time is the H90’s newest algorithm, PolyFlex, a polyphonic pitch shifter that allows users to bend a chord into a new harmony, perform “polyphonic dive bombs,” or transform a guitar into a pedal steel. With PolyFlex, the H90 now has 63 algorithms, including 11 new ones alongside the H9 Max’s 52 algorithms.

Eventide’s Misha (pictured, right) is an innovative Eurorack instrument/sequencer that utilizes a unique, interval-based approach to playing and creating melodies. Misha, being shown at NAMM for the first time, is designed to be played like a keyboard instrument and yet it makes music in a way unlike any other instrument.

Eventide’s novel Misha instrument/sequencer will be demonstrated at NAMM by two friends-of-Eventide: MIDI guru Steve De Furia and sound designer Richard Devine. Since its release last summer, dozens of artists have discovered, for the first time, what it’s like to “play” music easily and simply.

A Misha software release is also available now as a public beta. It includes a requested feature or two as well as fixes.

The Eventide H90 Pedal will be available later this spring, and retails for $899. The Misha eurorack module is available now, and retails for $599. For more information, and to find local Eventide retail outlets, visit the Eventide website.

Modbap Modular has announced their latest Eurorack module at The NAMM Show this week. Meridian is a dual multi-mode filter array module, which offers users a choice among four selectable filter types per side, four selectable filter modes per side, and more:

Meridian is a 14hp dual multi-mode filter array, designed to offer users a choice between 4 selectable filter types per side and 4 selectable filter modes per side, plus 2 effects (drive and phase shift) and the ability to be pinged. This allows users the flexibility to easily create a range of sound textures and sonic landscapes using a single eurorack filter module.

Modbap describes the concept behind the module, and the Meridian name:

“Meridian represents the idea of a “meeting point” or a convergence of different elements. Filters are often used to blend, shape, and refine different sounds into a cohesive whole, and a meridian is often represented through the idea of a barrier or a line that separates parts. This concept mirrors the way the filter delineates different frequencies and aural elements, generating a defined contrast that shapes the overall sound. In context, the name Meridian conveys a sense of balance, harmony, and unity, while also suggesting a clear and definitive separation between different sonic elements.”

As a module, Modbap Meridian allows the use of two selectable, mixed or matched, filter types and two selectable, mixed or matched, filter modes to reshape and refine the source material into new textures. Meridian’s two filters each have independently adjustable cut-off, resonance, and contour parameters.

The PrimeFreq control is the center macro control of both filters in tandem. The module boasts a dynamic control feature called ‘Ping’. Activation of Ping is enabled through the Ping input. Additionally, the filter allows selection of serial or parallel routing configurations and is capable of functioning as either a stereo system or two independent mono channels with the press of a button.

Meridian features a selection of filters (including Ladder, OTA, Comb, and vocal formant) to generate a broad range of textures. Its sound shaping capabilities are furthered byits two distinctive and characterful effects: PhaseShifter and Drive.

All of Meridian’s key features can be modulated via CV inputs. For instance, synchronization to tempo can be achieved with the clock input, allowing for clock synchronized Phase Shifting. Like other Modbap modules, Modbap Meridian was designed with “tweak-ability” and performance in mind and it is a good companion for Modbap Osiris.

Filter Types

• Ladder
• OTA
• Comb
• VocalFormant

Effects

• Phase Shifter with speed, panning,and depth controls
• Drive Circuit with level, tone,and crush controls
• Features
• Dual mono / Stereo filter
• 2 x 4 filter types
• Filter modes – LP, HP, BP, NOTCH
• Pingable (low pass gate style)
• Phase Shifter with panning control
• Drive effect with tone and crush control
• Width: 14HP

Documentation

• Meridian User Manual – coming soon
• MeridianQuick Reference Guide –coming soon

Modbap Modular’s Meridian module is on display at The NAMM Show this week, Booth 9800. It is available for preorder at an MSRP of $449.99 on the Modbap website.