IK Multimedia Uno Synth Hands-On Demo

At Superbooth 2018, IK Multimedia introduced the Uno Synth, a $199 portable, monophonic, true analog synthesizer.

At the show, we talked with synthesist and synth designer Erik Norlander & Enrico Dell’Aversana, who gave us an overview and hands-on demo of the new synth.

For extensive studio-quality audio examples, see the official playlist, embedded below.

Features:

  • All-analog audio path with 2 VCOs with continuously variable waveshape, noise generator, resonant multimode VCF and VCA
  • 2 independent analog VCOs with Saw, Triangle and Pulse waveforms with continuously variable shape including PWM of the square wave and a separate white noise generator
  • A 2-pole multimode OTA-based sweepable analog resonant multimode filter with LPF, HPF, BPF
  • LFO with Sine, Triangle, Square, Up Saw, Down Saw, Random and Sample-and-Hold to modulate Pitch, Filter and Amp
  • AD (Filter) + AR (Amp) envelopes (full ADSR control available via MIDI CC or software editor)
  • 40 onboard controls and LED display
  • 10 mode, 4-octave arpeggiator
  • Real-time and step edit 16-step sequencer with 20 automatable parameters
  • Onboard multi-touch 27-note chromatic and scale keyboard with 13 scales
  • Sync Delay audio effect and 5 performance effects
  • Self-tuning with auto-tune calibration
  • USB MIDI and 2.5 mm jack MIDI IN/OUT (cables included)
  • Audio In to daisy chain other audio devices with no need for a mixer
  • Mac/PC software Editor/librarian
  • Complete MIDI implementation with all parameters and clock can be controlled via MIDI CC
  • Battery (4xAA) or USB powered
  • Ultra-portable and lightweight
  • Designed and made in Italy

Audio Demos:

Pricing and Availability

The Uno Synth is available to pre-order now, priced at US $199/199 Euro.

14 thoughts on “IK Multimedia Uno Synth Hands-On Demo”

  1. Interesting video.

    If I wouldn’t have added that thing to my “wishlist” earlier already, I certainly would now.

    1. Same here. This is a lot deeper than I expected, and is way deeper than the Korg Volcas, which are about the same price.

      I’d like to see IK do a drum machine sampler in this format.

      1. so YES on a drum machine version to accompany this!!

        it’s exceedingly well thought through. EXCEPT! the dark keys could be a bit lighter as to be seen better on a dark stage but that’s just picking nits at this point. can’t wait to get mine!

  2. It takes two seconds to hear that the synth sounds great. At this price point and with these features (including patch memory) basically IK has no competition.

    1. Yeah – I though it sounded great for the price, and that was before he started talking about it having parameter locks!

  3. I preordered mine two days ago. The only item I have ever pre order besides this was the teenage engineering P.O.-33. I have enough keyboards and I wanted something that was portable. The sound, sequencer, arp, effects, usb and regular midi and the battery and usb power options make this synth easily integrate into whatever setup I’m using.

  4. I don’t like the sound for its price, I like the sound a lot and the price is just a bonus. It’s cool that there are pattern changes without loss of timing, I think like others said, it shows how much they thought it out. Well it’s not out yet but it’s a good sign they were really into it when making it! #usefuldetails

    1. More powerful analog synthesizer.

      More powerful sequencing.

      More digital capabilities – USB connectivity, patch memory, MIDI parameter control, etc.

      Less expensive.

      No CV parameter control.

      Fewer dedicated knobs.

    2. From the demos I have heard it does not sound as good. (well my opinion, sound tastes are realitive)

      1. From personal experience (at the Superbooth), the Uno sounds WAY better than the Neutron (scientifically measured from the width of my smile after testing both).
        The Neutron had a leaky VCA, which did not help.
        Last point, the Uno keyboard is capacitive, so, no risk of worn out keys.

  6. wow this little box has had a LOT of thought put into it. Its going to be a ground breaking product. I’m curious to see them do an actual keyboard version…perhaps.

  7. As I commented in the previous post about this, it’s a pity that the external audio input is not mined in before the filter / drive circuits.
    Might be an opportunity for a little modification hack in there !

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