Digitana Electronics – a company that specializes in custom interface modules for classic Electronic Music Studios (EMS) synthesizers, like the Synthi A, AKS and VCS3 – shared previews of two new synth designs.
The SX-1, above, is a ‘stand alone expander’, based around the Synthi AKS KS Expander. It is the result of ongoing collaborations between Digitana Electronics and The Future Sound of London.
The SX-1 shares all the features of the Synthi AKS KS Expander, but requires no Synthi to use it and in addition offers a host of new features. Details are available at the Digitana site.
The Halia, above, is another new project, being developed in collaboration with The Future Sound of London.
The Halia is a digital ‘pocket synth’, based on multiple ARM-based micro-controllers. Digitana says the ‘Sonic possibilities are endless. Everything from huge pulsating multi-oscillator drones, FM-synthesis to Buchla-esque noodlings (and everything in between) are all possible.’
Details on the Halia are still to come at the Digitana site.
“FSOL – Symphony for Halia ( taken from Environment 6 )
This track was created entirely using the forthcoming Synthesis module designed by FSOL and Digitana
HALia – ( standalone pod / Eurorack module )”
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colour me intrigued. The combination of FSOL and Synthi knobs… what more can you possibly want? But one question: how can the thing be both an expander and standalone. What does it expand if it’s to be used alone? This paradox will eat a hole in space-time.
This is the question I was too hesitant to ask. Hopefully it’s a standalone that combos nicely with module of their suggestion and it would be nice, if the price isn’t at the ems value of their products.I’m highly intersted in this since I can’t cave for synthi on ebay and ems had nothing to do with so let’s hope for an awesome clone.
The website lists features like “dual vco” and “dual filter”… so it seems the sx-1 could really be a standalone synth.
expander is just referring to the possibilities of adding extra voices/polyphony to EMS synthi. Similar to the oberhiem SEM (expander module) where they can be chained together. but can also be a self-contained synth.
This looks and sounds awesome. It also looks expensive. Not doubting it`s quality but Like 2000 euro + expensive
I’m just commenting to say that I’m surprised there hasn’t been more attention given to this post. I’m excited for both of these machines.