Make Noise Spectraphon Update Adds New Synthesis Options

Make Noise has released Spectraphon firmware version sp67, an update that adds several interesting new features.

Here’s what’s new in Spectraphon firmware version sp67:

  • Linear Array Modulation! In SAO, the Slide parameter now selects from all spectra in the Array in a linear fashion. The Focus control is used for spectral compression/expansion. The original Planar Modulation style is still available. To access, while in SAO hold SHIFT for 2 seconds without pressing any other buttons. This operation is per-Side.
  • New Ramp LFO Shape on Sub/CV Outputs. Select shapes by hold Shift + Press CV on the Side you’re selecting for. Ramp is useful for Linear Array Modulation (patch to Slide with attenuverter set north of midnight) and plenty of other uses.
  • CV output LFOs’ minimum clock rate increased to 8 seconds, via tap tempo on Shift button, or clock input.

The updated firmware is available now at the Make Noise site.

12 thoughts on “Make Noise Spectraphon Update Adds New Synthesis Options

  1. Very appreciative of Make Noise and how they continually update and support their products post-launch. I’m happy to support a company who has this kind of longer product life-cycle rather than endless iterations of the same product with minor or capricious updates/upgrades. Bravo, Make Noise!

    1. 100% fire when companies give you major new features with free updates.

      In my experience, Elektron is the king of this. Every Elektron box I own has received huge new features via firmware updates. Right up there is Novation with all the updates they’ve provided to the Circuit.

      1. Yes, and when Elektron do come out with a MK2 version, it’s an impactful update, not just an annual money-grab. They’er also great.

        1. I bet elektron makes their newer units on purpose “not so feature packed” at the beginning and then releases update after update to unleash the full potential.

      2. Elektron is all good but Expert Sleepers and Nerdseq are next level. The number of updates they have put respectively into the Distings and Nerdseq are ridiculous, far more than Elektron

        1. WIth the Expert Sleepers disting, though, the whole point of the module is that it can run a bunch of different applications.

          I’ve got the mk4, and I kind of regret buying it, because its just not a fun module to use. It can do lots of things, but it’s got a small, low-res LED screen and just doesn’t have good usability. (And this is coming from somebody that uses Elektron boxes!)

          1. There aren’t any algorithms on the mk4 that require any larger screen than that provided. The Disting is extremely easy to use. best thing to do is select a couple of algorithms that you are likely to use frequently and drop them in your favourite Ka and actually use the thing. It really isn’t hard to do and can be an absolute lifesaver in terms of its unparalleled versatility. Granted though, it’s a double edged sword.. I have the pdf manual saved on my phone and if I’m not using the 10x ‘favourites’ then I too must refer to it. Around 30% of the algorithms I have never used and have zero intention of doing so. I don’t believe anyone uses them all, but that is beside the point, and particularly in a modular environment, you may just need a Whatever..

            1. “I have the pdf manual saved on my phone and if I’m not using the 10x ‘favourites’ then I too must refer to it. ”

              That’s exactly what I’m talking about.

              I find the mk4 screen borderline illegible, because it’s so low-res, and then you have to wait 5 seconds for the text to scroll by to know what you’ve selected. Then you have to memorize how the controls are mapped for that particular algorithm.

              This is a PITA compared to modules that have a smaller function set, but actually have labels on the knobs.

              Mutable got things right with the Plaits. They took the time to design it so it can do many things, but they made it easy to immediately see what mode it is in, and made it so the controls have consistent functions.

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