Analogue Solutions is now shipping the Nyborg-12, an Oberheim SEM-style 2-Pole 12dB/Octave monophonic synthesizer module with a multimode filter and real analog voice / modulation circuitry.
The Nyborg-12 contains real analog voice and modulation circuits with the same flexible filter with LP (lowpass), BP (bandpass), HP (high pass), and notch settings that is implemented in their own Telemark SEM semi-modular synthesizer, similar to Tom Oberheim’s original 1974-vintage SEM (Synthesizer Expander Module). Apart from its high-quality 16-bit Digital-to-Analog Convertor for MIDI to CV (Control Voltage) conversion (which has to be digital), Nyborg-12 is 100% analogue through and through. It is hand built using real transistors and op-amps, and there are no CPU-stabilized and quantized circuits, Digitally-Controlled Oscillators, digital LFOs, or digital Envelope Generators. Instead its circuitry is based on tried-and-tested, distinctive-sounding designs dating back to the mid-Seventies, so Nyborg-12 sounds suitably vintage in character.
Nyborg-12 features high-quality, smooth potentiometers, fully sealed against dust intrusion, together with spun aluminum caps knobs. Two stable VCOs — each providing a whole host of options and modulation sources — are available to feed the 2-Pole 12dB/Octave multimode filter; audio mixer (VCO 1, VCO 2, Noise/Sub); LFO with triangle and square wave modulation signals, and Mode switch to route CV2 (velocity control voltage) or S+H (Sample and Hold) signals to that 2-Pole 12dB/Octave multimode filter or those VCOs; VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier), controllable from EG2 or Gate with Bypass option (allowing Nyborg-12 to be used as an external effects processor) and Cycle setting (so the envelope is constantly re-triggered by the LFO, allowing for hands-off sound effects); and Envelope 1 (VCF) and Envelope 2 (VCA).
MIDI implementation includes cutoff control of Nyborg-12’s 2-Pole 12dB/Octave multimode filter via velocity or a MIDI controller and external CV (Control Voltage) sockets for PITCH1 (VCO), PITCH2 (VCO), CUTOFF (filter), GATE (to trigger the EGs), and EXT (for feeding an external CV to various circuits). Digital Audio Workstation integration features the ability to communicate with an analog step sequencer. In addition, simultaneous MIDI and CV operation is possible, so users could, for example, use an Oberkorn to play a little melody then transpose that step sequence using a MIDI keyboard controller or sequencer.
Note Nyborg-12 can be user configured in various ways. It is possible to rotate Nyborg-12s front panel so that it can be used horizontally as a desktop device. Optional wooden side panels can be screwed to a single Nyborg-12 from its inside or to two Nyborg-12s that have been bolted together. It is also possible to rack-mount two Nyborg-12s that have been bolted together using the optional matching rack ears. Either way, Nyborg-12’s modified software allows two Nyborg-12s to be poly-chained together to play as a single two-voice polysynth. Four-voice polyphony is also available upon request for those looking to really push the boat out and purchase four Nyborg-12s, though one Nyborg-12 is still a very versatile, super-sounding, space-saving standalone monosynth module in itself.
Analogue Solutions’ Nyborg-12 is available now for £599. The optional rack ears are £19 and the wooden side panels will set you back £39.
Analogue Solutions
