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THE MOTORS
Motor Synth produces sounds by accelerating and decelerating eight electromotors to precise rpm (revolutions per minute) that correspond with specific musical notes. The instrument’s eight-electromotor configuration makes it a four-note true polyphonic synth with two voices per key played.
Firstly, magnetic pickups are placed on each of its eight electromotors; the spinning coils result in a very industrial-sounding, over-the-top analogue tone. Think eight harmonious revving engines pumping out an intimidating noise!
Secondly, specially designed reflective optical disks have been attached to the shafts of each electromotor. Each disk contains a graphical representation of three standard audio wave-shapes. As the electromotors spin, the disks are set into circular motion, and each wave-shape is read by a dedicated set of infrared sensors, then converted into an audio signal. Thus, the wave-shapes on the reflective optical disks become precise musical notes, corresponding to the speed of the electromotors.
32 ANALOUGE SOUND SOURCES
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SOUNDS
GOOD WORDS
MAIN CONTROLS
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VOICE section for waveshaping each Voice 1 and Voice 2:
-Waveshape selector between 3 forms of optical waveshapes and one inductive "Motor" sound
-One-knob ADSR envelope which controls 4 analogue VCA's for each voice. Selection between ADSR by pressing the knob.
-Acceleration and Brake control for Glide.
FILTER Block for both Voices, Voice 1, Voice 2 or bypassed.
-Drive before the Filer
-Multimode Resonance Filter
-Each voice can be bypassed separately
MOD Section can modulate voice envelopes (trem) or pitch, and the filter.
KEYBOARD Section features unique and extremely playable inputs controls
8 keys can be set to any scale, latching or momentary
4 knobs to adjust the frequency of the 2 keys below the knob, the step of adjustment can be limited
Mono, Poly and Unison modes
AUTO Section features Arpeggiator, Sequencer and Loop mode. The unique Loop is designed to work similarly to using a loopstation.
MASTER and PRESET Sections for general control,
ALL PARAMETERS can be digitally controlled, saved and recalled.
ALL PARAMETERS are MIDI controllable via CC messages
OLED DISPLAY for greater control of the instrument, for programming and all else
CONNECTIVITY
1/4 Jack Input for audio signal + pitch tracking
1/4 Jack Output with line level audio
Headphone Output (yet to be implemented)
Two 1/8 Jack Send Outputs for sending each voice separately before the filter to external effects
(if demanded) Two 1/8 Jack Return Inputs to either return the external effects loop before the filter or add external sound sources
MIDI via 5-pin and USB
1/8 Jack CV in/out for Pitch, Clock and Gate
1/8 Data Sync for future connectivity with other devices, such as external CV matrix or another Motor Synth
THERE'S EVEN MORE
PLAYABILITY, INSPIRATION, SOUND is what makes instruments great, This is the main focus of everything in the MOTOR Synth.
ELECTROMOTORS being its main sound source, MOTOR Synth inherently possesses many unique sound traits that will appeal to many musicians that favour analogue electronic instruments and synthesizers in particular. Put it this way: with its unusual tonal and timbral qualities, unlimited microtonal pitch adjustment and modulation abilities, and note attack and decay properties influenced by the acceleration and deceleration curves of electromotors, MOTOR Synth works well across a wide range of musical styles.
PITCH TRACKING can make MOTOR Synth act as a harmonizer for electric guitars or other melodic instruments, recognizing the pitch of a musical tone and instantly generating a complimentary tone by operating an electromotor at a matching frequency. Furthermore, users can create intervals and chords based on the frequency of the incoming signal with no need for a MIDI controller or inputting preprogrammed musical information.
STROBE EFFECT through the protective glass cover above its core sound system enables users to receive visual feedback from the instrument itself by being able to see those spinning electromotors in action. But better still, the visual experience is enhanced by the visible set of reflective optical disks attached to the electromotors’ shafts being coupled to a set of eight mini strobe lights, so those spinning disks themselves turn into a hypnotic light show,
TIMELINE
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SPECS
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Sound Engine: Electro-Mechanical
Signal Path: All Analogue
Polyphony: 4 notes, 2 voices per note
Filter: Analogue, multimode VCF, 24dB LP, 6dB BP, 12dB BP, 12dB HP
Play modes: Free, Arpeggiator, Sequencer, Loop mode, Split
Pitch tracking: Yes
MIDI support: Notes, CC, PC, Transport
Presets: Built-in and user presets
Input Type: 1/4” Unbalanced TS
Input Impedance: 1MΩ
Max Input Level: 3.5Vpp (+4dBu)
Output Type: 1/4” Unbalanced TS
Output Impedance: 47Ω
Max Output Level: 3.5Vpp (+4dBu)
Frequency Response: 5Hz to 22kHz
Controls: See picture
Display: OLED
Connectors:
IN, OUT, Headphone Out, V1 send, V2 send
Pitch, Gate, Clk CV In/Out, Data Sync
DC input, MIDI IN, MIDI OUT,
USB (MIDI, FW updates, communication)
Power connector:
IS INCLUDED
Center positive 2.1 x 5.5 mm barrel plug
Power Requirements: 5000mA, 24VDC
Mean Power Consumption: 50W
Dimensions:
Width 11.4 IN / 29 CM
Depth 8.3 IN / 21 CM
Height 2.17 IN / 5.5 CM
Height with knobs 2.96 IN / 7.5 CM
Weight: 7.17 LBS / 3.25 KG
SHIPPING AND PAYMENT
We expect to ship the very first MOTOR Synths late November 2019. This will be known after we place the parts orders, but the mentioned deadlines are pretty realistic.
We ship worldwide with UPS or FedEx and offer 2 - 5 Business Day signed delivery. The payment for your order on Indiegogo includes all taxes in the United States and the European Union, VAT not deductible. We will ship the Motor Synths from Riga, Latvia. If you are outside the US or the EU, you can estimate the customs and tax payments by checking the customs limits with your Customs Office, ask them about electronics imports from the European Union.
Your payment is eligible for full, no-questions-asked refund until the day you receive the MOTOR Synth. After you will receive the MOTOR Synth, there is a 30 day return period, you only need to cover the return shipping fee. The warranty is one year or longer if required by the relevant legislation.
TEAM
Gamechanger Audio was founded by four friends committed to exploring the uncharted territories music electronics, to create devices that provide real value while stretching the imagination of both musicians and engineers.
The company has been praised for innovation in creating its inaugural PLUS Pedal, the world’s first sustain and sostenuto pedal for all melodic instruments, based around a proprietary audio algorithm that lets users capture and sample small parts of the connected instrument’s signal in real time and loop them into a seamless, warm, and responsive sustained tone; and its PLASMA Pedal follow-up, forming the basis of a unique approach within the realm of overdrive and distortion by transforming the connected instrument’s live signal into a series of continuous high-voltage discharges within a xenon-filled tube. The latter has since been applied to a 19” Rack format and Eurorack modular format.
The company intends to continue this path with it’s next product, MOTOR Synth, the world’s first electro-mechanical desktop synthesizer.
