TEST DRIVE: UNO Synth by IK Multimedia
From the first edition of”Test Drive”, I Look at the Ultra Portable synth from IK Multimedia, the Uno Synth.
While it’s nice to have an”in-the-box” notebook solution for the music making requires, it never hurts to have a tangible tool that you can bring anywhere you go. If you find yourself in the place of adding such an instrument to your group, the new synth by IK Multimedia may suit your requirements.
Using a 27-note computer keyboard, a 16-step arpeggiator, and a variety of effect and modulation parameters, the more pint-sized (14 ounce ) power they call the UNO Synth may be exactly what you’re looking for. EDM.com was lucky enough to receive my hands in an UnoSynth lately and operate it through its paces. In the first installation of the TEST DRIVE series, we’ll run through a few of the specifications, characteristics and general functionality of a item.
KEYBOARD
Before you touch a knob, then the UnoSynth has 100 built-in presets (80 of them re-writable) that you are able to test out. Most of the presets are par for the class concerning standard tool presets. Not every noise will inspire another hit monitor – but for the novice or even novice user, there are plenty of presets that could help lay a foundation to your audio design requirements.
A fantastic feature that’s included inside the synth is 13 built in musical scale styles that users can function to their core content. As an instance, if you’re sick of utilizing the standard chromatic scale setting, then you can add interest to your playing by switching the scale into the Spanish Gypsy scale. Having Various scales to pick from can be advantageous to any user since it enlarges your standard palette and gives you distinct qualities that a Standard chromatic keyboard might not give you at first contact.
ARPEGGIATOR
This is no question that our favorite area of the synth. The Arpeggiator is nicely designed, intuitive and fun to tinker with. You’ll have anywhere from one to a Couple of notes That May Be included within an arpeggiated pattern at any time. Direction and scope buttons can be utilized to adjust the arpeggiator.
STEP SEQUENCER
It ought to be noted that every preset has a built in, 16-step sequencer ready to be played with by the consumer. With three distinct methods to document a chain (step listing, alt document and actual time recording ), the synth provides you the capability to experiment with unique varieties of sequencing. The measure recording function supplies you with all of the normal functions that any additional measure sequencer would provide you. The actual time recording purpose is self-explanatory. A metronome can be obtained to work with in the real time recording purpose and can be switched off at any time.
Finally, the alt document function is just utilised to change specific functions in the order instead of the arrangement itself. As an instance, you can edit a specific area of the audio to each measure within this function. If you want to change the pruning of a measure while the sequencer is going, it allows you to do this without effecting another step in the sequence.
SYNTHESIS
The Uno Synth has a 4×4 oscillator matrix that provides you with a litany of functions to shape your sound. The top left button is that the oscillator function which enables you to modify the waveform and tuning used for that synth. As an instance, you could change your wave shape into a sawtooth form and detune it a few half steps to provide you drastically different audio.
Another 3 buttons beneath the oscillator are filter, envelope and LFO. These functions control your normal ADSR (attack, decay, sustain and release) functions along with different uses such as the drive of the envelope or the speed in which the LFO is used.
MODULATION EFFECTS
Over the keyboard are six built-in modulation effects that can be used at any moment. These effects vary in the tremolo into a grip function. To further explain what each effect will, here is a brief summary of what each one of them do under.
Twist: Enabling this button will automatically send the frequency down to whatever pitch you’re playing.
Scoop: This button does the opposite of this dive function since it increases up your frequency to pitch.
Vibrato: Adds modulation to your pitch akin to playing an instrument with vibrato (wavy seeming pitch).
Wah: It provides one of the “wah” sound that is usually used with bass and guitar players.
Tremolo: This job modulates the volume of your signal.
Hold: This purpose sustains a note and holds it in position as you experiment with different effects of this synth.
These functions are easy to use and can be used at any time to help colour the consumers seem. They all have an Excellent sound to them and can be excellent tools to work with, depending on your performance.
Now that we have covered the areas of the synth along with their particular functions, here are the complete specifications into the synthesizer and everything included with it.
SPECS:
True-analog audio course
7 distinct LFO shapes
100 factory presets (80 available to be changed by the user)
16 step sequencer (span can vary from 1 to 16 steps)
27 note chromatic keyboard together with the capability to play with 13 Unique scales
Battery or USB powered (requires 4xAA batteries)
4 octave arpeggiator
Could be used by Itself, with a DAW or used in conjunction with additional controllers
Constructed in effects include delay, dive, scoop, vibrato, wah and tremolo
Has sound in/out, two midi mini jacks and micro USB connections
Editor software that can change the parameters of this synth
Extremely portable (weighs 14.1 ounces )
Verdict: For the price, we were impressed by what IK Multimedia managed to fit into the portable synth. While it might not be the go-to production tool for everybody, it serves various uses. By Way of Example, its arpeggiator could Offer an excellent spark of creativity for any producer looking to shake having a bad case of writer’s block.
Between its own size, flexibility and price point, IK Multimedia includes a Fantastic product in their hands and they will definitely find a solid market for those looking for an Excellent synth at a Fantastic price.
The UNO Synth sells at $199.99 USD and can be purchased through most leading retailers. Find more information or buy the synth here.
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