The Synthex was a programmable, 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer made in Italy from 1981 through 1985 and designed by Mario Maggi. Notably, it was the first polysynth to make digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs) sound good. Today, it is considered one of the best analog polysynths ever made. Only 1,850 units were produced, so a specimen in good playing condition is hard to find. Fortunately, you don’t need to go through this trouble to enjoy its unique sound and features in your musical explorations, thanks to Synthx V.
We also wanted to improve upon it in ways that are only possible in software, but in ways that made sense — keeping Synthx V true to the original in terms of what the experience of using it feels like.
Importantly, we wanted to capture the coolness of its dual-layer setup and stereo implementation, so Synthx V can spread not only its layers but its individual voices across the stereo field.
Finally, the Elka Synthex was one of the only classics not yet represented in our V Collection of virtual instruments, so it was definitely on our bucket list!
We also wanted to improve upon it in ways that are only possible in software, but in ways that made sense — keeping Synthx V true to the original in terms of what the experience of using it feels like.
Importantly, we wanted to capture the coolness of its dual-layer setup and stereo implementation, so Synthx V can spread not only its layers but its individual voices across the stereo field.
Finally, the Elka Synthex was one of the only classics not yet represented in our V Collection of virtual instruments, so it was definitely on our bucket list!
Here is the list of Synthx V's main features:
* Not all MIDI controllers can sense release velocity and/or aftertouch. Likewise, only select controllers support MPE and gestures such as Slide. Check the specifications of your MIDI device, and see the section on MIDI Polyphonic Expression of our user manual for more information.
- Up to 16 voices of polyphony (8 voices per layer), plus monophonic mode
- Two oscillators and multimode filter as on the original
- Hard oscillator sync
- Ring modulation of oscillator 1 by oscillator 2, or vice-versa
- Faithfully modeled chorus with three intensity choices, as on the original
- Dual-layer architecture with single, duo, and stereo-linked modes
- Stereo-linked mode sends identical layers to either channel for thick sound
- Unison mode per layer with 5 voices allocated to unison
- LFO per layer plus master LFO controlled by mod wheel
- All LFOs can be tempo-synced
- Multi-Arp with four tracks, 30 patterns (plus user patterns), and up to 16 steps
- Each Multi-Arp part can play layer A, B, or both, for complex polyrhythms and generative music
- Multi-Arp outputs MIDI data for use with other instruments
- 17 studio-quality V Collection effects
- Up to four effects at once with serial routing
- New drag-and-drop modulation assignment for quick setups
- Three modulation slots with four source choices each:
- ADSR envelope
- Our signature Function generator
- Random value generator
- Modulation step sequencer
- Six MIDI modulation sources:
- Mod wheel
- Keyboard tracking
- Velocity
- Release velocity*
- Aftertouch*
- MPE Slide (Y-axis finger position on key)*
- Full support for MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE)*
- Over 240 Presets from the synth world’s top sound designers
Note
* Not all MIDI controllers can sense release velocity and/or aftertouch. Likewise, only select controllers support MPE and gestures such as Slide. Check the specifications of your MIDI device, and see the section on MIDI Polyphonic Expression of our user manual for more information.
It is very easy to activate and install any software instrument/effect from Arturia thanks to the Arturia Software Center (ASC).
Simply download the ASC, and follow the instructions found in the Activate and Install from the Arturia Software Center (ASC) FAQ article.
Simply download the ASC, and follow the instructions found in the Activate and Install from the Arturia Software Center (ASC) FAQ article.
The Vintage Factory bank replicates the original factory presets of the Elka Synthex. Preset names reference the bank and program numbers.
When reconstructing these sounds, we noticed that some of the names in the Synthex manual did not describe sounds accurately — for example, “3 5 Clavinet” sounds more like strings.
For historical authenticity, we chose to duplicate the names as originally printed, mistakes and all.
When reconstructing these sounds, we noticed that some of the names in the Synthex manual did not describe sounds accurately — for example, “3 5 Clavinet” sounds more like strings.
For historical authenticity, we chose to duplicate the names as originally printed, mistakes and all.
The original Synthex was unique in its time thanks to its built-in 4-track sequencer. We wanted to pay homage to that, but you will most likely sequence Synthx V in your DAW. We came up with something else we think is very much in the Synthex spirit: the Multi-Arp!
The Multi-Arp is a four-track arpeggiator capable of some dazzling polyrhythms, since each track can have different pattern and rhythmic settings. Unlike a sequencer, an Arpeggiator plays only as long as notes are held, and transforms chords into repeating note patterns.
To access it, press the Advanced button at the top right of the Synthx V window to open the Advanced views, then click the tab labeled “Multi-Arp” all the way on the left.
The Multi-Arp is a four-track arpeggiator capable of some dazzling polyrhythms, since each track can have different pattern and rhythmic settings. Unlike a sequencer, an Arpeggiator plays only as long as notes are held, and transforms chords into repeating note patterns.
To access it, press the Advanced button at the top right of the Synthx V window to open the Advanced views, then click the tab labeled “Multi-Arp” all the way on the left.
In addition to playing Synthx V’s two layers, the Multi-Arp can transmit its MIDI note data to an external destination such as another virtual instrument or even a MIDI interface. This allows you to use its sophisticated patterns and rhythmic options to play other synths!
Synthx V does not contain settings or controls for this. Most DAWs, as well as plug-in host programs geared for live performance, can route MIDI from a given virtual instrument track to another instrument track, MIDI track, or port and channel on a connected MIDI interface. If the track in which Synthx V resides is configured to transmit MIDI, and the instrument on the other end is configured to receive it, that instrument should play the Multi-Arp’s output. MIDI notes from all active Multi-Arp parts are transmitted on the same channel.
Consult your DAW or host program’s documentation for the exact MIDI routing settings to make.
Synthx V does not contain settings or controls for this. Most DAWs, as well as plug-in host programs geared for live performance, can route MIDI from a given virtual instrument track to another instrument track, MIDI track, or port and channel on a connected MIDI interface. If the track in which Synthx V resides is configured to transmit MIDI, and the instrument on the other end is configured to receive it, that instrument should play the Multi-Arp’s output. MIDI notes from all active Multi-Arp parts are transmitted on the same channel.
Consult your DAW or host program’s documentation for the exact MIDI routing settings to make.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.