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SYNTRX II: Patch Notes
May 23, 2023 · ARTICLES · TIME TO READ: 16 MIN

Audible patch examples & explanatory patch notes for the Erica Synths SYNTRX II, created by Andris Indāns - also known as Gas Of Latvia.

Come back for a fresh dose of inspiration - patch notes will be updated on regular basis.

CAN YOU FEEL ME

Patch for Voice processing and synthesizer dronetone accompaniment. External input Envelope Follover signal together with Oscillators is connected to Ringmodulator in Input mode. In parallel, it modulates the Oscillator 3 frequency and also serves as an input source for the Sample&Hold module. Next, the Ringmodulator signal goes to the Filter and Effects in parallel, where it meets the External audio and Filter signals. Stereophony consists of the Ringmodulator and Filter signals connected to each of their own outputs, while the Effects are connected to both outputs. Sample&Hold in this circuit modulates Oscillator 2 and Filter frequency. In addition, the Filter is also modulated by the Trapezoid signal, whose Gate is turned by the Envelope Follower. The joystick controls the Oscillator 1 frequency and additionally modulates the Sample&Hold input.

CYMBALBASS

Patch for external signal processing and rhythmic bass accompaniment. This example uses a jam recording with metal percussion. The first External input is connected to Effects and additionally modulates Oscillators Shape. The external input Envelope Follover signal modulates the frequency of Oscillator 2 and Filter, and also serves as a modulation source for the Sample&Hold module. The rhythmic bass is formed by Oscillator 1, the signals of which are connected to the Trapezoid module, which is further connected to the Filter, as well as the Ringmodulator signal in External signal 2 mode, to which the signals of Oscillators 1&2 are connected. The Ring modulator is also connected to the Filter together with the Envelope Signal and the direct Oscillator signals. The Filter Frequency is additionally modulated by the Trapezoid signal, whose Gate is driven by the Envelope Follower of the External Input.

FIRST TIME AT MARIMBA

I put this patch together to process a jam recording with Marimba. The first external input is connected to Filter and Effects while its Envelope Follover signal modulates the Oscillators Shape. The other external input is connected to the Ringmodulator in Oscillator 3 mode, which is further connected to the Filter and Effects. The trapezoid signal, whose gate is driven by the first external input Envelope Followover, modulates the Oscillator 3 frequency. Sample&Hold modulates the Oscillator 2 frequency (which synchronizes the Oscillator 3 frequency in the Ringmodulator), and also modulates the Filter Frequency together with the Oscillator 3 frequency. Joystick controls Oscillators 2&3 and Filter frequency. As a result of the chain, we get a Ringmodulator with a variable vibrato effect (Osc3).

PEACE MARCH

In this example, a field recording with raindrops processed by SYNTRX Ringmodulator, Filter and Effects is played accompanied by a drone tone. This is where the ability to record changes to the Delay Time parameter is used. The external input is connected to the Ringmodulator in Oscillator 2 mode, which is further connected to the Filter together with the Oscillator 1 sine signal (drone tone) and Effects. The External signal also modulates Oscillator 1 and the Filter frequency. At the same time, the External input Envelope Follover signal modulates Oscillator 2&3 frequencies, which also serves as a modulation source for the Sample&Hold module. In addition, Oscillator 2 (which synchronizes the other Oscillators) frequency modulated by Oscillator 1 and Trapezoid signals. Oscillators shape modulated by Oscillator 3. Sample&Hold signal modulates Decay time and Filter frequency. The Joystick controls the frequencies of Oscillators 2&3 and Filter, and additionally modulates the Ringmodulator input.

PIANOPERC

SYNTRX accompaniment for a rhythmic piano loop. The external input is connected to the Filter together with Oscillator 1 and the Envelope signal with Oscillator 2. The Filter signal is additionally mixed in the filter, forming a feedback loop. Trapezoid, whose Gate is driven by the External Input Envelope Follower, modulates the Oscillator's Shape and Filter frequency. In addition, the Filter, as well as the Decay time are modulated by Oscillator 3 through the Sample&Hold module, whose Gate is also driven by the Envelope Follower. Joystick controls Oscillator's 1&2 frequency.

TURBINE MARCH

The modulated sharp sound layer is formed by all 3 Oscillators tuned to a chord through the Filter, the frequency of which is modulated by the Trapezoid and Envelope audio signal. In addition, the Oscillator 1 signals are connected directly to the Effects - Outputs creating a pure, unmodulated sound layer. The Filter signal is connected in parallel to one output and to the Envelope Generator, which is connected to the other output, together creating a stereo effect. Another portion of the Envelope signal is connected to the Effects, adding a bit of dirt to the clean Oscillator 1 tones. Decay is modulated by Oscillator 3 and the Oscillator Shape is modulated by Sample & Hold. The Joystick changes the timbre of the overall sound by modulating the Oscillator Shape and Envelope Signal.

CROSSMODULATOR

Cross-modulated Oscillators and Cross-modulated modulators with the possibility to radically change the sound with the Joystick, which controls the pitch (Oscillator 1 & 2 frequencies), timbre (Filter frequency) and modulation frequency (Decay). The Oscillator signals go in 4 interconnected circuits through the Filter, Envelope Generator, Ringmodulator and Effects. The Ringmodulator and Envelope signals are each connected to their own output channel for a stereo effect, while the Filter and Effects go to both outputs.

ACID LINE 1

Oscillator 1 & 2 signals go through the Filter and in parallel through the Ringmodulator + Envelope Generator, whose signal is also connected to the Filter as well as the Effect. The filter frequency is modulated by Sample & Hold; Oscillator 2 frequency and Oscillator shape are modulated by the Trapezoid signal. The Joystick controls Oscillator 1 & 3 frequencies.

ACID LINE 2

A more advanced Acid Line where Oscillator 2 frequency is modulated by Oscillator 3 and the Oscillator Shape - by Sample & Hold (Trapezoid used as input signal). The Joystick controls Oscillator 2 and 3 and Filter frequencies as well as Envelope Decay and is also used as an additional input signal to the Ringmodulator. By sequencing the Joystick parameters, you can get a rich and time-varying synth voice. For a stereophonic effect, the Envelope and Ringmodulator signals are connected each to its own output channel.

ACID LINE 3

Oscillator 1 square and Oscillator 2 signals are connected to the Envelope Generator, while the Oscillator 1 sine signal is sent to the Ringmodulator in OSC2 mode. Both signal chains come together with the Noise signal in the Filter. In addition, the Oscillator 1 sine signal is connected directly to the Filter. Oscillator 2 frequency is modulated by the signal of Oscillator 3. Filter Frequency is modulated by Sample & Hold, Trapezoid and Oscillator 2 signals. Oscillator Shape is modulated by Trapezoid, while Decay is randomly changed by Sample & Hold. The Joystick controls the frequencies of Oscillators 1 & 3 allowing you to play with pitch and FM modulation frequency.

CLINCH

An experimental patch with cross-modulated oscillators and richly modulated filter and Sample&Hold modules. Oscillator 1 sine wave is connected in parallel both through the filter, where it meets the Noise Signal through the Envelope Generator, and the Ringmodulator in VCF mode. After that, the Filter and the Ringmodulator are each connected to their own output, creating a stereo effect, and both together also go through the Effect, which is connected separately to both outputs, merging the stereo effect. The Joystick controls the frequencies of all Oscillators..

CRAZY DRUMMER 1

Juicy-sounding irregular interval drums that can be useful in styles ranging from experimental jazz to breakcore. The Beat intensity and tempo changes are achieved by simultaneously modulating the Envelope Generator Decay with Sample & Hold, while Oscillator 3 frequency is modulated by Trapezoid and Sample & Hold and Filter Frequency - with Oscillator 3 and Sample & Hold. In addition, both Oscillator 3 frequency and Decay can be controlled in parallel with the Joystick. In the first part of the audio example, the Joystick is played manually, and in the second, the movement of the Joystick is recorded in a loop. The timbral side of the sound consists of the Oscillator 1 sine signal connected to the Envelope Generator together with Noise and the Ringmodulator with the Oscillator 1 square signal through Oscillator 3. The Envelope signal is then sent to the Filter. The Filter and Ringmodulator are each connected to their own output channel for a stereo effect, and both go through the Effect, which is separately connected to both output channels.

CRAZY DRUMMER 2

An easier way to play broken, irregular drums. Kick and tom-like sounds are achieved with the Oscillator 1 sine signal, which is connected in parallel to both the Envelope Generator - Filter and Ringmodulator in OSC3 mode and then Effects. Oscillator 3 frequency and Envelope Decay are modulated by Sample & Hold and controlled by the Joystick. Filter Frequency is modulated by Trapezoid and the Filter itself. By changing the Decay signal, the Filter frequency changes through the Trapezoid and we achieve a changing intensity of beats over time.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

An example of a multi-layered (all Oscillator signals + Noise) subtractive synth voice, whose main source of modulation is the Joystick, which controls the frequency of Oscillator 2 (as a modulator for Oscillator 1); Oscillator Shape; Decay and Filter frequency levels. In this example, the levels of the Joystick X and Y axes are sequenced. Filter Frequency is additionally modulated by Sample & Hold, while the Oscillator Shape is modulated by the Trapezoid.

WINTER DAY

A Ringmodulator-based synth voice. Oscillators 1 & 2 are connected to the Ringmodulator in OSC2 mode (an interesting result can also be achieved in OSC3 mode), the signal then goes through the filter and both the Ringmodulator and the Filter are connected each to their own output channel for stereophony. In parallel, the Filter signal together with the Oscillator 2 direct signal is also connected to the Effect with separate output patch points. Oscillators 2 & 3 are cross-modulated; Oscillator 3 is additionally modulated by the Trapezoid signal. The Oscillator Shape and Filter frequency are modulated by Oscillator 3; the Envelope Decay is modulated by Sample & Hold. The Joystick controls the frequency of Oscillators 1 and 3.

AGITATION

A patch based on Sample & Hold as a modulation source (Oscillator 2; Filter Frequency; Decay). Joystick controlled Oscillators 1 & 2 are connected in parallel to the Trapezoid; Ringmodulator and Effects modules. The Envelope signal from Trapezoid is then sent to the Filter where it meets the Noise signal and then to the Effects where it is joined by the Ringmodulator signal. For a sharper sound, the Filter signal is sent back to the Filter in parallel. Effects and Filter modules are connected to both outputs separately, but the Ringmodulator and Envelope signal are each sent to their own output channel for creating a stereo effect.

DRUMS FOLLOWER

A patch for processing external sound sources. Input 1 is connected to the Filter together with Oscillator 1 & 2 signals. Oscillator 2 is additionally connected to the Trapezoid. The Filter and Trapezoid Envelope Signal are then sent to the Effects. The Filter and Effects are connected separately to both output channels, while the Envelope Signal is connected to only one output for creating a stereo effect. Oscillator 2 and the Filter Frequency are modulated by the Trapezoid, Oscillator Shape is modulated by Input 1 Envelope Follower. The Joystick controls Oscillator 1 & 2 Frequency.

FALTERING BASS

Oscillator 1 square and Oscillator 2 signals together with Noise are sent to the Filter - Envelope Generator - Outputs. In addition, the Envelope Signal is sent to the Effects - Outputs. Oscillator 2 Frequency and Envelope Decay level are modulated by Sample & Hold. The rhythm is created by the Gate recorded in the Joystick module. The joystick also controls Oscillator 2 and Filter Frequency.

RAIN PATCH

The only sound source is Noise, which goes through the Ringmodulator, Filter and Effects in various combinations of connections of these modules. The first two are connected each to its own output channel to create a stereo effect, but the Effects are connected to both output channels to blur the stereo sound. Noise, Filter and Effects signals are connected together in the Ringmodulator. The Ringmodulator and Filter signals are connected to the Effects and Filter. Filter Frequency is modulated by Oscillator 3, which cyclically creates the sound effect of approaching thunder. The Joystick controls Oscillator 3 and Filter Frequency.

SEQ 2

FM Synth voice. All Oscillator signals are sent to the Envelope Generator (Trapezoid) - Filter. Then the Filter is connected to the Ringmodulator together with the Trapezoid cv signal and finally, the Filter and Ringmodulator signals meet in the Effects module. The Ringmodulator is connected to only one output channel for a stereo effect, while the Filter and Effects - to both. Oscillator 2 Frequency is modulated by Oscillator 3 and Sample & Hold. S&H also modulates the Decay level of the Trapezoid. The Oscillator Shape is modulated by the Filter and the Filter Frequency is modulated by Trapezoid. The Joystick controls Oscillator 1 Frequency and also serves as a modulation source for Sample & Hold.

BUSH

A patch for creating sound textures with irregular rhythm pulsations. First, the Oscillator 2 (synced with Oscillator1) signal is sent to the filter connected to the Ringmodulator (Oscillator 3 as a modulator). In parallel, the Filter signal is sent back to the Filter for self-modulation. On the other hand, the Oscillator 1 signal goes directly through the Ringmodulator. Finally, the Filter and the Ringmodulator are connected each to their own output channel, thus creating a stereo effect. In parallel, the signals of both are sent to the Effects module in Reverberator mode, which is connected separately to both outputs, merging the stereo arrangement of the signals. The Trapezoid is used for Oscillator 3 frequency; Oscillator Shape and Filter Frequency modulation. The Sample & Hold signal modulates the Trapezoid Decay and Filter Frequency. The tonal changes of the sound can be played with the Joystick, which controls the frequencies of Oscillators 1 and 2.

DUB PAD

All Oscillators and noise signals are sent to the Filter, which is further connected to Trapezoid and Effects. The Filter and Trapezoid are each connected to their own output channel to create a stereo effect. In parallel, the Filter is connected to Effects, which are connected separately to both output channels. Oscillator 2 frequency is modulated by Sample & Hold. Oscillator Shape is modulated by the Trapezoid and Filter signals. The Filter Frequency is modulated by Sample & Hold. The joystick controls Oscillator 2 and the Filter Frequency and is connected to the Sample & Hold input.

OCEAN BASS

Oscillator 1 sine and Oscillator 2 signals as well as noise are sent to the Filter, which is connected to the outputs. In parallel, the Filter signal passes through the Trapezoid, which is connected to Effects and separate outputs. The rhythmic nature of the bass pulsation is created by Trapezoid, which modulates Oscillator 3 and Filter Frequency, while Sample & Hold also modulates the Filter Frequency and Trapezoid Decay level. The joystick can play tonal changes in the sound by controlling the Oscillator Frequency.

SEQ1

A multi-layered and rich-sounding synth voice, achieved by separately processing Oscillator signals in different combinations of SYNTRX II modules. Oscillator 1 and Noise signals go through the Trapezoid to the Ringmodulator where they meet Oscillators 2 & 3. The Ringmodulator and Trapezoid signals then go through the Filter to the outputs while Oscillator 3 is connected in parallel to the Effects and outputs. An incomplete portion of the Effects signal is also sent to the Filter and Ringmodulator in parallel, thus thickening the sound character. The Envelope (Trapezoid) signal is connected to only one output channel, creating a stereo effect in relation to the Filter signal in both channels. Oscillator 2 and Filter Frequency as well as Envelope Decay level are modulated by Sample & Hold. Oscillator Shape and Decay level are both modulated by the Trapezoid. The joystick controls Oscillator 3 and Filter Frequency. Timbral diversity can be achieved by varying the levels of individual modules.

VOCODERR

A patch for external signal processing. The first audio input is connected to the Ringmodulator (VCF as a modulator) and with the Envelope Follower, it forms a Gate for the Oscillator 1 signal, which is connected to the Trapezoid and then to the Filter. The second audio input is connected to the Effects, where it mixed with a Ring-modulated Input 1. Oscillator 1 Frequency is modulated by Oscillator 2 which is in turn modulated by the Trapezoid. Oscillator Shape is modulated by the Envelope Follower. Filter Frequency is modulated by Oscillator 1. The Joystick controls Oscillator 1, 2, and Filter Frequency.

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