23. May 2024 | Hardware | Noizefield
Melbourne Instruments released DELIA
DELIA is a bi-timbral polysynth inspired by the motorized control panel and voice architecture of the original Melbourne Instrumentsuments Nina. It introduces a 49-key velocity and aftertouch sensitive keyboard, new multi-mode analog filters, high pass and low pass resonance control, 3-stage overdrive, and more modulation possibilities.
Motorized Morphing Polyphonic Synthesizer
DELIA is a bi-timbral polysynth inspired by the motorized control panel and voice architecture of the original Melbourne Instruments’ Nina. Delia introduces a 49-key velocity and aftertouch sensitive keyboard, new multi-mode analog filters, high pass and low pass resonance control, 3-stage overdrive, and even more modulation possibilities.
Analog soul with a computerized brain
Using a combination of true analog filters and virtual analog modelling, DELIA retains the vital sound of massively overdriveable analog ladder filters, while using a digital front end to run modelled VCOs, wavetables, high pass filters and more. The powerful combination of analog plus digital is harnessed by Delia’s unique 12 note mode, using 12 complete oscillator banks into the 6 filters, limiting note stealing without compromising the sound, and fully unleashing Delia’s bi-timbral operation.
Discrete Multi-mode Filters
DELIA’s true analog low pass filter is the heart and soul of the sound engine — warm, full and sweet or fearfully aggressive. It is complemented with a high-pass modelled ladder filter, which can be linked for bandpass and notch operation. With 12 and 24dB slopes and separate high/low pass resonance control there is huge scope when shaping sounds, from the most delicate plucks and pads to the wildest overdriven bass and lead sounds imaginable. Delia is an inspiring creative companion and dependable instrument for musicians and composers, no matter what their level.
Know your Filters! Analog + Digital
DELIA’s filters have an analog and a digital section per voice. The analog filter is the classic discrete transistor ladder filter offering a choice of 24dB or 12dB per octave operation. Prior to this filter is an analog variable overdrive circuit that can push the filter from normal operation to complete distorted collapse of the transistor ladder, adding richness, aggression and body to your sound.
The HP filter is a digital transistor-level mathematical model of a 24dB ladder filter, based on the gold-standard Ebers-Moll transistor equations. This gives an almost perfect match to the response of the analog circuit, including the overdrive response, resonance and natural filter frequency variations.
The High Pass filter is less important sonically, so the choice of digital instead of analog reduces cost without compromise. Having the Low Pass filter second gives true analog character where it counts.
The filter is Multi-mode with 3 ways to configure. The High Pass and Low Pass cut-off frequencies are separately controlled with 2 knobs, so the overall operation can be High Pass, Low Pass or Bandpass. The separate HP and LP resonance controls offer flexibility to shape the sound including vocal-style formants. Delia’s LINK function locks the distance between the Low Pass and High pass knobs, setting a constant width Bandpass for both manual control and sweeps using the VCF envelope or other Modulation Matrix controls.
Price
US$2399.00 ex tax | €2245.00 ex VAT
More info here: Melbourne Instruments | DELIA