News: Modal Electronics CRAFTsynth v2.0 Synthesizer

Modal Electronics CRAFTsynth v2 is the second generation of the CRAFTsynth portable Synthesizer is available now for pre-order on Kickstarter

Good news coming from Modal Electronics. They have launched today the Kickstarter campaign for the CRAFTsynth v2 Synthesizer.

The new CRAFTsynth v2 comes with in total 40 different versatile waveforms to choose from with the ability to tweak and morph them. One of the big changes is the interface that offers now 12 knobs for direct access to parameters as well as a new build-in touch keyboard. Beside the internal new features, the CRAFTsynth v2 comes with a brand-new designed, fitting perfectly to the new SKULPT Synthesizer lineup. Same as the SKULPT, the new CRAFTsynth will be available soon for pre-order on Kickstarter. Let me know in the comments below, what do you think!

News 29/11/2018

Earlier this week, there was speculations about a second version of the portable Modal Electronics CRAFTsynth. These are true! The UK-based company has today unveiled the second generation of the CRAFTsynth portable battery-powered Synthesizer. The core of the synthesis engine remains with all its beloved features, but they have been enhanced with new synth functions.

Overview

Modal Electronics are proud to announce the next generation of the successful CRAFTsynth – their Modal CRAFTsynth 2.0. A true evolution of the species, Modal CRAFTsynth 2.0 draws on the raw synthesis power of the original CRAFTsynth but adds a huge range of new features and again raises the benchmark on what a compact, portable battery powered synthesiser can do.

Incorporating the design ethos first seen in the the recently released Modal SKULPTsynthesiser, CRAFTsynth 2.0 delivers unprecedented sonic versatility and sound design potential, in a completely portable package.CRAFTsynth 2.0 retains many of the core features of the original such as

8 oscillators per voice
2 selectable waveforms
Morphable state variable filter
Multi-option unison / spread
Waveshaping distortion
Touch pad scales

Among others, while still introducing new and unique features to this next generation evolution. CRAFTsynth 2.0 packs real oscillator power: a total of 40 waveforms to choose from, and with the ability to select and morph between the waveforms in a bank,

CRAFTsynth 2.0’s eight oscillator banks cover Virtual Analogue, Digital and Generative waves as well as a selection from the Modal Electronics 002 Polyphonic Synthesiser. All in a battery powered device that fits in your hand! Taking sound design potential into new territory, CRAFTsynth v2.0 features 16 oscillator modulation ‘Modifiers’ that allow the user to process and cross modulate between CRAFTsynth 2.0’s two oscillator sets to create truly unique, new and exciting sonic textures.

A quick overview of its features shows CRAFTsynth v2.0 really pushes the bar up in terms of power-to-footprint ratio:

8 oscillators in total with 2 selectable waveforms and mixer stage
40 unique waveforms available split into 8 banks of 5 morphable waveform sets
Virtual Analogue waveforms
Digital waveforms
Generative waveforms
A selection of waveforms from the Modal 002 NCO oscillators
Process and cross modulate waveforms with 1 of 16 oscillator modifiers including
- Frequency / Phase Modulation
- Hard / Window Sync,
- Ring / Amp Modulation,
- Derez / Bitcrush,
- Wavefolders and
- Waveshapers
Multi option Unison / spread to detune the 8 oscillators for a big sound
3 x separate envelope generators for Filter, Amplitude and Modulation
2 x separate audio rate LFOs
8 sources each with their own destination

Assignable from CRAFTsynth front panel

LFO1
LFO2
MOD-EG

Assignable from MODALapp

Velo
Note
ModW
AftT
Expression
Built in programmable sequenced arpeggiator with real time transpose
2-pole resonant filter with morphing from Low Pass, through Band Pass, to High Pass modes
Delay and distortion (waveshaping overdrive) effects
Optional MIDI clock sync for LFOs and Delay
64 patch preset storage locations
8 key touch MIDI keyboard with 8 custom scales and root note selection
MIDI DIN in and out
Analogue clock sync in and out (configured to the KORG / Teenage Engineering specification)
Class compliant MIDI provided over USB connection to host computer or tablet
Headphone and line output
Powered by USB or 3 x internal AA batteries
Optional software editor available for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android
12 front panel endless rotary encoders – each of which transmits MIDI CC’s making CRAFTsynth 2.0 even more useful as a control surface for apps etc.
Portable and compact design

Modal CRAFTsynth 2.0 measures only 150 x 135 x 68mm (6”x5 1/2”x 3”) and weighs around 300g (less than 1lb) and can be powered by either 3 x AA batteries or USB giving you the freedom to unleash your creativity in the studio, on the road or on the stage. USB connectivity isn’t just for power; Modal CRAFTsynth 2.0 provides a Class

Compliant USB MIDI connection, enabling CRAFTsynth 2.0 to play in an integrated setup with MacOSX, Windows or iOS & Android tablets and phones. The MODALapp editor provides complete visual access and control to all of the features of CRAFTsynth 2.0, along with tight integration of Modal’s first generation CRAFT devices (CRAFTsynth 1.0 and CRAFTrhythm), as well as the Modal SKULPTsynthesiser – letting you work across all the Modal instruments in your rig with one unified high quality editing environment on the platform of choice including MacOSX, Windows or iOS & Android.

News 08/12/2018

Our friends of SonicState posted today a first look video of the upcoming CRAFTsynth v2 Synthesizer from Modal Electronics. Very nice digital sounds in my opinion in this demo that doesn’t remember on classic virtual analog synths.

CRAFTsynth 2.0 delivers unparalleled I/O options for its size, including DIN MIDI in and out (with an option for a soft ‘THRU’), and SYNC in and out over 3.5mm jacks, ensuring CRAFTsynth 2.0 sits in any rig with ease.

Modal CRAFTsynth 2.0 is available now on Kickstarter for a starting price of £99 for Non-EU customers and £119 for EU customers.

More information here: Modal Electronics Kickstarter

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