Melbourne Instruments Delia motorized polysynth: firmware 2.0 adds MI Braids macro oscillator

Melbourne Instruments Delia: new firmware 2.0 adds Mutable Instruments Braids macro oscillators to the motorized hybrid polysynth.

Following the 50% Black Friday discount on the Melbourne Instruments Delia, there is a significant sound update for all existing and new users.

The developers have released firmware 2.0 for the Delia Synthesizer, adding the Mutable Instruments Braids macro oscillator.

Melbourne Instruments Delia

Like Plaits, Mutable Instruments’ Braids macro oscillator is open-source and therefore accessible to any developer. Melbourne Instruments has now incorporated the code into its motorized hybrid polysynth, Delia.

This significantly advances Delia’s sound spectrum and capabilities. It adds all 45 waveform algorithms to the hardware with all the original controls: waveform select, color, timbre, and timbre modulation.

These new oscillator algorithms can be programmed from the interface, using the oscillator 3 and 4 parameters.

The Braids oscillators introduce vast new synthesis methods into Delia, including virtual analog, additive, 2-operator FM, simulation of string and wind instruments, wavetable synthesis with smooth XY interpolation, granular synthesis, and more.

Moreover, the new macro oscillator makes full use of the Delia synth architecture, including polyphony, bi-timbral operation, modulation matrix, multimode filter, morphing, sequencer, and arpeggiator.

Additionally, it adds a new preset bank of sounds, highlighting this major update.

This update is very welcome and also surprising, especially after the 50% deal. It’s great to see that the Delia has become more sonically versatile. And I think, after many Braids module clones, this is the first-ever motorized Braids polysynth.

The new firmware 2.0 for the Melbourne Instruments Delia, which also includes bug fixes, is out now as a free download on the official website. Users in the US can still get the almost 50% OFF discount.

Available from my partner

Perfect Circuit

Update from July 11, 2024

Good news from Melbourne Instruments. Delia, their second hybrid Synthesizer based on the Nina platform, is now available worldwide for $2399/2640€.

It’s a 6-voice polyphonic hybrid Synthesizer with four digital oscillators per voice, dual filter, dual effects processor, three LFOs, three envelopes, and of course, the fascinating motorized knobs. Unlike in the Nina, in a new generation.

Update From May 26, 2024

The Delia, the second Synthesizer from the young company Melbourne Instruments, was unveiled at Superbooth 24. Some information and photos had already been circulating on the internet a few days before. Also, the question is whether it is a Nina with keys or not.

Now, I can safely say no. there are significant differences.

Delia

The new format is a significant difference from Nina. Instead of a desktop, Delia is a keyboard synth with 49 velocity and aftertouch keys. The voice structure is also very different, starting with the voices.

Unlike Nina, it’s a bi-timbral hybrid synth with six analog voice circuits with 12-note mode—so six instead of 12. Also, the oscillators are different. While Nina has analog and wavetable oscillators, Delia has four digital oscillators, including analog-modeled and wavetable ones. There is also cross-modulation, not possible on Nina.

Then, it comes with a newly developed analog lowpass filter with a built-in 3-stage overdrive. It is complemented with a digital high-pass ladder filter that can be linked for bandpass and notch operation. You get 12 and 24dB slopes and separate high/low pass resonance control for more flexibility.

Yes, the motorized knobs are also available in the Delia synth. However, Melbourne Instruments has developed them further so that they take up less space in the housing.

Other differences are the inclusion of a new sequencer phrase looper with overdub functionality, the ability to assign your favorite effects parameter to the effects macro control, more modulation options, and more.

Feature Summary

True Analog Filters and stereo VCAs
4 Oscillators per voice: VA Modelled VCOs, Wavetable, Noise/XOR/Aux
6 Analog voice circuits with 12-note mode that retains 4 oscillators/voice.
analog and digital filters forming a multi-mode filter
Unlimited Modulation Matrix – 20 sources x 40 destinations
3 x LFOs with variable shapes:
3 x envelopes: VCA, VCF, AUX
2 x stereo effects Processors with parallel or series configuration: delay, chorus, reverb with classic preset algorithms

Melbourne Instruments Delia will be available in Summer for +/- 2300€ + VAT.

Update From May 10, 2024

Yesterday, the Melbourne Instruments Delia leaked in an Instagram story. In a new post, also on Instagram, it has now been announced that it will be just Nina with keys.

According to ToneLab, it will feature a new engine with a 6-voice polyphony and a 12-voice option via analog filter circuits. Like the Nina, it will have true analog filters and a stereo VCA configuration.

Each voice will have four oscillators, one more than the Nina, which has two analog and a wavetable oscillator. Plus, you get three LFOs and three envelopes. There is also a morphing function, found on the NINA synth.

According to ToneLab, it will feature a 49-key FATAR keybed. With Polyphonic Aftertouch? No info yet. And they write it will have optical rotary knobs with recall. So, with motors built in.

So stay tuned for more information.

Article from May 9th, 2024

The Nina Synthesizer from the young Australian company Melbourne Instruments has caused a stir. It is a hybrid synth with an innovative touch, mainly because of its motorized potentiometers. They align automatically to the correct amounts when the preset changes.

This feature also has an impressive impact on the modulation workflow, making it a real-time experience. Their journey will continue at Superbooth 24. Melbourne Instruments is teasing Delia on its Instagram story. It’s the keyboard version of the Nina hybrid synth.