Magerit Kolora packs analog and digital oscillators, filtering, a sequencer, and more in a new 42HP synth voice for Eurorack.
Getting started in the Eurorack world can be tricky, especially considering the number of modules. The selection of oscillators, filters, etc., is huge. So-called synth voices, which combine several elements in one module, make getting started much easier.
A new synth voice from Magerit, a young Eurorack company from Madrid, Spain.
Magerit Kolora
Kolora is a new 42HP synth voice packed with features. The module’s name is derived from art history and the color palette that artists like DaVinci and Picasso used to create their artworks.
With Kolora, Magerit transfers this analogy to the module and tries to offer a synth voice that is as versatile and inspiring as a good color palette. Kolora has a hybrid sound engine with two oscillators.
The first is a 3340-based analog oscillator with four waveforms: sine, triangle, saw, and pulse. It offers frequency and fine control and various ways to bring in more harmonics, including PWM, linear and exponential FM, and hard sync.
The second is a wavetable oscillator with 16 different waveforms and custom wavetable support. The interface does not show how deeply this can be customized. Then, you get three noise generator outputs featuring three different flavors: white, pink, and a clock LFSR noise inspired by retro video games.
From here, the Kolora signal goes into a 4-pole stage-variable filter with three simultaneous options: lowpass, highpass, and bandpass. It can self-oscillate and can be played as an oscillator by inputting a V/oct signal into its cutoff input. Analog or digital, no info but I guess it is analog.
Modulation
On the modulation side, Magerit Kolora offers two multi-wave LFOs (sine, triangle, square) with a -5V to +5V range and an ADSR envelope generator into play. The module also hosts two independent VCAs, each with its own volume control.
Kolora also features a variety of small utilities that allow you to patch deeper. It comes with a mixer with three adjustable inputs and two distinct outputs. One has a built-in wave inverter (alpha), and the second is a regular output. There is more to explore.
Further, it has a built-in 1-3 multiplier and a Boolean logic mixer with OR and AND functions.
In addition, Magerit added an 8-step sequencer to the Kolora hybrid synth voice, controllable with eight hardware potentiometers with dedicated LEDs. Good, it supports both internal and external clocks. It’s a super basic sequencer, but it’s cool that it has one. It’s a rare feature in synth voices.
First Impression
At first glance, it’s a nice new Eurorack synth voice. I think the design is very neat, and it’s always nice to see hybrid designs. We still have to wait for a comprehensive sound demo. The linked video only shows very little of it.
Magerit Kolora is available now for 480€ + taxes.
More information here: Magerit
Nice. It looks like a challenge. There is a lot packed in this single unit. I’d like to see more. The risk of having too few controls seems high. Or do all controls have double functions, for instance in conjunction with the lower right control? The sound path isn’t clear either. Is it semi-modular? Or do you need to patch the sound path?
We certainly need some good demo’s to understand it.
I love complete voice modules. This one looks a touch simple at first but the digital osc, noise variety, V/Oct filter, and logic is super nice. Lots of I/O. While I appreciate the full ADSR, a single envelope might be the one downer. But it is offset by an active mult, 2nd LFO, and step sequencer.
I think it has a nice mix of additional things that make it noteworthy as a $500 voice. On paper anyway. I’ve had Magerit’s Kairos on my wishlist, both modules would make an awesome standalone combo.
FYI. Magerit posted an overview vid on their YT channel. It has a pretty good mix of analog & digital options.