nozoïd Kagouyar is a new digital polyphonic Synthesizer with a unique semi-modular operation that unlocks advanced cross-modulation fun.
In 2017, I tested the MMO-3 from the French indie developer nozoïd, a digital Synthesizer with a unique design and operation concept. It was one of the first synths I tested as Synth Anatomy, showing me how different hardware synths can be.
Further releases followed, including the Nozori Eurorack modules. After that, Cyrille, the developer, went quiet. Today, nozoïd is back with Kagouyar, a new fascinating digital Synthesizer that continues the unique concept.
nozoid Kagouyar
Kagouyar is a new digital 4-voice polyphonic virtual analog Synthesizer. Yes, nozoïd Kagouyar is semi-modular and does not use cables like its little brothers MMO-3 and OSC-2. The unique ability to combine function at the touch of a button or with simple knob twists remains in Kagouyar.
However, this time, this semi-modular operation did not have physical buttons but a tactile interface on the bottom of the hardware. Again, it is super hands-on and without detour in a menu-diving adventure.
Kagouyar features three oscillators per voice with standard VA waveforms (sine, saw, or square), digital generators, chaotic variations, and other specific waveforms. You can modulate them to add even more complexity to the shapes.
The oscillators are the door opener to the special semi-modular engine. Each VCO contains three potentiometers, allowing you to achieve various oscillator and cross-modulations, including AM, FM, phase, waveform mod, and more.
Then, you have a three-channel audio mixer with dedicated volume pots where you can prepare the audio for the next step, the filter. It’s a multimode filter with various modes (LP24, LP12, BP24…) and classic cutoff and resonance controls.
Rich Modulation
The little blue brother synths were characterized by complex modulation routing options. nozoïd Kagouyar is no different. It has seven LFOs, three of which can act as AR envelopes or low-frequency oscillators. All seven feature the same classic and experimental wave shapes as the three oscillators.
Of course, you can route them to classic modulation destinations such as osc pitch or cutoff. However, the inter/cross modulation option is more exciting. You can interconnect LFOs to modulate other parameters and create bizarre sounds.
nozoïd promises that this interconnection fun lets you create complex rhythmic sequences, strange variations, or robot-like automation. A modulation matrix with tactile switches manages all the virtual patch connections. Modulation assignments are done via the touch circle above the knobs.
To refine your sounds, nozoïd Kagouyar also hosts two multi-FX processor slots, which include distortion, waveshaper, echo, freeze, string, ring, friction, compressor, bit-crusher, and more. The effect parameters are also fully modulable.
There is no patch memory but it has an option to save the patch matrix settings and recall them.
Connectivity
On the backside, you have a stereo headphone socket, a mono balanced line output, a 5-pin MIDI input, two CVs and one gate input, a power supply input (9V DC in), and a dedicated on/off switch.
The synth has dimensions 350mm (L) x 250mm (P) x H back 41mm, front 20mm, and max 55mm. With its 1.4kg, it’s a very lightweight synth. The synth runs on an Electrosmith Daisy Seed DSP, and the code is open-source but requires an outdated and slightly custom library for it.
First Impression
When I read the specs of the new Kagouyar, I immediately remembered my test sessions with the MMO-3 Synthesizer eight years ago, only in a more mature and deeper version. Kagouyar is a very unique digital synth with its own concept.
The sounds are crisp digital and range from classic technoid stuff to drones and harsh noisescapes full of digital goodness that will not appeal to everyone. However, I am always happy when synths like this exist on the market and try to offer a different view on synthesis.
nozoïd Kagouyar is now available for an introductory price of 1099€ instead of 1199€ (reg.). Due to discontinued electronic components, Kagouyar is limited to 70 units.
More information here: nozoïd
I forgot about the Nozori modules! What a cool idea. I hope they consider bringing the line back. A lot of these modern multi-function modules are enormously digital and several hundred dollars with VST-like functionality. Sometimes you just want an extra VCO or envelope though.