Artium Instruments The Doppler packs a polyphonic FM Synthesizer and a delay/reverb FX processor in a pedal; it’s now on Kickstarter.
A Synthesizer in a stompbox pedal? Yes, it exists. Last year, Eric from Artium Instruments released The Swarm, an 8-voice polyphonic Synthesizer in pedal format. On top of that, it’s a multi-FX pedal.
Now, the journey continues. Once again, it starts on Kickstarter. This time, Artium Instruments launched The Doppler, an FM polysynth and a multi-FX in a pedal.
Artium Instruments The Doppler
The Doppler is a new 8-voice FM Synthesizer and multi-FX processor in a stompbox pedal. So, a DX-7 in a pedal? No, it’s just a 2-operator FM polysynth offering a simplified FM synthesis approach. Tweaking a 6-operator DX-7-style style on a pedal wouldn’t be the most enjoyable experience.
At its core is a single but yet powerful algorithm, consisting of two sine waves that form the foundation. The modulator sine wave is quantized and can modulate both the carrier’s phase and frequency—or both at once for even more complexity.
You can tweak it with two rotary switches that control its frequency through a quantized octave (5 octaves) and semitone shift (12 octaves). For more complexity, you can also send the carrier wave through a feedback loop to modulate itself.
A 9-octave pink noise source is also onboard to modulate the carrier, adding texture and Lo-Fi grit. This is not the usual FM sauce you know from other DX-inspired synths.
On the modulation side, Artium Instruments The Doppler features an ADSR envelope with added functionality. It includes an envelope mod toggle that allows the carrier wave and frequency modulation to be affected simultaneously. On top of that, the Mod Trail knob lengthens the attack value, but only on the modulator wave.
One of the highlights for me is the interface, which gives you one knob per control without menu diving or display. All this functionality is fully controllable via MIDI through its USB-C port. Additionally, you have a USB-C host port for connecting MIDI controllers. Classic 5-pin MIDI sockets are not available.
Multi-FX Pedal
Like the Swarm synth, the Artium Instruments The Doppler is a multi-FX processor. Route external audio into the unit via the stereo input (L/R 6.3mm sockets), and the pedal becomes a standalone processor.
It features a tap-tempo digital delay with a warm character and a rich reverb, similar to those of the Swarm synth. It uses the same stereo reverb algorithm but offers expanded control over both the level and feedback.
The developer promises that this stereo reverb lets you seamlessly transition from subtle room or hall effects to expansive, cathedral-like soundscapes, opening up a world of atmospheric possibilities.
First Impression
It’s exciting to pack a synth and multi-FX into one pedal and make them standalone. As a developer, you’re somewhat limited in engine depth due to the size of the pedal. But it doesn’t always have to be that deep.
I often find it better when a synth has fewer features but is closer to the user than the offering of endless menu diving. This is what the Doppler synth offers: compact, hands-on control without menus, yet flexible, which is what I can see and hear from the first demo.
You can now support the Artium Instruments The Doppler on Kickstarter for an early-bird price of $349 or later for $379. Shipping starts in June 2025.
Keep in mind that crowdfunding campaigns can involve risks. See this project site for details.
More information here: Artium Instruments / Kickstarter
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