Xaoc Devices Samarkanda is a new massive, hands-on resampling delay module for Eurorack with unlimited sonic mangling options.
Delays come in various flavors in Eurorack. Compact delays are often analog, and the more features a delay has, the more likely it is a digital delay. The latter tend to be very menu-heavy when they have many features, but this does not always have to be the case if you have space.
Xaoc Devices has today unveiled the Smarkanda, an epic digital delay module packed with features that can be operated hands-on.
Xaoc Samarkanda
Oscillators tend to be large. In this case, it’s a delay that takes up a lot of space in your rack. The new Smarkanda has an epic size of 42 HP and packs a massive amount of sonic mangling fun into one module.
Xaoc Devices consist of four digital delays that can be used as entirely independent delays and many different configurations, giving different FX processors. At its core, it uses 24-bit AKM converters and 32-bit internal processing that guarantees high-quality sound.
Each channel offers delay times from 0.5 ms up to 15 seconds per channel. Since you can stack the individual channels, you can create a delay of up to one minute.
Two operation modes are available for each delay block: analog gives you classic analog tape and BBD delays, while digital offers a granular buffer-scrubbing effect (no pitch change) across the whole delay time range. The Polish developers promise that you can seamlessly switch back and forth between modes without losing any information.
For each channel, you have delay time, feedback, dry/wet mix controls, and more, making them four independent operable delays.
You can synchronize each channel of Xaoc Devices Samarkanda separately to a different source, either via the Sync input, or by using the tap-tempo functionality (with multiplication and division galore). If you ever get lost, the Purge button comes in handy when/if things spiral out of control.
Create A Monster Delay
Samarkanda also gives you options to alter the delay sound, including reversing, looping, holding, squeezing, or stretching. You can go crazy fast, but at the same time, score back to the beginning at the same speed level in the buffer.
For example, you can play Samarkanda with any 1v/oct CV source when you combine the analog mode with the unique looping hold function. You can even go further by using the sync function. This enables you to loop even single-wave cycles.
The strength and what makes it so epically versatile is the ability to combine the individual delay blocks, i.e., to interconnect them. Two, three or even four delays, there are a lot of possibilities and by simply patching and combining, you can craft colorful delay-based multi-FXs.
This includes dual stereo delay, a complex/multi-tap or multi-channel delay, a quad/polyphonic resonator, a dual chorus, a dual flanger reverb, a looper (with sound on sound!), and a granulator, or any combination of those.
Many complex delays packed with features often fail its hands-on operation. Xaoc Devices Samarkanda is different here, dispenses with a display, and is fully analog-like and operable. There are buttons for navigation, and almost all its features are controllable with CV and gates.
Another powerful feature of Samarkanda is using the external feedback path to process the delayed signal with other modules. This opens up even more drawers of sound manglings.
First Impression
Xaoc Devices Samarkanda has created a true delay monster here. Its feature set leaves nothing to be desired, and it’s as versatile as having four independent delay modules that can be used independently or in a beautiful sonic mangling polka.
Rarely have I been as fascinated by a delay module as this one. It beautifully combines the best of analog (operation…) and digital (possibilities) like no other delay on the market. From the initial demos, it not only looks fabulous, but it also sounds amazing. Congrats, Xaoc team.
Xaoc Samarkanda is available now for 620€ worldwide.
More information here: Xaoc Devices
Be the first to comment