Tilde Instruments Röntgen is a new patchable experimental analog Synthesizer designed for improvisation and sonic exploration.
Much synth news reaches me via a traditional press release. Others, however, pop up. That was the case when I discovered the Boutique synth developer Tilde Instruments on Instagram in April of this year.
Back then, I wrote about the Touch Dog, a fascinating experimental touch synth based on Peter Blasser’s designs. With Röntgen, Tilde Instruments shows a new experimental Synthesizer he recently completed.
Tilde Instruments Röntgen
Röntgen (German for X-Ray) is a new analog Synthesizer that can be patched with banana cables. The new Tilde Instruments Röntgen’s look is reminiscent of the Touch Dog, but it is an entirely different instrument.
It consists of three sections: oscillators, aka voices, sequencers, and a stereo delay. First things first, the oscillators. There are two oscillators, one on each side of the interface with pitch control.
Each oscillator has an independent wave folder, allowing you to create various shapes. Crossfading between the oscillators is available in the middle.
Then, both oscillators have an independent FM modulation option, either with the square or triangle of the opposite oscillator or via an external source.
Additionally, you can find plenty of banana CV sockets on the top for even deeper oscillator shaping, like modulation of the wave folder. Yes, a dual-wave folder, but no filter—so the characteristics of a West Coast synth.
A traditional ADSR envelope isn’t part of the synth either. However, it has two decay envelopes, one for each oscillator, that can be patched via the sockets. Their operation is also slightly different.
Instead of controlling the decay levels, the VCA behavior of each OSC determines its mode (short/random long decay). You can select the VCA via the sequencer switches. The envelopes have positive and inverted outputs.
Each VCA also has a selectable mode switch. In the upper position, the signal decays depending on the sequencer switch’s position; in the middle position, it is off/mute; and in the lower position, you can drone the signal.
Delay & Sequencer
The sound-relevant signal path ends with a stereo delay. You can operate it with the first top row of large knobs: delay time, time modulation, feedback, and dry/wet mix. Yes, features of a classic delay.
But things get exciting when you take advantage of the top patch possibilities. On one side, you can modulate the left and right delay channels independently with either a square wave oscillator or with a clocked random voltage.
On the other side, you can modulate each delay independently via the CV inputs with an external input from another modular synth, giving you more delay manipulation options.
Not to be forgotten is the middle section of the Tilde Instruments Röntgen. It hosts a dual-sequencer based on shift registers, running with independent clocks and receiving information from either the oscillators or an external clock signal.
These also do not work like classic step sequencers. They can run endlessly in a random fashion, or you can limit the sequence to a length between 6 and 8 steps.
Neat —the sequencer not only outputs notes but also produces two clocked random-voltage sequences usable as modulators.
Further, there is an insert point between the oscillators and the delay for connecting a volume pedal, external effects, or both. On the connection side, you have a stereo input, a stereo output, and a 12V DC input—no MIDI or USB connectivity.
First Impression
Another very eye-catching, fascinating experimental Synthesizer from the Tilde Instruments laboratory. I like the synth’s concept and format, which is very inviting for experimentation.
Its features sound classic: two OSCs, decay, envelope, and sequencer. However, what Röntgen generates is very beautiful and, at times, very wild and unpredictable. The patch jacks also invite you to dive deep and make some fun noise.
Tilde Instruments Röntgen is available now on demand. The price is not public. If you are interested, please get in touch with the developer on IG or via email.
More information here: Tilde Instruments
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