EMW WCS-X is a new hybrid desktop Synthesizer with three oscillators, each with 30 waveforms and an analog filter.
I regularly report on the Brazilian company Electronic Music Works (EMW). They’ve been building affordable synthesizers and Eurorack modules for many years.
Last night, or better, in early European Monday morning, EMW released the WCS-X, a new desktop Synthesizer with both digital and analog features.
EMW WCS-X
WCS-X is a new compact, desktop Synthesizer that incorporates a hybrid engine. The EMW WCS-X is a desktop synth, but its very distinctive case makes it stand out.
At its core is a hybrid engine with three digital oscillators, each with 30 waveforms. Each of the three oscillators can be tweaked independently via the built-in display and encoder. You can adjust the waveform, octave, tuning, and volume.
There is also a noise generator. I hope there are more settings available; otherwise, the oscillator spectrum and playability are a bit limited, even with 30 waveforms.
From here, it goes into a two-mode analog filter. With the dedicated switch, you can route the signal through a band-pass or low-pass filter.
The filter is tweakable with two main controls (cutoff and resonance), and you modulate it with the internal LFO or envelope, using the dedicated mod routing knobs.
On the modulation side, it has an analog LFO with frequency control and a single analog ADSR envelope with independent controls for each section. You can use these to modulate both the VCA and the VCF simultaneously.
Additionally, the LFO is routable to the pitch for pitch-modulated effects. One envelope is somewhat limited.
Had they opted for digital modulation, which makes no difference these days, they could have included more options, such as a second envelope and an LFO. Lastly, the EMW WCS-X also has an adjustable glide parameter.
First Impression
At first glance, it’s a fun little hybrid Synthesizer. Although the price isn’t yet known, I expect the WCS-X will not have it easy in the market. The limited feature set and high competition of low-budget synths make it difficult.
I’m actually a fan of these kinds of synthesizers from mini companies, and I’m curious to see how much it will cost. I’m guessing around $389, like the WCS-1x, but just speculation. Cheaper would be even better, of course.
EMW WCS-X is available soon—price is TBA.
More information here: EMW
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