Shortly before my trip to the Tokyo Festival of Modular, the digital Synthesizer MMO-3 from the french company nozoïd reached me. The MMO-3 is a west-coast oriented semi-modular monophonic Synthesizer without filters that mostly dedicated to atonal sound generation. It features many different modulation synthesis types (amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), phase modulation (PM), wave-shaper modulation (WSM)) but it’s also possible to create auto-modulation and feedback loop. The MMO-3 includes also 3 LFO’s with complex wave-shapes.
To get an idea how this unique Synthesizer sounds, here a short sound demo from the official Synth Anatomy youtube channel. For the sequence, I used the new Senode step sequencer for iOS.
After the first test runs, I can say that the MMO-3 by nozoïd is a very special Synthesizer, difficult to compare with other electronic instruments. It reminds me of west-coast Synthesizers but in a compact size or even the 0-Coast of Make Noise. The modulation possibilities are very large and invite to discover quickly new sound palettes. Although the operation is a bit more complicated such as a normal subtractive Synthesizer, the MMO-3 makes a lot of fun.
Shortly I will publish a review of the MMO-3 Synthesizer in which you can read my final verdict.
Overview
Unlike most FM synthesizers, the MMO-3 is not limited to a specific modulation routing. All 3 oscillators can be modulated by all other oscillators or LFOs. Modulation parameters are accessible thanks to 9 knobs for an accurate and continuous adjustment of the timbre. Moreover, it’s not only a FM synth : it also offers Phase Modulation, Amplitude Modulation and a custom Wave Shaper modulation technique where an oscillator amplitude can be amplified prior to a wave-shaper in order to add harmonics without frequency variation. Also, a joystick allows for easy manipulation of modulations, for a fast and expressive control of the sound.
Features
- 30 control knobs
- A joystick to control modulation parameters
- 3 oscillators
- FM, AM, PM and Wave Shaping modulation
- 3 LFOs with complex waveform
- 1 ADSR
- 1 MIX (3 channels, stereo)
- 1 dual VCA
- 1 dual distortion
- A very powerful digital connection matrix to control oscillator modulations
- 2 octaves keyboard with portamento
- 1 Stereo audio line IN
- 1 Stereo audio line OUT
- 1 MIDI input (note / velocity / pitch wheel / control change)
- 1 analog CV IN and 1 GATE IN
The nozoïd MMO-3 Synthesizer is now available for 499€ from the official web-store.
More information here: MMO-3
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