You're
a MusicianSo
Many Ways to Sound Great
Time-Slice Voicing
Notes
played on acoustic instruments go through harmonic and dynamic changes throughout
the duration of the note. Until now electronic keyboards have only been able to
approximate these phenomena. With Synthia, you can "Time-Slice" each
note into segments as small as 10 milliseconds, and alter any or all of the parameters
of the voice during that slice. So now you can program all the attack of a grand
piano, the slight pitch ramping of a trumpet or the slowly developing purity of
a guitar string. In fact, Synthia literally re-defines the term "voice".
Notes can begin as one sound and become many sounds during their duration. This
total voice flexibility and rich harmonic content (8 per voice) are the key reasons
why Synthia is the most advanced instrument of its kind today. By assigning more
than one voice to a key and giving each voice its own Time-Slice character, you
can create a vivid chorus of sound not attainable on any other single instrument.
Three-Way Programming
Another quality of acoustic instruments is the subtle change in the character of different notes on the same instrument. High notes on the piano have an entirely different character than low notes. Synthia can be programmed to account for this difference. In fact, each note on the keyboard can be programmed individually! Synthia. can be programmed in three ways - Global, Interpolative and Individual.
Fast and Flexible
Synthia
lets you hear your musical ideas instantly in any programming session, and because
the touch-sensitive display is so easy to use, you'll be able to concentrate on
creativity, not carry a headful of programming jargon. Synthia's incredible speed
lets you create a timeless world of personal sounds with the stroke of your finger.
Synthia's flexibility will provide you with years of inspiration and expression.
Real-Time Control
Synthia
responds instantly. Just touch the display and hear what you've created without
waiting. Up to eight different components of a sound can be assigned to Synthia's
exclusive Timbre-Bend expression modules where they can be conveniently
modified while playing. Pitch, vibrato, harmonic content, pink or white noise
and more - assign them to a Timbre-Bend fader or joystick and play away.
Synthia-A Complete System
In
addition to the keyboard and display, Synthia also includes a versatile and powerful
control unit. This rugged 19" rack mount unit can be remotely located, removing
clutter from the stage. The control unit is also available in two configurations,
Integrated and Modular. The Integrated System control unit contains the computer
and up to 16 voice cards. The Modular System features a computer unit that can
drive up to four voice units with up to 16 voices each - enough music power to
handle 16 keyboards!
Beauty and Intelligence
Synthia
is not only the most intelligent electronic instrument, it's also the most beautiful.
The cabinet is finished in black and brushed aluminum with solid, hand-rubbed
cherry accents. Your choice of rare woods is an optional extra. The style- integrated
legs are both adjustable and removable. Synthia is just as much at home on center
stage as in the studio. Synthia finally proves that ruggedness and style aren't
mutually exclusive.
The information above was furnished by an inventor of the Synthia, Mr. Mark E. Faulhaber
A subsequent email message is worth posting here. Our thanks to Mr. Faulhaber for his contribution to our Museum.
| As
I was reviewing the writeup I sent you, I noticed a couple of errors. Below is a corrected version: ASI was formed in 1980 by four guys who were interested in doing something different from their full-time jobs as engineers with a large chemical company. Since about 1974, I had developed an interest in electronic music, combining my training in electronics with a love of music. On my own, I obtained a patent in 1976 for a new way to develop timbre using additive synthesis, and had demonstrated a monophonic model at local IEEE meetings. The three other guys saw my device as a mechanism for getting into business. I was interested in pursuing my ideas further, and agreed to join them to form ASI. Only
one year after formally forming the company and working part time, the Both
performed flawlessly throughout the week. (Bob Moog was an interested The
61-note keyboard was velocity sensitive and could be programmed to play |