MX

Synthesizer objects 143
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Hi-hat: Sets the hi-hat sound to “soft” (fully closed) or to “hard” (half-open).
Exception: completely opened hi-hat (pop, type1, verse).
Ride: Sets the ride cymbal sound to “ride” (cymbal is hit on the rim) or “ride
bell” (cymbal is hit on the bell at the center).
Robota
The Robota is a four-part drum computer with virtual analog and sample-
based sound production. Virtual analog sound production means that the
sounds are synthesized in real-time, i.e. produced with a synthesizer to
recreate the typical analog sounds of classical drum computers, such as the
Roland Tr-808 and Tr-909, or more recent devices such as the Korg Electribe
or the Jomox x-cousin. Sample sound production uses drum sound recordings
(or even other recordings) as the basis for sound production.
After selecting the elementary sound production technique, the sounds of each
of the 4 parts (or instruments) can be edited using modulators.
The step sequencer programmed with incident lighting helps Robota to play. 4
beats in sixteenths (or 2 beats in thirty-seconds) are processed as a loop. At
each beat position, the playing positions can be set by clicking a button. In
"Event" mode, the instruments are distributed within the beat pattern. In
"Snapshot" mode you can adjust additional instrument sound settings.
Sound synthesis
The four in
struments of the Robota are built identically. Each instrument can
create all kinds of drum sounds – from hissing hi-hats to phat bass drums.
During elementary sound production, you can choose between an oscillator
with selectable wave shapes (sine, triangle or saw tooth) or a sample. In
addition, you can add a noise generator can be added. The oscillator has a
pitch envelope (pitch env.) and a volume envelope (attack/decay). It can also
be frequency and ring-modulated. The depth of the modulation can be
controlled via an envelope parameter (Fm/rng dcy). There’s also a “Lo-fi”
section consisting of distortion (Rectify), bit rate reduction (Crush) and
sampling rate reduction (down sample).
Temporal control via an envelope (lofi dcy) will get the best out of the lo-fi
effects. A multi-mode filter (low-pass/band-pass filter/high-pass) with 12/24 dB
steep-side. A comb filter can be inserted. The filter frequency can be likewise
modulated via an envelope. For extra pressure, an adjustable compressor
(compressor, comp resp) is included, as well as tube amplifier simulation
(tube).