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In Depth Fxpansion’s D Part 2 - Amber
Figure 1
In February's issue of Wusik Sound Magazine we started our exploration of FXpansion's DCAM: Synth Squad set of virtual instruments. We took a look at Strobe, the Squad's single oscillator performance synth and also began to get to grips with the TransMod modulation system that is built into each member of the Squad. This month it's Amber's turn to feel the heat of the spotlight. Of the three synths that comprise FXpansion's magnum opus, Amber could possibly be considered the odd one out it's modelled on the classic divide-down string ensemble machines of the 70s rather 30
than being based on a typical analogue synth from the same period. Don't let the fact that Amber is a string machine fool you though. It is capable of much more than just reproducing the sounds of the likes of the Eminent 310 or the more famous ARP Solina String Ensemble. Before we dive into Amber it's probably worth taking the time to explain the basic architecture of the kind of instrument that Amber emulates. There are two key terms associated with string machines: divide-down and paraphonic.
www.WusikSoundMagazine.com
February 2012
Divide and Conquer Most, if not all, string synths used a divide-down system to turn the output of a bank of oscillators into all the notes that one might want to play. The bank of oscillators would be set to produce the highest octave of the keyboard generally one oscillator per note. Then, by use of dividing circuitry, the next lower octave would be generated by halving the frequency of the original oscillator's output. Divide that frequency in half again and you have the next lower octave and so on (see figure 1).