Malekko’s analog synthesizer Manther is a compact desktop groovebox with built-in 64-step sequencer and delay effect. The instrument is based on the Roland SH-101 synthesizer and retains – with exception of the traditional keyboard – all the essential features of the original synth. There’s even more: A comprehensive step sequencer, an array of CV connections and illuminated faders. That doesn’t sound bad.
Features
- 64-step sequencer
- Keyboard with transpose controls
- Onboard Delay with Time, Mix, Regenerate and Sync controls
- Individual Outputs for Square, Saw and Triangle waveforms
- Mixer for Square, Triangle, Saw, Sub and Noise
- 4 banks of 16 presets each
- Song Mode
- Record automation of features per step for: LFO, VCO, DELAY, VCF, ADSR Envelope, Morph and Glide
- Gate Probability, Gate Repeat, Gate Delay and Accent per step
- Morph control over automation
- Route LFO to modulate delay time
- LFO Sync
- Assign modulation of Pulsewidth to LFO, Manual or Envelope
- Glide control per step
- FWD, REV, PENDULUM and RANDOMIZE sequence directions
- Tempo control
- Switches for LFO shape and ramp
- Switches for Envelope direction and VCA control
- Range switch
- Gate inputs and outputs
- LFO output
- CV inputs for VCO, VCF and VCA
- MIDI in and out
- Headphone Output
- Rugged metal enclosure
At the heart of the Manther Groovebox is the renowned CEM 3340-based VCO IC chip, complete with an analog filter based on the SSM2044 chip. This captures the essence of analog warmth and grit, resulting in a powerful yet refined sound.
And the sound? Well, the Roland SH-101 sounds different. But that is not the point. As you can hear in the following video from Perfect Circuit Audio, the sound is powerful and decent:
Malekko MANTHER
Price: 649 USD / ca. 630 Euros
Website: malekkoheavyindustry.com