Future Retro Vectra

• Vector Synthesis
• hybrid sound generation
• 8 voice modes (monophonic, paraphonic, rotating...)
• capacitive Touchkeyboard with 29 keys
• complex modulation possibilities
• 4 joysticks
  
• 4 oscillators
  
• 5 LFOs
  
• 505 waveforms each (for OSCs & LFOs)
• 6 envelopes with morphing
• Noise generator
• 4 ring modulators
• Vector mixer
• analog filter with18 variants
• analog VCA including drone mode
• arpeggiator
• step sequencer
• pattern randomizer
• 29 scales
• 8 assignable parameters per preset
• 999 presets
• 999 patterns

The Fantastic Four

The Vectra's four digital oscillators have the same structure. They have a frequency range from 0.01 Hz to 20 kHz and impress with a selection of 505 waveforms. The first five waveforms - sine, triangle, sawtooth, square and PWM - are good-sounding, classic VA waveforms. The other 500 cover a sound spectrum that is difficult to put into words. The PWM variant and the digital waveforms can be modulated in pulse width with any modulation source, and two of the digital waveforms can also be superimposed. The Frequency and Freq Mod buttons can be used to define the exact pitches and FM ratios together with their modulation sources. The six small buttons under the bend and mixer joysticks always rotate through their function 1-2-3-4 so that you are always on the same oscillator/modulator when switching to a different menu page. This is a pretty clever solution, as it allows you to set all the parameters one after the other on "2" or change the waveforms from 1-4 in quick succession.

Audio mixer for gamers

All audio sources flow together in the Vector mixer. Firstly, of course, there are the four oscillators, which are each fed directly or modulated in level by their own envelope or LFO. The same applies to the noise generator, which produces white and pink noise. Both can be fed into the mixer with and without level modulation via an envelope. Install the four ring modulators. The level cannot be additionally modulated, but they cover the oscillator combinations 1+2, 2+3, 3+4 and 4+1. This is a great solution, because in most cases it is not necessary to rearrange oscillators and have the desired sources in the ring modulator. If you want to program a rather simple sound, you can simply leave 2-3 of the mixer inputs free.

The filter Eldorado

The filter in the Vectra is a real treat! With 18 variants, all of which are analog(!), no other synthesizer can hold a candle to the Vectra. Basically, lowpass, bandpass, Highpass and notch are represented in various dB strengths. Some go lower, others are more resonant and then there are the VCS variants. The latter activate a function that can be found on synthesizers from the British cult brand EMS, in which rapidly changing modulation signals are smoothed out. In terms of sound, the filter moves between old Roland synths, a little EMS flair and a little 'Moogian' resonance behavior. Of course, the filter can also be extensively modulated. The main parameters Cutoff and resonance are set using a joystick.

Morphing envelopes

An impressive six envelopes are at work in the Vectra. All of them are identical, only their primary assignment (oscillator 1-4, filter, VCA) is different. Basically, they are ADSR envelopes with a selection of different basic shapes, an upstream delay phase as well as hold and repeat parameters. Each of these seven parameters has a working range between 0ms and 14.7 seconds. This allows the Vectra to achieve extremely fast, percussive and unusually long, ambient progressions. The highlight of the envelopes is the ability to morph. There is a second menu page for this, which is largely similar to the main page. On this page, you can set which parameters of the respective envelope should deviate and with which modulation source (e.g. velocity, aftertouch, joystick X/Y etc.) the Morphing should be triggered.

LFOs in the wave pool

The five LFOs are mainly assigned to the four oscillators and the filter. The term LFO is actually an understatement, as their frequency range of over ten octaves extends far into the audio range. Nevertheless, they are "only" intended for modulation purposes. They use the same 505 waveforms as the oscillators, but without the option of layering two waveforms. Each LFO can be coupled separately with the keytracking and can also be modulated by another modulation source (e.g. velocity, aftertouch, envelope, joystick X/Y etc.). What are the benefits? In addition to common vibrato effects and WobWob filter modulation, these LFOs turn the Vectra into an FM monster that hardly any other synthesizer, with the exception of modular systems with matching equipment, is able to achieve.

Groove in a grid

A sophisticated sequencer and a good-sounding synthesizer have always been a guarantee for years of enjoyment when creating soundscapes with Future Retro. A pattern in the Vectra can be up to 16 steps long and contains the parameters Pitch, Velocity and Rest for each step. The parameters can be programmed individually or you can use the randomizer, which reconstructs a value and/or the entire pattern. As an alternative to the sequencer, you can use the arpeggiator; different running directions, time signatures and tone scales can be applied to both functions. A total of 999 patterns can be saved, which can be freely linked to the sounds.