Fred's Lab is closed from the 16.09 to the 04.10.24 - Shipping will resume on the 07.10.24
MANATEE
Multitimbral Spectral Synthesizer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVEHoz_jHrM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr-mjj-gVmc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zoj9YcSxP4o
Sound examples

All following examples were recorded straight from the Manatee, using no additionnal audio processing. Many thanks to Philippe Guérin & Quintin Copper for their help.
Crystalized (multitimbral)
Trance-like (multitimbral)
Filmix (multitimbral)
Filter Choices
Robots HQ
Brass
Mildy Chilly
Smooth
Ballade
E-Piano
Basic Bass
Funky Style
Worn Reeds
Catacomb

Manatee

is Fred's Lab most powerful machine, a 4-part 16-voice spectral synthesizer module, with full support of MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression).

This instrument offers innovative synthesis & modulation options, thanks to the unique spectral engine, a smart blend between additive and wavetable synthesis, granting the adventurous musician the possibility to sculpt and articulate his sound from the timbre spectral level.

Manatee also includes more traditionnal - Virtual Analog, Waveform and 2-Operator FM - algorithms to either complement the spectral oscillator or to be used solo.

Each voice is built on 2x oscillators, an advanced noise & ring modulator, a multimode resonant filter with an extra "RC" section, a beefy saturator module, 2x meta-envelopes + 1x custom-LFO and a classic modulation matrix. In addition to the hardwired routing, each modulation source can target many parameters and the intensity of the modulation be controlled by any available expressor (MIDI CC, Aftertouch...).

Each part carries the spectral maker, 2x custom-LFOs, a time based effect module with delays, comb filters and finally 2x adjustable stereo equalisers.

A master, lush sounding reverberation module is also included as an insert effect.

General

Manatee is a professional MPE & multitimbral digital synthesizer offering up to 16 voices (depending on the presets), 4 parts and a selection of carefully hand crafted audio algorithms.

The instrument MIDI implementation is extensive and well documented and fully complies with the recent MPE - MIDI Polyphonic Expression - specifications. Thus making Manatee the perfect companion for any expressive MIDI controller and all advanced hardware or software MIDI sequencers.

Fred's Lab instruments are still proudly & manually assembled at our facilities in Bonn / Germany using premium components and material sourced from all over the globe.

For more information, please visit:

Pre-Kickstarter website



Package content

Manatee is shipped with a printed version of the QuickStart Guide (english) and a 12V Universal Power Adapter.

Warranty

All Fred's Lab machines are guaranteed 3-years against manufacturing and design defects.
Customers have a 14 day purchase withdrawal right.

Machines follow strict compliance testing by an independant laboratory and complies with all applicable CE and FCC directives.

Sound Architecture

Per voice

Patch modes

Patches can be:
• monophonic, with optional legato & unisono modes
• polyphonic, with optional unisono mode

Unisono modes allocates two voices per note.
Voices stereo spreading and detuning are configurable.
Tremolo and Vibrato functions are also included.

Sound sources

1x Spectral Generator with:
• reference spectrum selection
• choice of the reconstruction waveform
• formant, rotation & inversion controls

1x Sub-oscillator with:
• Sinus / 2-op FM engine
• Saw / super-saw engine
• Pulse / super-pulse engine
• Triangle / 2-op FM engine

Sub-oscillator and Spectral Generator can be mixed as needed.

Ring Modulator with:
• O1 x O2 operation
• volume and advanced noise controls

Sound shapers

Multimode Filter with:
• 6, 12 & 24dB / octave modes
• custom Low-Pass, Band-Pass, High-Pass & Notch models
• self-oscillating with built-in resonance saturation
• pitch tracking functions

RC Filter with:
• 6 dB / octave attenuation
• basic Low-Pass & High-Pass models

Saturator module with:
• brutal tube, fuzz, bit-crush models
• drive + dry/wet controls

Modulation Sources

2x Meta-envelope with:
• common attack, sustain and release controls
• individual decay, aftertouch, velocity controls
• masked modes including ADSR, -DSR, A-SR, AD-R, Gate ...
• retriggering and cycling options
• configurable velocity influence on times
• target and expressor choices

1x Custom-LFO with:
• vast selection of algorithmic waveforms
• up to 3 chained waveforms
• rate and start phase controls
• MIDI & External clock synchronisation options
• built-in AR envelope
• single shot mode
• target and expressor choices

3x Modulation Matrix Slots with:
• source, amount and target per slot
• expressor selection to modulate the patch amount
• connects part sources to voice targets
• connects voice sources (primary) to part targets
• works in addition to default routings
• and in addition to single modulator targets

Per part

Spectrum Maker:
• producing the timbre for the Spectrum Generators

Noise Source with:
• sample rate control
• built-in color filter

2x Custom-LFO with:
• identical as the voice ones

Time effect with:
• multiple algorithms (echo, ping-pong, comb filter)
• delay length from 1ms to 8s
• built-in color filter
• feedback level and polarity controls
• MIDI & External clock synchronisation options

2x Stereo Equalisers with:
• multiple shapes (low or high, cut, shelf, boost, notch and more)
• center frequency control
• attenuation / boost parameter

Arpeggiator with:
• classic on & hold modes
• pattern (up, down, up & down ...) and octave range parameters
• notes periode and length settings
• predefined pattern masks

• MIDI & External clock synchronisable

Global

Master Reverberation with:
• massive hall algorithm

• diffusion, feedback and size controls

• color filter for reflections

Technical Details

Until offical release, all specifications advertised are preliminary!

Computing

• 2x 200MHz 16bit dual-core DSPs
• 4x 24bit Burr Brown DACs
• 64 MBit of fast PSRAM

Memory

• 64x factory presets
• 256x user presets
• 16x user multis
• extra 4x user presets per multi
• 1x system configuration

Connectivity

• 1x 2.1mm DC jack input
• 1x DIN5 MIDI input
• 1x DIN5 MIDI through
• 1x DIN5 MIDI output
• 1x 3.5mm TRS jack clock + start/stop input
• 1x 3.5mm TRS jack headphones output
• 2x TRS 6.35mm jack input / output - aux left & right
• 2x TS 6.35mm jack output - main left & right

User Interface

• 23x quality metal potentiometers
• 18x illuminated switches
• 8x tactile switches
• 22x classic red LEDs
• 2x16 FSTN+ character LCD display
• with dimmable LED backlight

Mechanics

• powder coated steel chassis
• acrylic display window
• quality rubber feet
• 267 x 140 x 60 mm
• 1470 grams

Power Requirements

• DC 12V with center positive
• Max 350mA consumption

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Prices (TBA)
€899.00 w/ VAT
€755.46 wo/ VAT