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 digital synthesizer offers up to 16 voices (preset dependent), 4 parts and a selection of carefully hand crafted audio algorithms. With its extensive and well documented MIDI implementation, Manatee is the perfect companion for any expressive MIDI controller and every advanced hardware or software MIDI sequencers.

Included are innovative synthesis & modulation tools, 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 upon 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.

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.

Our instruments follow strict compliance testing by an independent laboratory and comply with the applicable CE and FCC directives.

Synthesis

Per voice

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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

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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

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Master Reverberation with:
• massive hall algorithm
• diffusion, feedback and size controls
• color filter for reflections

Hardware

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

Preset packs

Fred's Lab teamed up with some of the most talented sound-designers to bring you a collection inspiring idea-sparkers and ready-made presets you can efficiently use in your tracks.

synth_nyc Collection

License / fair-use

These presets are yours to use freely in your own music production without needing to pay any sort of royalties. However, each preset pack copy is licensed to a single user.

Please carefully read and agree to the following End User License Agreement before purchasing any of the paid preset packs.

End User License Agreement