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
