The Waldorf Kyra is a virtual analogue synthesizer in a neat desktop format that scores with powerful features and excellent workmanship. Its eight parts share the generously sized 128 voices. Together with the fast CPU, these ensure that everything runs in parallel and, above all, smoothly. With two versatile oscillators, the dual filter, the flexible modulations, several simultaneously usable effects per voice and last but not least the complete USB interface, Kyra is a source of countless new sounds and ideas for sound researchers.
Seablue is a special edition limited to 200 pieces worldwide of this multifaceted synthesizer. Regarding all technical aspects, Seablue is identical to the white model.
Sound generation
The centre of all sounds is of course the two almost identically constructed oscillators, which provide Pulse, Saw, Noise and Wave in parallel. The Waves draw on a pool of 4096 waveforms. Thanks to the two individually adjustable sub-oscillators with their own waveforms and even Detune, plenty of boost is guaranteed, especially in the bass range. A very nice detail is the possibility to put each of the two-tone generators into hyper saw mode. By very slightly offsetting several sawtooth waveforms in one oscillator, incredibly dense, radiant sounds are created that are simply fat! With Hard Sync, FM and ring modulator the sound generation is usefully complemented and completed. The final touch is given to the sounds with the Dual filter. It consists of two lively sounding, parallel working, resonant filters, which can be operated lowpass, Bandpass or Highpass in 12 and 24 dB each. With clever use of the modulations, sounds that reach into the Morphing, formants or even phaser-like sounds are then possible.
Modulation
No less than three LFOs, three envelopes and the lush modulation matrix provide for lively sounds. Two of the envelopes are permanently assigned to filter and volume, but can of course also be linked to other destinations. The three LFOs have 128 waveforms each and cover a wide range of applications. Keytracking, reset, synchronization to Clock and frequencies up to the audio range are covered with flying colours. The heart of all links is the modulation matrix, which manages six entries with multiple destinations per Patch. If you want to control the level of an oscillator with the third envelope, influence the LFO speed with the modulation wheel of a connected keyboard or control the resonance with Velocity; all this is possible here.
Sounds & Playing Aids
The instrument comes from the factory with an impressive 3328 sounds, which are distributed over 26 banks of 128 sounds each. Per part, a super flexible Arpeggiator can be activated, which falls back on 128 different patterns and is thus an additional smart playing aid. In Double-Mode: the same sound can be layered twice and detuned against each other. Massive walls of sound in the best sense are hardly easier to realize.
Effects
Kyra offers up to nine simultaneously usable effects per part. Already on the surface, you have direct access to Equalizer/Formant, Distortion/Limiter, Delay, Phaser, Chorus and Reverb. Further settings can be made in the menu.
Connections
Besides the headphone output, Kyra is equipped with four stereo outputs. This should leave hardly any wish unfulfilled regarding signal distribution in live and studio situations. In addition to the MIDI trio, there is also a USB 2.0 port, which not only grants data control via USB, but also acts as a 24 bit / 96 KHz audio interface! Since the instrument is basically designed in Stereo, the interface transmits the eight parts on 16 channels. Moreover, Kyra can output two audio channels from the computer to a mixer or speakers.
Waldorf Kyra Aestivation Sound Pack: Patches for Ambient and Techno
Waldorf Kyra sound demo
Features:
Manufacturer:
Waldorf
Construction / Number of Keys:
Desktop without keyboard
Mellotron M4000D Mini Digital Mellotron (White)
Yamaha MODX8+
Expressive E Osmose
Roland FANTOM-07
Elektron Digitone II