Melbourne Instruments DELIA // It's got motorised faders!

video upload by Starsky Carr

"From Superbooth 2024 DELIA is Melburne Instruments latest synth. The Nina was a desktop fuly analog synth, this one is a hybrid with keys.

Just a quick demo from Superbooth, but if I can get my hands on one :).

FYI I spoke with Signal Sounds - the distributor - while I was there so hopefully we can sort something soon."



Additional details and pics via Melbourne Instruments:

Motorized Morphing Polyphonic Synthesizer

49 Key Velocity and Aftertouch Sensitive
DELIA is a bi-timbral polysynth inspired by the motorized control panel and voice architecture of the original Melbourne Instruments’ Nina. Delia introduces a 49-key velocity and aftertouch sensitive keyboard, new multi-mode analog filters, high pass and low pass resonance control, 3-stage overdrive, and even more modulation possibilities.

Analog soul with a computerized brain

Using a combination of true analog filters and virtual analog modelling, DELIA retains the vital sound of massively overdriveable analog ladder filters, while using a digital front end to run modelled VCOs, wavetables, high pass filters and more. The powerful combination of analog plus digital is harnessed by Delia’s unique 12 note mode, using 12 complete oscillator banks into the 6 filters, limiting note stealing without compromising the sound, and fully unleashing Delia’s bi-timbral operation.

Discrete Multi-mode Filters

DELIA’s true analog low pass filter is the heart and soul of the sound engine — warm, full and sweet or fearfully aggressive. It is complemented with a high-pass modelled ladder filter, which can be linked for bandpass and notch operation. With 12 and 24dB slopes and separate high/low pass resonance control there is huge scope when shaping sounds, from the most delicate plucks and pads to the wildest overdriven bass and lead sounds imaginable. Delia is an inspiring creative companion and dependable instrument for musicians and composers, no matter what their level.

Know your Filters! Analog + Digital

DELIA’s filters have an analog and a digital section per voice. The analog filter is the classic discrete transistor ladder filter offering a choice of 24dB or 12dB per octave operation. Prior to this filter is an analog variable overdrive circuit that can push the filter from normal operation to complete distorted collapse of the transistor ladder, adding richness, aggression and body to your sound.

The HP filter is a digital transistor-level mathematical model of a 24dB ladder filter, based on the gold-standard Ebers-Moll transistor equations. This gives an almost perfect match to the response of the analog circuit, including the overdrive response, resonance and natural filter frequency variations.

The High Pass filter is less important sonically, so the choice of digital instead of analog reduces cost without compromise. Having the Low Pass filter second gives true analog character where it counts.

The filter is Multi-mode with 3 ways to configure. The High Pass and Low Pass cut-off frequencies are separately controlled with 2 knobs, so the overall operation can be High Pass, Low Pass or Bandpass. The separate HP and LP resonance controls offer flexibility to shape the sound including vocal-style formants. Delia’s LINK function locks the distance between the Low Pass and High pass knobs, setting a constant width Bandpass for both manual control and sweeps using the VCF envelope or other Modulation Matrix controls.

Total Recall. It’s not a dream!

The motorized journey does not end at Recall and Morph; Delia’s ‘MOD Mode’ automates the Modulation Matrix setup. As you move between the 20 modulation sources, every knob changes position to display its modulation amount. No need to tweak the panel every time you switch sources or destinations, no matter how many modulations or slots are active. Delia gives you a sound design workflow that truly flows - combining the flexibility of a soft synth with the tactile experience of a classic hardware synth.

Morph every parameter, then Mod it!

DELIA’s A/B Morph function lets you explore and sweep through timbres like no other. The A/B Morph sound is an actively calculated change in parameters between the A and B patches including the entire modulation matrix. This provides the ability to instantly create a new preset based on the Morph position that is neither the A or B patch, but instead a totally new sound. Morph is also a ‘MOD destination’, giving you even more creative control via Aftertouch, Mod Wheel and Expression.

Step into an infinite matrix of sound

The motorized journey does not end at Recall and Morph! Just like Nina, Delia’s ‘MOD Mode’ automates the Modulation Matrix setup. As you move between the 20 modulation sources, every knob changes position to display its modulation amount. No need to tweak the panel every time you switch sources or destinations, no matter how many modulations or slots are active. Delia gives you a sound design workflow that truly flows - combining the flexibility of a soft synth with the tactile experience of a classic hardware synth.

Building on innovation

DELIA inherits many of the acclaimed features of Nina, including 4-Quadrant Analog VCAs, Morphing, Digital Effects and Digital Wavetable Oscillator. Adding to these features are the inclusion of Sequencer Phrase Looping and Overdubbing, and the ability to assign your favorite effects parameter to the Effects Macro control.

Under the hood Delia is a beast! Virtual Analog Oscillators model Nina’s discrete circuitry but add cross-modulation, and Delia’s 20 modulation sources and 40+ mod destinations with unlimited slots gives sound designers an almost endless spectrum of sounds. Two digital effects processors paired with classic effects presets and the option to run in series or parallel offers creative freedom. And with the ability to save more than 16,000 presets inspiration and artistry will never be limited by available memory or slots

Waveform, Envelope and Wavetable Visualizers

Delia’s high definition LCD also provides useful Waveform and Wavetable visualizers, as well as instant feedback and display for almost every function as you interact with the control panel.