Synthetic Sound Labs Announces Wave Oracle™

Synthesizer module review of the the Wave Oracle video upload by Synthesizer Sound Design

"Synthetic Sound Labs Wave Oracle Model 1910

This video is a review of the 5U / MU multi-function module from Synthetic Sound labs - The Wave Oracle.

The Wave Oracle exists to inspire curiosity about signals—and creativity in what you do with them. Your synthesizer makes voltages, but you usually experience the result through your ears. Wave Oracle adds another way to explore: you can see what is happening while you listen.

Time Index

00:42 Title
00:45 What is the Wave Oracle01:22 What I like about the Wave Oracle
02:56 How I will use the Wave Oracle
03:38 Review of the functions or the Wave Oracle
05:05 Examples
05:08 Understanding Modules Better
05:45 Inverted Envelopes Made Easy
08:26 Examining Harmonics
09:48 Through-Zero FM
10:54 Lissajous figures
12:33 Final Thoughts

** THIS VIDEO IS SPONSORED BY SYNTHETIC SOUND LABS ** they have funded the creation of this video."

Press release follows:

Synthetic Sound Labs announces Wave Oracle™, a multi-function signal visualization and learning instrument designed specifically for modular synthesizers. See and explore your sounds.

Wave Oracle™ combines oscilloscope, XY, spectrum analysis, tuning, metering, audio-responsive visualization and integrated learning functions in a single module. Four signal inputs allow several points in a synthesizer patch to remain connected simultaneously, with channel selection available within applicable modes.

Wave Oracle™ is designed to be easy to learn and use, without requiring a background in electronics or test equipment.

SCOPE
Wave Oracle™ can display signals from oscillators, envelopes, LFOs, modulation and complete voices.

The oscilloscope views these as voltage changing over time, revealing the actual shape and timing of a signal. Laboratory-style adjustable timebases, vertical scaling, positioning and triggering allow visualization and measurement of up to four independent synth signals at once.

XY
Plots two signals against one another to display phase and frequency relationships, modulation and Lissajous figures. XY uses Channels 1 and 2 as its X and Y signal sources.

FFT
Where SCOPE shows voltage over time, Wave Oracle™’s FFT modes reveal frequency content and how it changes over time. Multiple spectrum displays provide different views of fundamentals, harmonics, noise, filter response and the evolving spectral content of complex sounds and complete voices.

Automatic and manual display scaling accommodate signals ranging from individual oscillators to dynamic musical material.

TUNER
Measures frequency and musical pitch for oscillator tuning, matching pitches and checking oscillator tracking.


METERS
Provides real-time level and dynamic displays for monitoring and comparing signals at different points in a synthesizer patch.

ART
Intended as an inspirational way to see and explore sound, ART turns incoming sound into a collection of real-time, audio-responsive visualizations. Its different visual modes interpret the level, spectral content, transients and musical dynamics of your patches and performances as animated patterns and forms.

LEARN
A unique integrated visual learning environment guides users through fundamental concepts in synthesis and signal behavior. Lessons combine interactive visual demonstrations with practical examples of waveforms, frequency, harmonics, filtering, modulation and other synthesis concepts.

SEEING SOUND
Wave Oracle™ is designed to make the signals within a synthesizer visible and explorable. While it is not intended as general-purpose laboratory test equipment or for signal levels outside the typical synthesizer environment, it can serve as a practical measurement instrument, a learning tool, or simply another way of understanding and interacting with sound.

DESIGN AND TECHNICAL

Wave Oracle™ is designed in the standard 2MU Synthesizers.com (Dotcom) format, using standard Dotcom power connections and designed for typical MU signal levels for straightforward integration into MU modular systems.

A bright, full-color TFT display provides clear, high-contrast signal and graphics presentation. The user interface uses a consistent set of controls and menus throughout the instrument, keeping commonly used functions readily accessible and minimizing menu diving.

User settings are retained through power-down, allowing Wave Oracle™ to resume with the user's preferred configuration the next time the system is powered up.

Four independent signal inputs accommodate a wide range of modular synthesizer audio and control voltage signals.

Wave Oracle™
- Specifications at a Glance
Model 1910 - Wave Oracle™
Function Signal Visualization & Audio Tools MU Module
Controls Rotary / Push Encoder, Push buttons (x5)
Inputs Channels 1 – 4 (x2 normalled)
Display 320 x 240 Color TFT LCD (Touch enabled)
Power Synthesizers.com standard header.
+15VDC @ ~55ma; +5VDC @ ~100ma; -15VDC @ ~35ma
Size 2 MU (4.25”) Wide x ~ 1.25” behind panel
Wave Oracle™

- Inspiring curiosity about signals.

Quality, solder masked, fiberglass-epoxy printed circuit boards and meticulous hand-crafted assembly assure years of trouble-free service.

Synthetic Sound Labs has been in the music synthesizer business since 1973. The 1910 Wave Oracle™ is the newest addition to SSL's continuing line of modular synthesizer products. Wave Oracle™ has a suggested retail price of $489 USD and is available off-the-shelf from SSL and Distributors Worldwide.