Blind Monk Instruments has introduced the Navigator, a new polyphonic analog synthesizer that they say offers tons of modulation capabilities, unique sounds, sequencer, chord memory, automation, automatic sequence generator and more.
Here’s an introduction to the Navigator’s capabilities:
Features:
- Four-voice analog synthesizer
- Each voice has:
- 2 Oscillators + Sub Oscillator + Ring Modulator
- 3 LFOs
- 2 ADSR envelops
- 2 pole fully resonant low pass filter
- saw, pulse, and ring modulator wave shapes
- 64 step sequencer
- chord memory mode
- artificially intelligent sequence generator
- oscillator shape control for double saw tooth, pulse wave, and ring modulation
- unique ring modulator timbre control
- Polyphonic, Duophonic, Unison, and Mono modes
- 150 patch storage locations
- 10 sequencer / chord memory storage locations
- 10 different sequence generator algorithms
- sequencer automation control for all main menu functions
- dozens of modulation destinations
- millions of possible sounds
- capable of loading different sounds for each of the four voices
- full of cross modulation capabilities
- square, triangle, saw, ramp, sample + hold, unique quad sine LFO shapes
- unique architechure
- With all other DCO synthesizers, each voice is locked to the same master frequency. In the Navigator, each voice has an independent frequency. This allows for stability while also creating a natural analog sound and phasing between oscillators.
- velocity control of the filter envelope, the attack, and glide for greater performance control
- LFO one can be synced between all voices or free running as well as synced via MIDI
- Sequencer MIDI sync
- MIDI control over all parameters
Audio Demo:
Pricing and Availability
The Blind Monk Instruments Navigator Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer is available now for $595 USD.
4 voice eh?
Cool but minilogue, no?
The controls are a little spartan….either add way more knobs, or significantly reduce the price.
Even if you had to raise the price to add more hands in control, that would be fine.
Yea Minilogue XD Module has much more value and cost less $. Not talking about cumbersome interface here.
The old adage comes to mind…..’if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say’……thus I will attempt to be as constructive as I can.
This seems to be a missed opportunity and in an attempt to stand out, the design is simply contrived and impractical. If the purpose is sound design, there aren’t enough immediate access to the control parameters. If the purpose is for working musicians, the form factor is ill suited. And if the purpose is hobbyists and the like, better options are available with greater utility and versatile.
I hope it finds an audience, if not perhaps the next iteration will meet its promise.
No
Alright you weekend synth warriors. I’m a die hard synth lover and I get deep in the midi cc and sequencing and what nots. This is a great product with everything in the box, the instant recall of automation and sequences in an analog synth with a screen simply DOES NOT EXIST in the market right now. So everyone saying minilogue get out of here, that tiny display is hardly enough to dominate the four voice market. This is a synth that has a lot and may not be as unwieldly generating today’s harsh noises that minilogue is great at, but this is a beautiful instrument, nuanced, and tasteful. Must have for anyone who plans on releasing a record and playing shows on a budget. I wouldn’t play this thing at a show, but again it offers the recall or sequencing and modulation and chords in a way that only a real gigging musician could appreciate.
Right…..well actually you may want to look at the Modal 001, 002, and the 008.
The marketplace will determine the viability of any product, and as a developer my vision has not always materialised into what I believe the world is missing…..
Cheers
I think Waltz P is part of the company….lol.
Saying the Minilogue is great at harsh noises….so trying to subconsciously make the customer think it is only good at that…mental games…..so when in reality the Minilogue has a very wide pallet….especially the XD model.
Have another look at the less expensive Audiothingies – Micromonsta.
– 8 voice poly VA, 3 osc’s per, + wavetable options
– DSI – Mopho desktop formfactor
Blind Monk says: “With all other DCO synthesizers, each voice is locked to the same master frequency.”
Is this true?
@Aaron. No, the Akai Timbre Wolf is not locked like that.
Man I love the sound of this synt, specially these brassy type of sounds.
This 2020 is going to be the year of the Poly’s. And I’m saving to get one. DSI probably makes a new Poly like a Toraiz AS-4 or Roland a SE-04 (4 voices) Poly synths under 600 dlls ??
Synthtopia commenters gonna comment, I guess. :/
Someone releases a 4-voice analog poly, with 3 LFOs and 2 ADSRs per voice, multi-timbral support and a robust sequencer for under 600 bucks and people here bash away. I really need to stop reading the comments.