Kyra Synthesizer
Waldorf Kyra 128-voice Polyphonic Synthesizer Module, with 8-part Multi-timbrality, 8 Balanced Audio Outputs, USB 2
A New Standard for Digital Synthesis...
'Kyra' from Waldorf
128-voice Polyphonic Synthesizer ModuleAs an extremely powerful VA (Virtual Analogue) synthesizer literally like nothing else out there — thanks to leveraging the latest FPGA technology to significantly outperform legacy DSP (Digital Signal Processing) powered competition, Kyra’s crowning glory comes courtesy of its state-of-the-art audio quality: think 32x oversampled hardware with dual wavetables providing over 4,000 waveshapes!
With 10 oscillators — that can be doubled to 20 by using two voices — each offering a wide range of features, including true stereo operation, hard sync, FM (Frequency Modulation), and ring modulation, Kyra starts shaping up as a serious sonic force to be reckoned with… without even factoring filtering into an already seriously impressive-sounding instrument!
An Extensive Effects Library
18-channel modulation matrix Indeed, Kyra’s resonant filters are accurate oversampled emulations of classic analogue ladder filters with 2- and 4-pole configurations (offering -12dB/oct and -24dB/oct of magnitude decrease, respectively). Saying that, two linked or independent filters can be used in Dual Voice mode, making for even more creative options.
On top of that, there are three envelope generators, three stereo LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) with 64 shapes and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) clock sync, an arpeggiator, full keyboard microtuning, and true polyphonic portamento, as well as a comprehensive 18-channel modulation matrix to Kyra’s notable name.
Notably, Kyra comes highly specified for effects, each of its eight parts featuring a three-band EQ with sweepable mid, dual tube limiters, formant filter, distortion, six-stage phaser, stereo digital delay, comb/flanger/chorus/doubler unit, and a programmable reverb. All effects units on all parts can be used simultaneously and run at Kyra’s native 96kHz sample rate.
Fantastic Connectivity Options
24-bit/96kHz resolutionKyra clearly delivers when it comes to connectivity by boasting four assignable, balanced 32-bit/96kHz stereo outputs, a headphone output, low-latency DIN MIDI, a fully class-compliant USB2 implementation for MIDI, and a stereo 24-bit/96kHz audio stream for each of its eight parts.
Production-wise, there is also a USB audio return feature, so Kyra can render final DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) audio under ASIO (Audio Stream Input/Output). An ASIO driver is provided for Windows users while Mac support is out of the box.
A Visual Overview of the 'Kyra' from Waldorf
The Tech Spec
| Features | Specification | Type | Desktop FPGA Synthesizer |
|---|---|
| Analog/Digital | Digital, Wavetable Synthesis |
| Polyphony | 128 Notes, 8-part Multitimbal, Up to 32 Notes per Multitimbral Part |
| Presets | 3,328 User Patches |
| Oscillators | 2 x Oscillator Groups per Voice, Independent Detunable with 2 Selectable Pitches |
| Waveforms | Sawtooth, Pulse, Wavetable, Noise |
| Envelope Generator | 3 x ADSR with Slope Setting |
| LFO | 3 x LFO, 128 Wavetable Shapes ; Monophonic, Polyphonic, Random, Antiphase, Stereo Phase Quadrature |
| Filter | Classic Ladder Filter Analog-style Emulations ; 2-pole (12dB/octave), 4-pole (24dB/octave) ; Lowpass, Highpass, Bandpass |
| Effects Types | 9 x Stereo Effect Modules ; 5-mode Distortion, Stereo Delay, 6-stage Phaser, Chorus, Flanger, Doubling, Reverb, Formant Filter |
| Arpeggiator | 128 Patterns, Chord Mode, MIDI Clock Sync |
| Analog Outputs | 2 x 1/4" TRS (main L/R), 6 x 1/4" TRS (3 x stereo L/R) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" |
| MIDI I/O | In/Out/Thru/USB |
| USB | 1 x Type B 2.0 (stereo 8 x 1) |
| Power Supply | 12V DC power supply (included) |
