Full Description
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Hybrid synth with six drum voices and four synth parts
With a total of 10 instruments, Blast Beats is a hybrid engine that contains six drum parts (bass drum, snare drum, tom, closed and open hi-hat and cymbal) as well as four synth parts, consisting of two FM operators. Synths 1 and 2 are monophonic, whilst 3 and 4 are duophonic, giving you a selection of different configurations.
All 10 sounds can be routed individually, customised to your needs to the four individual outputs, each with its volume control. As well as four individual audio outputs, Blast Beats features a headphone jack, analog sync in/out and MIDI in/out.
Comprehensive sequencer
With no defined set length of each pattern, any arbitrary length is possible up to a maximum of 64 steps. Using the onboard buttons, it's simple and easy to select your pattern length and assign steps in the pattern. With two main modes of operation, Kit/Patt and Step, you have a flexible array of functionality to suit any needs both in the studio and on the stage. Kit/Patt mode is ideal for jamming and performing with patterns and kits while Step mode operates much like a traditional X0X-style sequencer.
Fader Automation
For live performers, the Twisted Electrons Blast Beats offers enormous possibilities with the ability to record all fader movements. The large number of parameters assigned to the sliders means that when performing, you can adjust your tones on the fly to add excitement and variation to your sets or recordings. As Blast Beats works as an FM synthesizer, slight fader movements are enough to drastically alter the soundscape, even offering the illusion that there are more than the predesignated 10 kit sounds.
Exciting movement with Probability, Wiggle and Tricks functions
Inside Blast Beats are a slew of controls that offer exciting randomization to your performances. These can be ideal for adding variations of grooves in a live performance, or simply to create sounds that aren't achievable with traditional sound design techniques. Probability allows you to set the step probability per channel, changing the possibility that a step is triggered on each pass of the sequencer. This is ideal for adding a different rhythmic sense to your groove by removing randomised hits. Wiggle is a random movement generator that continuously moves the faders assigned to it, with a user-customised range. Adding some extra Wiggle is an easy way to automatically assign automation to your drums, giving them extra breathing space and life within a sequence.
Three functions are also present to give you additional performance controls, called 'Tricks'. The first trick is Stutter, a re-trigger effect where you can customise the subdivisions of your sequences. Next, Bend pitches down the global tuning of the FM chip, simulating the effects of a vinyl tape-stop. Lastly, Freeze stops the communication between parts of the signal chain or "between the brain and voice" as Twisted Electrons advises, creating randomised glitches and irregularities in the sounds. Each of these three tricks can be recorded into your sequencer, meaning that lightning in a bottle moment will forever be recorded when you find the right tricks for your music.
Unique, retro sound design
Blast Beats hosts a wide range of unconventional drum and synth sounds that are far from what you'd expect from typical synthesizers or drum machines. What sets apart Blast Beats from the rest is that the sounds are derived from an inexpensive synth-on-a-chip, OPL3, but that is what gives it its charm. While other synthesizers and vintage drum machines boast signature 'warm' tones and characteristics, Blast Beats has a distinctive personality that goes far beyond 'chiptune' music.
With eight waveforms to choose from, there are plenty of tonal shaping options within Blast Beats with a greater depth of controls over the bass drum in particular. With control over aspects of the ADSR envelope for each of the drums in your kit, you can shape the response of your drums to better match your music. Whether you're looking for a tight and punchy sound or a more loose and swelling effect Blast Beats can deliver it all.
Away from the drum tones stored within Blast Beats, four synth parts can be used to create melodic parts and phrases. Synths 1 and 2 are monophonic, while 3 and 4 are duophonic. There are some differences between the duophonic synths, where Synth 3 alternates between its two voices that are triggered on each step, this allows them to overlap each other. Synth 4 triggers both voices together, making it ideal for fat bass lines.
Features
- OPL3 (YMF262) FM chip featured in vintage sound blaster cards of the MS-DOS era
- Custom instrument routing to four audio outputs
- Ultra-low noise floor for optimised audio performance
- Each output has individual volume control
- Six individual drum tracks inlcuding Bass drum, Snare, Tom, Closed and Open Hi-hat and Cymbal
- 100 kits in total give you a wide range of sounds to explore
- Four synth tracks with two monophonic and two duo-phonic tracks
- Store kits and patterns on the integrated SD card for management and sharing
- 56 faders with per-step automation and modulation
- 32 high-quality illuminated switches
- MIDI input and output via DIN5 ports lets you integrate with your existing setup or recording devices
- Customise your MIDI inputs
- Analog sync in and out on 3.5mm jacks and Audio out on 6.35mm jacks
- Anodised, all-aluminium chassis
- All instruments can be sequenced internally or played via MIDI allowing BlastBeats to be used as a 4-operator 8-waveform polytimbral MIDI synthesizer
- Randomizer for both kits and patterns
- Adjustable depth with randomizer per step
- Synth pitch vibrato and tremolo with adjustable speed and depth
- 9V DC power supply included
- Pitch-bend, freeze and stutter with every step of sequencer
- Several waveforms and algorithms yielding infinite sound textures
Specifications
- Dimensions: 29.5cm x 16.5cm x 4.5cm
- Weight: 944g
- Product code: 31-10015
