Mutable Instruments Shruthi XT

• Fabricant : Mutable Instruments
• Modèle : Shruthi XT
• Série : Shruthi
• Catégorie : Synthétiseurs hybrides analogiques/numériques
• Fiche créée le : 23/01/2014

If there is one thing the Shruthi synth always receives praise for, it is its deep, rich sound.

Why is it so special?

Because it combines digital oscillators implementing a wide palette of the wildest digital synthesis techniques (wavetable scanning, formants, FM) – some of them with a very distinctive low-fi character – with a warm and organic analog filter.

While its architecture is classic – 2 oscillators + 1 sub + noise sent into a VCF & VCA – the Shruthi synth engine features many unusual features, including a duophonic mode, the ability to create rhythmic patterns by gating the oscillators/sub/noise, and an extensive modulation matrix with modulation signal processors.

The Shruthi XT keeps this very same synthesis engine – with the same ability as its sibling to use a selection of whacky alternative filter boards.

What makes the Shruthi XT an extended version of the classic is the larger control surface, offering individual control of each parameter of the oscillators, mixer, filter, envelope 1/2, and LFO 1/2 sections. This makes programming and playing the synth much more immediate, inspiring and fun.

The central section of the synth, which features a crisp OLED display, can be left on your favorite page for programming advanced settings like modulation routings or sequences.

The Shruthi-XT runs a brand new version of the Shruthi firmware, which not only supports the larger control surface but also introduces many new useful features such as CC transmission, MIDI clock transmission, a MIDI clock divider, an easily accessible latch/hold function, and new destinations in the modulation matrix. More importantly, the rate at which panel controls are read has been drastically increased – making the XT interface even more responsive.

The XT case combines grey semi-opaque plexiglas and an anodized aluminium panel. Rogan soft-touch knobs – as found on Mutable Instruments Eurorack modules – complete the look. Never a DIY synth has looked that good!

The plexiglas elements of the case can be easily engraved or swapped for other colors – preserving the spirit of customization and modding of the classic Shruthi.