LONDON, UK: Eurorack modular synthesis innovator Knobula is proud to announce availability of Monumatic as the latest product to embody its no-screen, no-preset philosophy — perfectly realized as a fully-polyphonic eight-voice synthesizer and monophonic synthesizer implemented into a compact 12HP Eurorack module — as of April 15…
Fancifully following in the footsteps of its (now-discontinued) Poly Cinematic predecessor from which it takes its inspiration, there is no mistaking Monumatic’s raison d’être in the wonderful world of the ever-expanding Eurorack modular system format — further highlighted by its front panel-positioned descriptive (polyphonic synthesizer) wording. Oscillation, of course, is central to any synthesizer, polyphonic or otherwise, and Monumatic duly delivers. Indeed, it features 16 selectable oscillator modes to provide a diverse range of classic and futuristic tone generation using virtual analogue algorithms exclusively, encompassing Casio-style Phase Distortion (CZ), Solina-style string synth (Ens), ‘noisy cassette’ strings (Noise), percussive drawbar organs (Perc), pulse width modulation (PW), Roland-style SuperSaw (Super 7), and Polymoog-style Vox Humana (Vox), as well as some gnarly-sounding asymmetric sync oscillators. All are modelled without samples and all are further adjustable in timbre using the Detune control. Such selectable modes provide the foundation for further signal processing through the Filter and (stereo) Reverb effect sections.
Six powerful filter types are on offer, including a four-stage all-pass filter for phase shift effects (Phase), 12 dB/Oct high pass filter (High), 12 dB/Oct low-pass filter (Low), 24 dB/Oct Butterworth low-pass filter (LP24), 12 dB/Oct dual-peak notch filter (Notch), and a vowel filter for creating vocal effects (Vowel); each can be overdriven by the Drive setting.
Duly designed to align with Knobula’s ethos — ease of operation, tactile engagement, and uncompromising sound quality — established by Poly Cinematic before it, Monumatic’s minimal controls access a wealth of sounds and avoid the need to scroll through thousands of complex presets.
Put it this way: while Monumatic supports full analogue control of every parameter using two instantly-assignable control voltage inputs (CV A and CV B), as well as providing additional Gate In, V/Oct, and Filter (cutoff) CV inputs — it is possible to polyphonically play the module directly via the Midi In control input, its comprehensive MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) CC (Control Change) and MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) implementation play their part in providing unparalleled potential for expression and integration into the Eurorack universe.
Using a single CV/Gate input, the eight built-in chord presets can be custom programmed to provide polyphonic stabs and pads, while CV/Gate arpeggios can also be layered polyphonically or ‘plucked’ using long release times since Monumatic distributes extra voices where necessary. Needless to say, the mono / poly function allows Monumatic to switch between acting as a fully-capable polysynth or legato monosynth at the touch of a button. When working in polyphonic mode, Monumatic introduces an advanced micro-tuning system to modular synthesis, whereby it can replicate the organic drift of vintage analogue oscillators or apply realtime tuning temperaments to enhance harmonic authenticity using adaptive ‘just’ intonation — itself assignable to CV control.
Creatively building upon the Poly Cinematic module that kickstarted Knobula’s successful entry into the Eurorack market, Monumatic readily refines the concept of a hands-on compact polysynth by extending CV functionality, adding more oscillator modes, and more filter types, as well as a whole host of other features further expanding the sonic possibilities of a synthesizer voice implemented into a compact 12HP module. Making a little room for a lot of tone generation makes a lot of sense for owners of any Eurorack modular system, surely.
Monumatic is available to purchase — priced at £345.00 GBP (excluding VAT) — directly through the Knobula Shop (https://www.knobula.com/shop) and also from Knobula’s growing global network of resellers.
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated Monumatic webpage here:
https://www.knobula.com/product-page/monumatic
About Knobula (www.knobula.com)
Knobula is the brainchild of Jason Mayo, a renowned record producer, remix engineer, and synthesizer enthusiast. Embarking upon a journey into the wonderful world of synthesizers at the tender age of 13 when he built a polyphonic Powertran Transcendent DPX kit — designed by Tim Orr of EMS (Electronic Music Studios) fame, this passion led to producing and remixing in London, where he founded FAB, whose 1990-released ‘Thunderbirds Are Go!’ single peaked at number five in the UK Singles Chart, as well as collaborations with tech house and breakbeat luminaries like Mr C (The Shamen), Layo & Bushwacka, Adam Freeland, and Neneh Cherry. Fast forward to juggling family life with nursing an ageing collection of classic synths, the portable form factor of the ever-expanding Eurorack modular system format and associated free-form knob-twiddling technique was deemed as being by far the most engaging way of making electronic music by the talented individual in question. Quickly realising that this lacked polyphony, he set about designing his own polyphonic synthesizer for Eurorack. Excitingly, the resulting Poly Cinematic module soon became something of a Eurorack staple, subsequently accompanied by an assortment of Knobula products that continue to push the boundaries of modular synthesis, each embodying a no-screen, no-preset philosophy, promoting experimentation and a tactile interaction reminiscent only of IRL (In Real Life) instruments.
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