MOTU MX4 MultiSynth Software Instrument   Mac  Item #: MOT MX4 

MOTU's inspiration for MX4 came from legendary subtractive synthesizers like the Prophet-5, PPG Wave and Moog Modular. But then they took the concept further using today’s powerful computer software technology. The result is a unique, hybrid synthesis engine that delivers both fresh and vintage synths sounds alike. Whether you’re looking for killer synth presets or intense synth programming, MX4 is for you.

As a plug-in, MX4 operates efficiently and provides unlimited voices, polyphony and instantiations (subject to the processing resources of the host computer). Playback is sample-accurate with supporting host applications, such as Digital Performer 4. MX4’s 32-bit internal resolution provides wide dynamic range, and it supports all standard sample rates up to 192kHz. You can work fast and intuitively in a single, efficiently organized window labeled with real-world values like semitones, decibels, etc. All settings are saved with host software projects for instant recall.

MX4’s basic synthesis architecture provides 3 oscillators with modulatable waveform symmetry and hard sync, 2 variable topology multimode filters, 4 variable waveshape LFO’s and 4 ADSHR envelopes.

Oscillators
MX4 provides all standard analog synthesizer waveforms, but every waveform has adjustable symmetry. This allows users to create standard pulse width modulation effects, as well as waveform "morphing" effects, such as smoothly changing from a triangle waveform to a sawtooth. Changing the symmetry of simple sine waves can even create interesting and unique spectra.

Each of the three oscillators can use a wavetable instead of a standard waveform. Dozens of wavetables are supplied, and users can also create their own. The wavetable on each oscillator can be individually indexed, and symmetry can be applied to wavetables as well, for a wide array of timbres.

Oscillators 1 and 2 can be synced together to create the same hard sync effects found on classic analog polysynths such as the Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 and Moog Memorymoog.

Oscillator 3 serves as a frequency modulation (FM) source for other oscillators - or the filter cutoff frequency. Because oscillator 3 includes all waveforms, as well as the wavetable and symmetry features found on the other oscillators, it can produce a wide array of modulation effects that extend from LFO rates into the audible range.

In addition to the three oscillators, an independent fundamental-tone oscillator and ring modulator are also included to further extend the oscillator section.

Filters
Two resonant multimode filters (with modulatable overdrive) provide low-pass, highpass, band-pass and notch filters with independent slope specified as 6, 12, 18 or 24dB per octave for a total of 16 different filter types. As a result, you can create a wide variety of vintage keyboard sounds. Both filters can also be stacked, combining them for a total of 48dB per octave.

MX4’s unique Variable Filter Topology™ allows users to easily and intuitively arrange the two filters and overdrive in 14 different configurations that produce over 3,000 different filter topologies. Users can then further adjust the filter settings, providing a very wide range of filter effects to explore.

Modulation Architecture
The four variable waveshape LFOs include adjustable symmetry, rate delay, fade and phase. Four ADSHR envelopes are also provided, with graphic controls for intuitive programming. All parameters can be modulated.

Flexible modulation routings are essential for expanding the sonic palette of a subtractive synthesizer such as MX4. All continuously variable parameters, including LFO’s and envelopes, can be modulated by many sources, including track automation, MIDI controllers, LFO’s & envelopes. They can even be modulated by multiple sources simultaneously.

Conversely, each modulation source in MX4 can modulate an unlimited number of destinations simultaneously, with the modulation range independently scaled at each destination. The provides modulation flexibility rarely seen outside of a modular synthesizer - but without the associated complexity. A user can click a modulation source, and MX4 displays the range of all parameters it is modulating. The filters and envelopes display the modulation range both on the knob itself and on the graphical representation. Modulation routings are clearly displayed in the MX4 window so users do not have to search through multiple pages or windows.

MOTU MX4 Specifications

• Multi-architecture synthesis engine — wavetable, frequency modulation (FM), amplitude modulation (AM) & analog emulation.
• Unlimited voices, polyphony and instantiations (as many as your host computer allows).
• Sample-accurate playback (with host applications that support this OS X feature).
• Plug-in convenience — all settings are saved with host software projects for instant recall.
• Modulatable effects – built-in chorus and delay effects are integrated into MX4’s modulation architecture and are saved as part of the patch.
• Three wavetable oscillators — choose from dozens of wavetables or create your own.
• Audio input — process any audio signal with MX4’s flexible synthesis engine in real time.
• Modulatable waveform symmetry — create and automate dynamic changes in harmonics.
• Oscillator sync — create hard sync effects, just like the legendary Sequential Circuits Prophet Five™ and other classic polysynths.
• Frequency modulation (FM) — oscillator 3 serves as an FM source for oscillator 1, oscillator 2 and the filters.
• Two resonant multimode filters — use low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch filters with 4 slope settings for a total of 16 different filter types. Create a wide variety of vintage keyboard sounds. Or stack both filters for 48dB per octave.
• Variable Filter Topology™ — use 14 different filter and distortion configurations to produce over 3,000 different filter topologies, before you even begin tweaking filter parameters.
• Six variable waveshape LFOs — each includes adjustable symmetry, rate delay, fade & phase.
• Four DADSHR envelopes. Envelope time segments adjustable from 0 to 20 seconds.
• Modulation sources — all continuously variable parameters, including LFOs and envelopes, can be modulated by many sources, including track automation, MIDI controllers, LFOs & envelopes. Simply choose a source from a menu and then option-click the MX4 knob or fader that you wish to control with it.
• Open modulation architecture — each source can modulate an unlimited number of parameters simultaneously, providing the highest degree of programming flexibility possible. Conversely, any parameter can be simultaneously modulated by multiple sources.

Plug-in Formats

• MAS (OS X)
• RTAS (OS X)
• Audio Units (OS X)

Specifications subject to change without notice.

   Hello, MX4 190 KB 
Example of MX4's synced-oscillator capabilities.

   Trance_07 348 KB 
The trance examples are not sequenced, just an octave held down with the LFOs generating the rhythm.

   Trance_01 199 KB 
The trance examples are not sequenced, just an octave held down with the LFOs generating the rhythm.

   60 Second Evolution 1.645 MB 
This patch showcases MX4's long DADSHR envelopes. Hear how a single held chord transforms over a minute.

   Wavetable LFO 432 KB 
Two filters allow for interesting layered sounds. Here is an example of a band pass and high pass filter in parallel with LFO modulation of the wavetables.

   Gore Sequence 840 KB 
Two synced sample-and-hold LFOs modulate wavetable index and wavetable symmetry, which is a lot of fun to play in real-time.

   Lead Example 225 KB 
Virtual analog lead example.

   SpaceShip One 322 KB 
MX4's flexibility does not prevent it from generating standard subtractive synthesis sounds.

   Wavetable Example 429 KB 
Sequenced notes highlight timberal changes that occur when pitch is used to modulate wavetable index.

   Vintage Wavetable Auto Sequence 540 KB 
This example emulates the sound of one of the first wavetable synths, but adds creative modulation to generate a rhythmic sequence when holding down half and whole notes.

   Nitrous Oxide 522 KB 
Synced LFOs create interesting, burbling textures.

   Robot Work Song 330 KB 
This is an example of the complexity that can be achieved with MX4's modulation architecture. You're hearing simply an octave (two keys) pressed down simultaneously.