UDO Audio revealed the Super 8, a 16-voice polyphonic, bitimbral analog-hybrid performance synthesizer. We had the chance to hear it in action and film it at Superbooth24.
A big THANK YOU to Minimal Audio for sponsoring our Superbooth24 coverage.
Superbooth is in full swing, so you’re bound to see some stuff that inspires a little Gear Acquisition Syndrome. A synth like the Super 8 isn’t exactly an impulse buy for most people, but it’s definitely an inspiring piece of kit.
The Super 8’s architecture is based around the same FGPA modules housed within the Gemini. It loses out on the ribbon controller but still boasts up to 16 voices of polyphony.
While the oscillators are digital, the filters are 100% analog. It is monotimbral, which may be disappointing to some but certainly understandable given the limited scope of this synth.
However, You get access to binaural mode, meaning each of the 16 voices gets panned to make a wider and richer sound as you play.
Since the oscillators are digital, you aren’t stuck to basic waveforms. Typical waveforms like the sine, saw, triangle, and pulse wave are all readily available. However, you have access to 32 additional waveforms that users can add as they see fit.
The sound shaping capabilities are fairly deep, with oscillator sync, PWM, and wave morphing all present. The reduced cost is reflected in the keybed. The Super 8 loses out on the polyphonic aftertouch capabilities seen in the Super 16 and Super Gemini.
Thankfully, the robust modulation matrix is still present, alongside a 64-step sequencer and arpeggiator. It might not be as robust as its bigger siblings, but the Super 8 is intended to be a smart purchase for the touring musician.
Regarding the use case, I could see this being a great poly synth for any setup. Sure, you lose out on some of the lighter workstation functionality seen in the more expensive UDO Audio synths, but that’s well worth the reduced cost.
The Super 8 is due to go on sale this July, starting at a retail price of $4,495 in the United States.
This is a working musician’s synth, through and through, from the looks of things. The sound demos out for it sound fantastic; I’m looking forward to hearing more about and from this synth in the coming weeks.
Check it out: Super 8
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