Sequential Launches New Fourm Synthesizer, Bridging Price and Performance
Table of Contents
- 1. Sequential Launches New Fourm Synthesizer, Bridging Price and Performance
- 2. A New Approach to Analog Synthesis
- 3. Key Features and Specifications
- 4. Pricing and Positioning
- 5. Sequential Fourm: At a Glance
- 6. The Resurgence of Analog Synthesis
- 7. Frequently Asked Questions about the Sequential Fourm
- 8. how does the Sequential Fourm’s emphasis on American manufacturing influence its appeal to musicians?
- 9. Four Voices Prophet in Action: Unpacking Sequential Fourm’s Compact Sine Waves
- 10. Understanding the Sequential Fourm: A Deep Dive
- 11. The Sine Wave Foundation: Building Blocks of Sound
- 12. Exploring FM Synthesis on the Fourm
- 13. Practical Applications & Sound Design Examples
- 14. Sequential Fourm: Benefits and Considerations
- 15. Real-world Use Cases & Artist Integration
Sequential has announced the immediate availability of it’s new fourm Synthesizer, a compact instrument designed to deliver a classic analog experience. The release follows Moog’s earlier this year introduction of the Messenger, a relatively low-cost monophonic synthesizer, demonstrating a broader industry trend toward accessibility for musicians.
A New Approach to Analog Synthesis
The Fourm distinguishes itself with its “slim” keys featuring polyphonic aftertouch, a feature typically found on higher-end synthesizers. This allows for expressive control over sound after the initial notes are played. The synthesizer offers four voices of polyphony and is built around a customary analog voice architecture, mirroring the design principles of Sequential’s established Prophet models.
Key Features and Specifications
The Fourm boasts two oscillators with synchronization capabilities and modulation options between oscillators. It also includes a noise source with three distinct color settings, two ADSR envelopes for shaping sound, and a shared Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO). While it lacks built-in effects and stereo outputs-common in many analog synthesizers-it features a versatile arpeggiator with polyphonic step sequencing.
Did You Know? Polyphonic aftertouch allows each key on a synthesizer to independently detect the amount of pressure applied *after* the initial key press, enabling dynamic control of parameters like volume, filter cutoff, or pitch.
Pricing and Positioning
The Fourm is priced at €950, positioning it as a more affordable option within Sequential’s product line. Potential buyers may carefully weigh this cost against models like the Take 5, which offers a broader feature set. However, the Fourm’s inclusion of polyphonic aftertouch offers a compelling advantage for musicians prioritizing expressive performance.
Sequential Fourm: At a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Polyphony | 4 Voices |
| Keybed | Slim Keys with Polyphonic Aftertouch |
| Oscillators | 2 |
| LFO | 1 (shared), Oscillator B can function as a polyphonic LFO |
| Envelopes | 2 ADSR |
| Outputs | Mono |
| Price (approx.) | €950 |
Pro tip: Experiment with the Oscillator B modulation options to create complex and evolving sounds within the Fourm’s architecture.
The Resurgence of Analog Synthesis
The continued advancement and release of analog synthesizers like the sequential Fourm are indicative of a broader trend in music technology. according to a report by Statista, the global music synthesizer market is projected to reach $3.57 billion by 2028, driven by increased demand from both amateur and professional musicians. This renewed interest in analog stems from its warm, organic sound and the tactile, hands-on experience it offers-a contrast to the precision and recall of digital synthesis. Manufacturers are responding by offering more accessible, feature-rich analog options, like the Fourm, appealing to a wider audience.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sequential Fourm
- What is polyphonic aftertouch on the Sequential Fourm? Polyphonic aftertouch allows individual pressure sensitivity on each key, providing expressive control over parameters.
- Is the Sequential Fourm a stereo synthesizer? No, the Fourm features a mono output, common for many analog synthesizers in this price range.
- How does the Sequential Fourm compare to the Sequential Take 5? The Take 5 offers more features,but the Fourm provides polyphonic aftertouch at a lower price point.
- What type of modulation is available on the Sequential Fourm? The Fourm offers modulation of oscillator B towards the filter and oscillator A.
- Is the Sequential Fourm suitable for beginners? While powerful, the Fourm’s analog architecture and features may have a learning curve for absolute beginners.
- What is the role of the LFO in the Sequential Fourm? The single shared LFO can modulate various parameters and Oscillator B can function as a polyphonic LFO at sub-audio speeds.
- Does the Sequential Fourm have built in effects? No, the Sequential Fourm does not have built-in effects.
how does the Sequential Fourm’s emphasis on American manufacturing influence its appeal to musicians?
Four Voices Prophet in Action: Unpacking Sequential Fourm’s Compact Sine Waves
Understanding the Sequential Fourm: A Deep Dive
The Sequential Fourm is a captivating instrument, particularly for those interested in exploring the power of multiple voices within a compact, desktop module format. Built in the USA by Sequential – a name synonymous with iconic synthesizers like the Prophet-5 and Prophet-6 – the Fourm offers a unique approach to sound design. It’s a digital synthesizer, but one that leans heavily into analog-style workflows and sonic characteristics. At its core,the Fourm boasts four independent voices,each capable of generating complex sounds,but it’s the way these voices interact and the focus on sine wave manipulation that truly sets it apart. This article will unpack the intricacies of the Fourm’s sine wave engine and demonstrate how to harness its potential.
The Sine Wave Foundation: Building Blocks of Sound
The Sequential Fourm’s architecture centers around sine wave oscillators. While seemingly simple, sine waves are the purest form of sound and serve as the basic building blocks for more complex timbres. The fourm doesn’t limit you to just using sine waves; it allows for extensive manipulation of them.
Here’s a breakdown of key features relating to sine wave generation and modulation:
* Four Independent Oscillators: Each of the Fourm’s four voices has its own dedicated sine wave oscillator.
* Frequency Modulation (FM): This is where the Fourm shines. Each oscillator can be used to frequency modulate another,creating a wide range of harmonic content. FM synthesis with sine waves is a classic technique for generating bell-like tones, metallic textures, and evolving soundscapes.
* Wavefolding: The Fourm incorporates wavefolding, a distortion technique that adds harmonics without considerably increasing the overall volume. This is crucial for creating rich, complex sounds from the relatively clean sine wave base.
* Amplitude Modulation (AM): AM allows you to modulate the amplitude of one oscillator with another, creating tremolo effects or more complex rhythmic patterns.
* Sync: Oscillator sync resets the phase of one oscillator to the beginning of its cycle when triggered by another. this creates harsh, complex tones and is a staple of digital synthesis.
Exploring FM Synthesis on the Fourm
Frequency modulation is the heart of the Fourm’s sonic palette. Understanding how to effectively use FM is key to unlocking its potential.
Here’s a step-by-step approach to FM synthesis on the Fourm:
- Carrier and Modulator: Designate one oscillator as the “carrier” – the oscillator whose frequency will be modulated. The other oscillator becomes the “modulator.”
- Modulation Index: The modulation index controls the amount of frequency modulation. Higher indices result in more complex harmonic content. Experiment with the modulation index knob to find the sweet spot between subtle harmonic enhancement and aggressive distortion.
- Modulation Rate: Adjust the frequency of the modulator oscillator. Faster modulation rates create brighter, more complex sounds, while slower rates produce more subtle, evolving textures.
- Wavefolding Submission: Apply wavefolding after FM to further sculpt the harmonic content and add character.
Practical Applications & Sound Design Examples
Let’s look at some specific sound design scenarios using the Fourm’s sine wave capabilities:
* Classic Bell Sounds: Use a relatively low modulation index and a slow modulation rate to create shimmering, bell-like tones. Experiment with different wavefolding settings to refine the timbre.
* Metallic Textures: increase the modulation index and use a faster modulation rate for harsher, metallic sounds.syncing the modulator to the carrier can add further complexity.
* Evolving Pads: Utilize slow FM and subtle wavefolding to create evolving, atmospheric pads.Modulate the modulation index with an LFO for dynamic movement.
* Bass Sounds: While not its primary strength, the Fourm can produce surprisingly effective bass sounds. Use a lower modulation index and focus on wavefolding to add harmonic richness and punch.
Sequential Fourm: Benefits and Considerations
Benefits:
* Compact Size: The desktop module format makes the Fourm ideal for studio setups with limited space.
* Powerful FM Engine: The Fourm’s FM capabilities are surprisingly deep and versatile.
* Analog-Style Workflow: Despite being digital, the Fourm’s interface encourages hands-on experimentation.
* Made in the USA: Sequential’s commitment to American manufacturing is a significant draw for many musicians.
Considerations:
* Digital Sound: While the Fourm emulates analog characteristics,it is ultimately a digital synthesizer.
* Learning Curve: FM synthesis can be complex,requiring time and experimentation to master.
* Limited Polyphony: Four voices may be limiting for certain applications.
Real-world Use Cases & Artist Integration
while the Sequential Fourm is relatively new, it’s quickly gaining traction among sound designers and electronic musicians. Its unique sonic character has been featured in various online tutorials and demonstrations. The
