RADIKAL TECHNOLOGIES SPECTRALIS XTREME UPDATE 097
Feb 1, 2007 12:00 PM, BY JASON SCOTT ALEXANDER
One of the best additions in the Xtreme Update 097 is the ability of the step sequencer, or any modular part of the Spectralis for that matter, to trigger and control external MIDI and software instruments. That means you can now supplement the drum editor with externally connected sound sources, for example, and leave your laptop at home, using the Spectralis as a hardware sequencer. Though it receives MIDI Clock, the Spectralis cannot send it for synchronizing external sequencers/grooveboxes. Schaaf says he's working on incorporating that into future firmware. He also mentioned that future updates will add groove quantize, real-time recording of all knobs and MIDI controllers into the sequencer, REX file support with special sequencing modes for REX files and more.
The Spectralis suits any style of electronic music, though I found it sounded sweetest at the “Xtreme” end of the spectrum. The aggressive analog synth and self-oscillating filters totally kicked ass doing thick and heavy hard-house, blistering techno and acid, while twisted patterns and filtered percolations from the digital synths made for beautiful IDM and minimalist arrangements. The included samples provide a great starting point to learn by, but you'll definitely want to import more of your own. Likewise, you'll want to replace or edit the excellent built-in songs and patterns as you learn the sequencing facilities. Included material runs the gamut from electro, trance and trip-hop to jungle, drum 'n' bass, experimental pop and more.
NINETY-SEVENTH HEAVEN
There's never a dull moment with Spectralis, and inspiration comes simply by flipping on the power switch. Its modular nature and flexibility simply begets creativity. Depending on the complexity of your live set, Spectralis can even hold down a gig with little else required. However, the coup de grâce is the ability to tweak and trigger external synths and samplers from the front-panel controls, while being tethered step for step to the internal sequencer in a fluid and homogenous manner.
It may look like a groovebox, but Spectralis is a full-blown music-making machine. With all the novelties of modern production ensconced by the sensibilities of classic drum machines, retro sequencers and analog synths, Spectralis is the kind of do-it-all instrument for which you can afford to scale down your entire studio. Or, maybe it's the kind of synth for which you'll have to scale down your studio to afford! Either way, it's nice to see this contribute to the recent renaissance of exciting hardware synths. The Spectralis has carved its own niche as a superior product with a unique style.
RADIKAL TECHNOLOGIES
SPECTRALIS XTREME UPDATE 097 > $2,500
Pros: Balls-to-the-wall sound. Fat analog-modeledsynthesis and two true-analog filters. Edgy-sounding digital synthesis and inventive fixed filter-bank routing. Highly interactive with flexible mapping of controllers to external MIDI devices. Open-ended architecture and updatable firmware. Robust build.
Cons: Pricey. No digital I/O. MIDI Clock send not supported. No software editor.
Contact: www.radikaltechnologies.com
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