The Spectralis is a professional hybrid synthesizer, groovebox, and sequencer developed by Radikal Technologies in 2004. Featuring a powerful combination of digital and analog technology, this versatile instrument serves as both a studio production powerhouse and a live performance tool. Its complex architecture combines monophonic synthesis, polyphonic sampling capabilities, and an advanced sequencing system, making it one of the most comprehensive electronic music production tools of its era.

Overview

At the heart of the Spectralis lies its hybrid architecture that seamlessly blends digital oscillators with analog filters. The system is built around two primary sound engines: the Asynth (a monophonic hybrid synthesizer) and the Dsynth (a polyphonic multisample-based engine). These engines can be manipulated through an innovative trigger group system, allowing for complex sound design and sequencing possibilities.

The Asynth section features four digital oscillators with extensive waveshaping capabilities, from pure sine waves to square waves, with additional FM, PM, oscillator sync, and bit reduction functions. A unique "time linearity modulation" system effectively works as an advanced form of pulse-width modulation that can be applied to any waveform, not just square waves.

What truly sets the Spectralis apart is its flexible routing system. The oscillators, analog filters, and filterbank can be independently triggered by three Trigger Groups (TGs), each of which can be sequenced separately. This allows musicians to effectively sequence three different monophonic synth parts simultaneously within a single patch.

Complementing the Asynth is the Dsynth engine—a 32-voice polyphonic multisample-based system that can load up to 128MB of samples into RAM. The Spectralis supports three independent Dsynth parts (making it 3-part multitimbral), each capable of loading different sounds and being sequenced independently or played in real-time as polyphonic motifs. Users can import their own WAV files and SoundFont2 samples, with dedicated importing utilities available for both PC and Mac platforms.

The sequencing capabilities of the Spectralis are equally impressive, featuring dual sequencer systems. The drum matrix provides straightforward x0x-style programming for 11 different sampled drum sounds. Meanwhile, the step sequencer offers incredible depth with 24 sequencer lines that can control internal functions or external gear. Each line can be configured with variable lengths (1-192 steps), different resolutions, playback directions, and step-specific attributes including muting, pitch changes, and probability settings.

In 2009, Radikal Technologies released the Spectralis 2, featuring 4GB of internal compact flash storage and an updated operating system (1.5). This version introduced PERFORMZ folders, allowing users to create collections of 32 songs (each with 32 patterns) with specific sounds loaded on startup—ideal for streamlining live performances. The update also added MIDI program change support for pattern switching.

While the Spectralis does have some limitations, including no overdub feature for live recording, inability to sync LFOs to tempo directly, and some unimplemented features, it remains an extraordinary instrument. Its complex and deep feature set continues to inspire artists years after its introduction, making it a cherished tool for electronic music production.

Technical Specifications

General

• Type: Professional hybrid synthesizer, groovebox, and sequencer
• Manufacturer: Radikal Technologies
• Original Release: 2004
• Updated Version (Spectralis 2): 2009

Asynth (Monophonic Hybrid Synthesizer)

• Oscillators: 4 digital oscillators
• Waveform Shaping: Continuous morphing from sine to square wave
• Modulation: FM, PM, oscillator sync, bit reduction
• Special Feature: Time linearity modulation (advanced pulse-width modulation for all waveforms)

Analog Filters

• 4-pole 24dB lowpass filter
• 2-pole 12dB multi-mode filter

Dsynth (Polyphonic Sampling Engine)

• Voices: 32 stereo voices
• Multitimbral Parts: 3 independent parts
• Sample Memory: Up to 128MB RAM
• Filter: Digital 12dB multi-mode filter
• Sample Import: WAV files and SoundFont2 support
• Import Utilities: Available for PC and Mac (via Swami)

Filterbank

• Type: 8 bandpass fixed filterbank
• Usage: Can be sequenced independently for rhythmic effects

Modulation

• Multiple LFOs for parameter modulation
• Note: Cannot be directly synced to time (workaround available)

Effects

• 2 delay effects

Sequencer

1. Drum Matrix Sequencer:

   • Style: x0x-style programming
   • Tracks: 11 different sampled drum sounds

2. Step Sequencer:

   • Sequencer Lines: 24 independent lines
   • Step Range: 1-192 steps per line
   • Resolution: Variable step resolution
   • Playback Modes: Forward, backward, forward-backward, backward-forward, random
   • Step Features: Muting, pitch control, probability settings
   • Targets: Internal parameters (trigger groups, filter cutoff/resonance, LFOs, filterbank bands) and external MIDI gear

Organization

• Songs: 32
• Patterns per Song: 32
• PERFORMZ Folders (Spectralis 2): Additional 32 songs with 32 patterns each

Trigger Groups (TGs)

• Number: 3 independent trigger groups
• Function: Allows independent sequencing of oscillators, filters, and filterbank

Tags: hybrid synthesizer