Modal SKULPTsynth SE

SKULPT SE is a powerful portable performance synthesiser that allows musicians to perform and compose anywhere. This lightweight USB or battery-powered synthesiser features a unique 32-oscillator virtual analogue sound engine. Its mighty synth architecture features 2 WAVE groups, incorporating four oscillators per voice, a morphable 2-Pole resonant Filter plus a comprehensive 12-slot modulation matrix and digital effects.

 

The integrated Arp and 256-note Sequencer allows to play rhythmic patterns and melodies automatically. SKULPT supports MPE for next-generation expressive performances. Musicians, DJs and producers find 128 exciting preset sounds to start their synth adventure right out of the box. The free MODALapp and MODALplugin for all primary computer and mobile platforms integrates easily with any VST3 and AU compatible recording environment. SKULPT SE is fully cross-compatible with its predecessor SKULPT and both units can be polychained and exchange patches with each other.

 

Two WAVE groups per voice with four oscillators each provide profound hands-on control over the sound and sweep smoothly between sine, triangle, saw, square, PWM and Noise sources. Additional oscillator modulation using FM, Ring Modulation or the hugely powerful onboard LFOs unveil an unmatched potential for sound customisation. The state-variable 2-pole filters morph from low pass through to bandpass and through to high pass. With its resonance feature, it picks out rich harmonics at high resonance levels.

 

Three dedicated envelopes for the filter, amp and modulation give excessive control of the dynamics and expression. The available 2 LFOs, one global and one polyphonic can be synced to internal or external tempo. The polyphonic LFO also syncs to a division of the played notes' fundamental frequency for both brutal and subtle sound modulation.

SKULPT SE supports MPE and offers musicians creative new musical ways to model sounds with your fingertips. Connect your MPE compatible MIDI controller and endeavour next-generation expressive sound articulations only possible with a real instrument like SKULPT SE.

 

SKULPT SE incorporates a deceptively capable real-time sequencer onboard. It is pretty easy to capture performances, quantise, loop & hold them, and capture four lanes of Animation on the fly – this alone introduces some crazy modulation possibilities and is key to getting to know this synthesiser.

 

This, coupled with the adaptable onboard arpeggiator, chord and transpose functions, open an entire new world for complex and exciting synth sounds.

 

A built-in distortion (waveshaping overdrive) and delay effects add character and depth to the signal. The distortion delivers interesting overtone textures from subtitle to heavy overdrive. The delay effect injects expressive complexity from short slap-backs, and room-style reverb sounds to long overlaying or psychedelic echoes using the sequencer animation. To create chorusing and other time-based effects, the delay can be modulated. Internal or external sync generate rhythmic interaction with the tempo of a track.

 

SKULPT SE comes with a comprehensive set of connections to power and control the synth using USB, monitor with headphones or using the dedicated line output, sync with external gear thanks to its full size MIDI in and out or the 3.5 mm sync in or outputs. The Global Tune Setting ensures a perfect integration into mixed setups with other, less accommodating equipment in studio and live applications, like analogue synthesisers or DJ turntables, which tend to be less precise in tuning. Expanding the sound of SKULPTsynth SE is possible by polychaining up to 4 units for a total of 16 voices and 128 oscillators.

 

The free MODALapp brings the comfort of screen-based editing on your computer or mobile device. Available as a standalone app for macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS or Android systems and in VST3 and AU plug-in formats it is the perfect companion for synth enthusiasts looking to deep-dive to all sound forming and performance parameters to create their own signature sounds.

 

Polyphony

Four voices virtual-analogue

 

Oscillators

32 oscillators, 32 oscillators, 8 per voice, split into 2 WAVE groups

Individual waveform morphing for WAVE group

Available waveforms WAVE 1: Sine - Triangle - Saw - Square – PWM

Available waveforms WAVE 2: Sine - Triangle - Saw - Square –Noise

Multi option Unison/spread to detune the 32 oscillators for massive sounds

FM, PWM, tuning and Ring Modulation options

Mixer section for WAVE levels

 

Filter

Analogue-style morphing 2-pole filter with resonance

Seamless morphing from lowpass, through bandpass, to highpass

 

Modulation

3 x envelope generators for Filter, Amplitude and Modulation

2 x audio rate LFOs, one global and one polyphonic

8-slot modulation matrix with eight sources and 37 destinations

 

Sequencer and Arpeggiator

Realtime sequencer that will record up to 256 notes and up to 4 parameters of Animation

Fully-featured arpeggiator with division, direction, octave, bipolar swing and sustain controls

 

 

Distortion (waveshaping overdrive)

Stereo Delay with modulation, sync to internal and external tempo sources

 

User Memory

128 sound memory locations

64 sequence memory locations

 

Controls and Performance

16-key touch MIDI keyboard

14 endless encoders and 13 buttons to access synth parameters for sound programming and real-time tweaks while performing

Compatible with MPE enabled MIDI controllers for expressive performance articulations

Monophonic, Duophonic and Polyphonic play modes available

 

Inputs and Outputs

3.5 mm / 1/8" TRS dual-mono output

3.5 mm / 1/8" TRS headphone output

 

MIDI DIN In and Out

3.5mm / 1/8" Analogue clock sync In and Out

Class-compliant MIDI over USB connection

 

Power

Powered by USB or 6 x AA batteries. USB cable included

 

Editor Software

Free editor app available for macOS, Windows, IOS, iPadOS and Android

Enclosure

Lightweight and durable hard plastic enclosure with removable protection lid

 

General

Dimensions: 255mm x 135m x 68mm (10"x5 1/2"x 3")

Weight: 0.62 kg/1.37 lbs (without batteries)