Kobol expander

[kritikon]

Oooh, I hadn't noticed this. I'd heard they were doing one - is it actually out yet? I must go investigate more...



From the Behringer site: probably just early PR, but dunno when?
Analog duophonic synthesizer with 2 VCOs and 7 morphing waveforms for infinite sound creation
Authentic reproduction of original “Kobol Expander” circuitry from the ‘70s
Semi-modular design requires no patching for immediate performance
Pure analog signal path based on authentic VCO, VCF and VCA designs
Dual oscillators with 7 waveforms, oscillator sync and pulse width modulation
Unique 4-pole VCF design for natural saturation only found in ”Kobol” synthesizers
Analog LFO with 2 selectable waveforms and multiple destinations for advanced sound creation
Additional noise generator dramatically expands waveform generation
Oscillator sync for piercing lead sounds and complex effects
32 patch points for advanced modular connection and integration with external equipment
31 controls give you direct and real-time access to all important parameters
External audio input for processing external sound sources
Complete Eurorack solution – main module can be transferred to a standard Eurorack case
16-voice Poly Chain allows combining multiple synthesizers for up to 16 voice polyphony
Comprehensive MIDI implementation with MIDI channel and Voice Priority selection

Must admit I've never laid hands on a Kobol but I've heard lots about them.

[kritikon]

Just perused their site a bit more and it's listed in their products, so I guess it must be out in the real world! I doubt i can get it in NZ yet, but coming over to the UK week after next, so I can feel an Anderton's visit coming on...I'll be bringing over an empty suitcase for shopping while I'm there. Apparently Emirates let you take 30kg luggage - how many synths can I squeeze into 30kg?

[egbert101]

Not sure about the authentic part. I've heard that there is not the exact chips as the original.

[EvilDragon]

There don't have to be chips from the original, they can be done discretely if need be.

[kritikon]

I doubt it will be an exact copy, but I have enough of Behringer's other stuff to be happy enough that it will be close enough and will sound good anyway in it's own right. This is a synth I'm definitely going to have to play with before I buy it though. Surfed around Kobol demos and it sounds nice and smooth and kinda hits all those generic analogue sweet spots (lush would be my pick of adjectives), but I've not heard anything that makes me think distinctive or character that could only be Kobol. Kinda the same vibe I always had with Oberheims...rich and warm but just very vanilla and make me nod off. And despite the jack points etc it looks fairly basic. Haven't really heard the oscillator morphing thing much though...maybe that gives something unique?

I know I'm susceptible to being wowed by rarity and shiney new toy syndrome. This could be one I get bitten by. Though I bought their Wasp, Monopoly and 303 without touching them prior and wasn't disappointed in the slightest (apart from I forgot how much I really hate 303 sequencers). Good buys, great synths. But I got the 2600 and 2 years on...I rarely use it. Impulse buy, regret it, was literally blinded by the lights and sliders . Surprised me, as I SHOULD love it, but it just doesn't tickle me for some reason; probably the filters are too Moogy, but bright as well. Still not sure why. Kobol screams the same to me. Maybe that's it - Kobol doesn't really scream. Must...put...my...wallet...back...in...pocket......now.

[egbert101]

I know EvilDragon wants a polykobol LOL. I might be tempted too. So will pass this and wait for that.

[legendCNCD]

Expands Lords Of Kobol to another starsystem .. .ok I'll see meself out

[kritikon]

That one whooshed straight over my head.

[legendCNCD]

That one whooshed straight over my head.

https://neoencyclopedia.fandom.com/wiki/Lords_of_Kobol

[Aliens]

I haven't checked if it's rule breaking to mention Gearspace, but get yourself an account or lurk in the electronic music instruments and electronic music production forum, if you haven't and don't already

https://gearspace.com/board/electronic- ... roduction/

[egbert101]

Kobol with its punchy snappy envelopes seems to lend itself very well to drum synthesis. So here's a good tutorial for those who have one.

[stoopicus]

I own one and it's great. Both the Kobol Expander and the Pro-1 are really high quality - knobs feel great, no wobble, no noise, very clean and nice sounding synths.

Lots of mod options on the thing too. Like you can modulate the oscillator waveforms with the LFO and it will smoothly sweep from triangle through saw through square to pulse waves, morphing them smoothly in to each other. Very cool synth.

Its filter is interesting. If anything, I would say it's not nasty enough - it's a very clean and musical filter, kind of the opposite of my new Microbrute

This is a pretty good demo:

[stoopicus]

Some more:

[egbert101]

I have a Pro-1 and a K2, yet still haven't got around to using them yet. Again, I think both of those would be strong for drum or percussive sounds, as well as bass. K2 is supposed to be particularly nasty with its filter, so if you like dirty, that might be for you.
I think the Kobol is nice but I already have so many other monos. The polykobol however, might tip me over the edge.

[Constructed Identity]

Kobol with its punchy snappy envelopes seems to lend itself very well to drum synthesis. So here's a good tutorial for those who have one.

Yes, I saw this and I still want one, but I want to get a set with a case and CAT so I don't have so many power cables...