Rackmount FIZMO in the Works

(Click for a close-up)

In response to the overwhelming requests from dealers and customers worldwide, ENSONIQ is pleased to announce FIZMO rack, a 5U rack-mount version of the successful real-time Transwave synth. FIZMO rack utilizes real-time Transwave synthesis, a powerful synthesis engine capable of 48-voice polyphony, state-of-the-art 20-bit output converters, 24-bit on-board effects with 41 algorithms including the new ENSONIQ Vocoder, an arpeggiator with 118 editable patterns, and a Flash OS that is user upgradeable via the internet. FIZMO rack is shipping Q2 1999 and has a suggested retail price of US$999.

Exclusive transwave synthesis

ENSONIQ's Transwaves form the foundation of F1ZM0 rack's sound. A Transwave is a single "waveform" made up of a series of sequential wavetables. These wavetables evolve over time from one wave to another. Some Transwaves have dramatically different wavetables that produce a rhythmic effect, rather than an evolution of the sound. "Transwaves remove a major limitation of wavetable synthesizers, that is the waveform being played is usually static and has no change in harmonic structure over time, other than by filtering it. Transwaves allow a sound to evolve subtly or dramatically, slowly or quickly over time, producing a richly animated, complex sound," says Bob Yannes, ENSONIQ chief engineer.

Vocoder with audio input

FIZMO Rack includes a mic input to access the Vocoder, one of the most popular features of the FIZMO keyboard. This input may also be routed to any of the 41 insert effects for powerful processing capabilities. Presets include emulations of classic Vocoder modes as well as modern voicings. "FIZMO's Vocoder has been extremely well received," says Joe Kramer, ENSONIQ Product Manager, "for less than the price of some stand-alone Vocoders customers can own a FIZMO Rack."

Arpeggiator

FIZMO rack's arpeggiator includes 118 musically useful patterns. A "Tap Tempo"' button is provided, making it easy to lock in to a live performance. All rhythmic components of FIZMO rack's sound, including the arpeggiator and LFO's, are synced together and will automatically lock to an incoming MIDI clock, making it ideal for Techno/Electronica music production.

Real-time control interface

A real-time control interface is coupled with FIZMO rack's advanced wavetable synth engine, creating a truly interactive playing experience. Every programming function has it's own dedicated knob or button. Five F*I*Z*M*O tweak knobs provide real-time performance modulation to the FIZMO rack sounds. Each knob conirols all current sounds within a preset simultaneously and may address several controllers, allowing the player to make dramatic, real-time changes. In addition, all controls may be recorded in real-time to an external sequencer. Additionally, a version of SoundDiver, Emagic's cross-platform editing software is included, providing users with access to all parameters via computer.

Performance features

• Five F*I*Z*M*O real-time control knobs
• Four dedicated Sound buttons allow convenient selection, layering and key range assignment of presets
• 17 dedicated Sound and Effect editing knobs
• 48 dynamically assigned voices
• Dual layer voice architecture with the following parameters (per layer): Independent waveform selection, Volume, and Pan
• Four-pole dynamic digital low-pass resonant filters with key tracking (33 settings, including fractional scaling)
• Three envelope generators that can be modulated by velocity, key scaling, and response to release velocity
• 22 modulation sources, 8 modulation destinations
• One LFO (seven waveform choices can sync to Arpeggiator or external MIDI clock)
• Variable rate noise generator can sync to Arpeggiator or external MIDI Octave, semi-tone, and fine tuning
• Mono/ poly playback
• 24-bit Effects with 3 Global Reverb busses and separate insert effect with 41 algorithms
• Vocoder with mic input (input can be routed through all effects)
• Arpeggiator with 118 editable patterns, internal or MIDI clock sync