Studio Electronics SE-1X Analog Synthesizer

Powerful and Complete Rackmount Analog Monosynth

For a 3U rackmount module, it's absolutely astounding what Studio Electronics managed to pack into their SE-1X analog synth. It looks like a pretty straightforward 3-oscillator monosynth - and it's certainly easy to use - but under the hood, there's a sophisticated digital system that lets you access layers of control, modulation routing, and deeper parameters. MIDI control not only includes essentials such as pitch, modulation, and aftertouch support - you can manipulate every parameter onboard the SE-1X via fixed continuous controllers. What's more, you can also save up to 396 of your own patches, or call up one of the 396 presets for instant inspiration.

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• Fully loaded monosynth in a 3U module
• Totally tweakable front-panel controls
• Digital control delivers deep sound design

Few all-analog synthesizers can deliver anything near the subtractive sound-shaping power of the Studio Electronics SE-1X synth module, let alone ones that take up so little space. One look across the front panel, and you can see three multi-waveform oscillators, a filter section with variable tracking, LFOs, and envelopes. Sonically, the SE-1X is a chameleon, delivering everything from classic smooth Moog-style basses to aggressive Oberheim-style leads, plus a plethora of unique tones and textures. What's more, there's an external input onboard, so you can work your SE-1X into any synth rig.

It's amazing how many front-panel controls Studio Electronics packed onto the SE-1X without making it feel cramped. Each section is logically laid out, with each section clearly defined and labeled - a serious bonus for anyone performing live. All of the most important controls are instantly accessible, but you can quickly access secondary functions and layered control via clearly illuminated buttons. And when it comes to switching presets and accessing deeper parameters, the 20 x 4 backlit LCD and soft controls are simple and easy to use.

Speaking of accessing deeper functions, one of the things that impressed the synth geeks here at Sweetwater about the SE-1X are all of the amazing options lurking just below the surface. For instance, there's a noise generator and ring modulator onboard, and there are actually two filters in the SE-1X, a 24dB/octave ladder filter, and a 12dB/octave Oberheim-style filter with lowpass and bandpass modes. There are dozens of available modulation destinations, allowing you to set up extremely complex patches. All four of the envelopes include inverting and multiple triggering, including the two assignable ones, while the LFOs each include six waveforms, and there are auto, linear, and exponential settings for the glide control. All of these settings are accessible via the digital control panel or your favorite MIDI controller.

• A powerful, fully loaded analog monosynth in a 3U rackmount format
• Conjures up classic Moog- and Oberheim-style sounds across a massive range of tone
• 3 VCOs include 3 waveforms, frequency, pulse width, and sync options
• 2 VCFs include a 24dB/octave ladder lowpass and a 12dB/octave lowpass/bandpass
• Modulation sources include 3 multi-waveform LFOs and 4 ADSR envelopes (2 assignable)
• Set up dozens of modulation destinations via the digital control panel
• Access the noise generator, ring modulator, and many deeper controls
• Call up 396 presets and store another 396 of your own patches
• Fully MIDI controllable, with fixed continuous controllers for every parameter