2013

Synth objects 255
Robota
The Robota is a four-part drum computer with virtual analog and sample-based sound
production. Virtual analog sound production means that the sounds are synthesized
in real-time, i.e. produced with a synthesizer to recreate the typical analog sounds of
classical drum computers, such as the Roland Tr-808 and Tr-909, or more recent
devices such as the Korg Electribe or the Jomox x-cousin. Sample sound production
uses drum sound recordings (or even other recordings) as the basis for sound
production.
After selecting the elementary sound production technique, the sounds of each of the
4 parts (or instruments) can be edited using modulators.
The step sequencer programmed with incident lighting helps Robota to play. 4 beats
in sixteenths (or 2 beats in thirty-seconds) are processed as a loop. At each beat
position, the playing positions can be set by clicking a button. In "Event" mode, the
instruments are distributed within the beat pattern. In "Snapshot" mode you can
adjust additional instrument sound settings.
Sound synthesis
The four instruments of the Robota are built identically. Each instrument can create all
kinds of drum sounds – from hissing hi-hats to phat bass drums.
During elementary sound production, you can choose between an oscillator with
selectable wave shapes (sine, triangle or saw tooth) or a sample. In addition, you can
add a noise generator can be added. The oscillator has a pitch envelope (pitch env.)
and a volume envelope (attack/decay). It can also be frequency and ring-modulated.
The depth of the modulation can be controlled via an envelope parameter (Fm/rng
dcy). There’s also a “Lo-fi” section consisting of distortion (Rectify), bit rate reduction
(Crush) and sampling rate reduction (down sample).
Temporal control via an envelope (lofi dcy) will get the best out of the lo-fi effects. A
multi-mode filter (low-pass/band-pass filter/high-pass) with 12/24 dB steep-side. A
comb filter can be inserted. The filter frequency can be likewise modulated via an
envelope. For extra pressure, an adjustable compressor (compressor, comp resp) is
included, as well as tube amplifier simulation (tube).